Q
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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SMOKE ALARMS AND SMOKE DETECTORS? |
A
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Smoke alarms are defined as self-contained single or multiple station smoke sensing devices. Smoke alarms may include two or more single station units to operate in conjunction with each other.
Smoke detectors are defined as smoking-sensing devices that are not self-contained, that are intended for use in conjunction with a fire alarm system control panel.
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Q
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WHEN DO I NEED TO REPLACE MY SMOKE DETECTOR? |
A
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Smoke detectors that are 10 years old are near the end of their service life and should be replaced. Some people think that their smoke detector sits idle until smoke is present. But it is working every minute, constantly monitoring the air 24 hours a day. For example, an ionization smoke alarm goes through 3.5 million monitoring cycles in 10 years. In a
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Q
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WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT, THE TYPE OF ALARM OR THE NUMBER? |
A
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The number of smoke detector and proper placing is important. The farther those smoke detectors are space, the farther they may be form a potential fire. The farther that smoke particles have to travel to reach a smoke alarm, the longer it would take for the alarm to sound. Installing more smoke detector reduces the potential distance from the fire source and provides better coverage, so the most important thing is to install enough alarms in the recommended locations.
Another factor in deciding on the number and type of smoke detectors is the issue of “smoke aging”. Some researchers have reported that the smoke from a fire can change as it travels away from a fire, and change can impact on the type of smoke detector that is installed. “Smoke aging” refers to how smoke particles can grow larger as they move away from the fire and heat dissipates, although this may not be as prevalent in very hot fires. As smoke cools, the cooler the smoke and the larger the photoelectric respond better to larger particles. In these situations, photoelectric respond better to larger particles. In these situations, photoelectric smoke alarms can have an advantage.
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Q
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SMOKE I USE REAL SMOKE TO TEST MY ALARMS? |
A
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This is not recommended because the burning objects used to create the smoke might cause fire. Use pressurized cans of stimulated smoke for this purpose.
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Q
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DOES A SMOKE DETECTOR NEED REGULAR MAINTANANCE? |
A
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Periodic cleaning is very important. Smoke detectors have small screens around the sensing chamber to keep small bugs and duct particles out. But dust can accumulate on the screen and slow air movement through it. It is recommended that you have your fire alarm system checked and maintained by a reputable fire protection company at least once a year.
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Q
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WHY DO WE NEED TO INSTALL A FIRE ALARM SYSTEM IN OUR BUILDING? |
A
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Most fire victim die from inhalation of smoke and toxic gases, not as a result of burns. Most deaths and injuries result from fires which occur during the night while the victims are asleep. Sleeping person must be warned before it is too late to make a quick safe escape. Properly installed and maintained, the fire alarm system, consider one of the best and least expensive means of providing an early warning when a fire begins, or before the fire becomes too intense. These are no doubt that smoke detector save lives, prevent injuries and minimize the development of fires. The risk of dying from fires in home where alarm are not installed is twice as high as in homes that have functioning alarms.
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Q
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THERE ARE MANY VENDORS OF FIRE ALARM DEVOCES, WHAT SHALL I LOOK FOR WHEN PURCHASING? |
A
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It is better to buy a reputable company who can provide a good after sales service. The alarms that is being offered should been tested by an internationally recognized testing laboratories.
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