White Fire Alarms
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FAQ
This depends on whether you have an optic or an ionising smoke detector. Both alarms are common, but the optic fire alarm is the most common in the UK. The optic smoke detector is based on photocells that react to smoke. An ionising smoke detector is usually more expensive than an optic one.
As long as you don’t live in a one-bedroom apartment, it is always recommended to have more than one smoke detector. You should have four or five smoke detectors in a three-bedroom flat, whereas a three-bedroom villa would need six or seven.
Some smoke detectors can be connected; a superior solution as the fire alarm is then clearly heard throughout the house, and not only in the room where it began. Insurance companies recommend that you place the smoke detectors at a maximum distance of 12 metres apart in your home.
An average smoke detector covers 60 square metres, and if you have more than one, you should make sure that the coverage areas have a slight overlap. If your home has multiple rooms, you should always have more than one smoke detector. It is very important to have a smoke detector in or near your bedroom, since it is usually while you sleep that you risk missing a fire.
Yes, you should. It’s recommended to test your smoke detector once a month. If you have been away for a longer period of time, you should make sure that the smoke detector is working once you get back home. The smoke detector should last for a long time. It is, however, a good idea to replace it with a new one every ten years or so. If your smoke detector starts acting strange or if the alarm goes off for no reason, you should consider replacing it with a new one.
No, not really. Though, it might be a good idea to clean the smoke detector every now and then. You can use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust or use a soft brush to sweep it clean and wipe it with a damp cloth.
Three tips when shopping for a fire alarm
An ionising smoke detector is best at warning about fires that quickly ignite, for example if you have grease on the stove that starts to burn. However, it is not as fast at warning about smouldering fires. The disadvantage of an ionising smoke alarm is that it has a radioactive source, and therefore needs to be recycled at an approved location.
An optical smoke detector effectively detects smouldering fires, such as smoke from an overheated mobile charger or a candle igniting a curtain. Unlike an ionising smoke detector, it contains no radioactive waste, which makes it an environmentally friendly choice.
It is recommended that you have a smoke detector on each floor. If the floor is larger than 60 square metres, you should have several, and they should not be more than 12 metres apart.
If you need several smoke alarms, it is a good idea to choose those that you can connect in a series. Then all of them will sound the alarm if one of them detects smoke somewhere. They can be crucial for you being able to raise the alarm in time.
A connected smoke alarm can alert the fire brigade even if you are not at home, which provides extra security.
Here is a guide with more information about smoke detectors and how to use them.