Electrical Installation alert: Hardwire your smoke detectors!
Posted by Carol Hart on Thu, Oct 14, 2010 @ 10:40 AM
It's that time of year again. Leaves are changing, frost is forming, Halloween decorations are frightening small children. And lets not forget the political signs for upcoming November elections. (Don't forget to vote!) There are other signs that are frequently seen during October, though. Most fire departments have banners advising us that October is Fire Prevention month. This year's theme? "Smoke Alarms: A Sound You Can Live With". For great fire prevention tips and scary statistics, check out their website here.
Smoke detectors are required in every bedroom, should be located on every level of your home, and considered in other locations as well. In my house, the only place we don't have a smoke detector is in the kitchen. (The reason for that would be very clear if you ever watched me cook!!)
Now is the time to check the batteries on your smoke detector, or better yet, consider hardwiring them. This links your smoke detectors so that if one goes off, they all sound the alarm. In addition, they run on 125 volt power and have battery backup. (Don't forget--these need to be replaced annually.) Although more expensive, they are considered to be more reliable, and are required by code in all new buildings and additions. By the way, this is not a good DIY project. Make sure to have a licensed electrician perform this work.
No matter which kind of smoke detector you have, make sure you keep them up to date. Are your smoke detectors old? After 8-10 years they should be replaced.
Working smoke detectors in your home cut the chances of fire-related fatalaties in half. Make smoke detector maintenance part of your fall routine.
