DIFFERENT TYPES OF SMOKE ALARMS
Battery operated units: Provide protection even when electricity fails, provided the batteries are fresh and correctly installed. Units are easy to install, and do not require professional installation.
AC powered units: Can be interconnected so if one unit senses smoke, all units alarm. They do not operate if electricity fails. Units must be installed by a qualified electrician.
AC powered units with battery
Units for the hearing impaired: Include a visual alarm and an audible alarm horn, and meet the requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act. BRK Electronics® smoke alarm model 100S is an AC powered unit that has an 85 decibel alarm and a 177 candela strobe light, which flashes rapidly when the unit is in alarm. These units can be interconnected so if one unit senses smoke, all units alarm. They do not operate if electricity fails. Units must be installed by a qualified electrician.
All these units are designed to provide early warning of fires if located, installed and cared for as described in the user’s manual, and if smoke reaches them. If you are unsure which type of unit to install, refer to Chapter 2 of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 72 (National Fire Alarm Code) and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code). National Fire Protection Association, One Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA
IONIZATION SMOKE ALARMS
These units are generally more effective at detecting fast, flaming fires which consume combustible materials rapidly and spread quickly. Sources of these fires may include paper burning in a wastebasket or a grease fire in the kitchen.
PHOTOELECTRIC SMOKE ALARMS
These units are generally more effective at detecting slow, smoldering fires which smolder for hours before bursting into flame. Sources of these fires may include cigarettes burning in couches or bedding.
For maximum protection, use both types of smoke alarms on each level of your home.
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