Smoke alarms and detectors are a crucial part of every American household or constructed building. According to the National Fire Protection Association, today’s furnishings and materials used in construction can catch fire easily which can also spread rapidly. Therefore it is essential that we install one smoke detector in every sleeping room at the least.
Even though we may have smoke alarms and smoke detectors installed around our premises, we tend to forget about these devices because they are usually installed in a place out of sight. So as the saying goes “out of sight, out of mind” that actually applies to smoke detectors because we don’t pay much heed towards them until and unless the battery needs to be changed – that too because of the incessant beeping at the time.
While installing smoke detectors are important, it is also important to know where to place smoke detectors so that they actually do the work they are meant for. At the same time, instead of opting for any ordinary smoke detector, invest in a Smart Smoke Detector. You’ll thank us.
Smart Smoke Detectors vs. Standard Smoke Alarms
What makes Smart Smoke Detectors more superior to ordinary ones? Smart smoke detectors can detect anything from smoldering fires to fast-burning ones, and even carbon monoxide leaks. Once a potential threat is detected, considering these devices feature their own mobile applications alerts are sent immediately to your smartphones.
The mobile apps also alert you to when the battery is low and requires changing, so you won’t have to worry about the alarm beeping until you manually have to switch it off like it is with ordinary smoke detectors. Similarly, false alarms can also be hushed from their mobile apps.
Where to Place Smoke Detectors
The National Fire Protection Association gives certain guidelines on where to place smoke detectors so that they actually work and pick up on potential dangers. Here’s where you should be placing smoke detectors.
- When buying a smoke detector it is always recommended to purchase one that has been tested by laboratories to be sure that it is one that is up to the mark of the NFPA.
- Smoke detectors must be installed in every bedroom firstly, and outside. If a building or a home has more than one story then there should be at least a few on each floor, even if it’s the basement.
- Stairways and living rooms, and never near the stove or oven if you are placing one in the kitchen. And never place smoke detectors near doors or windows either.
- It is always recommended to install smoke detectors onto ceilings, but if you were to place it high up on a wall, then it shouldn’t be further than 12-15 inches from the ceiling.
How to Install a Smart Smoke Detectors
Smart Smoke detectors are pretty easy to install by yourselves, and if not there is always the option to call in a professional – especially in the case of wired smoke detectors.
Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how you can install one.
- To install wired smoke detectors, you must first shut off the power supply to the outlet from the main circuit breaker to avoid any hazards.
- Remove the old smoke detector by twisting it clockwise/anti-clockwise as suggested on the device itself. Then gently pull the device out of its mounting plate.
- for your Smart Smoke Detector you may have to install a new mounting plate altogether. Unscrew the old mounting plate to remove it, and place the new one to mark its points. Once the points have been marked, screw the new mounting plate in.
- Pull the wiring out from the opening in the plate to connect to the smart smoke detector.
- Connect the wiring to the smoke detector and once that’s done, place the device into its mounting plate.
- Now all that needs to be done is to switch the power back on from the main circuit breaker, and you can configure your Smart Smoke Detector from its mobile app. It’s ready to use!
Google Nest Protect
One of the best Smart Smoke Detectors out there right now is the Google Nest Protect. It comes in two variants: a battery-operated version and a wired version – both of which retail for $119. These devices are said to last for at least a whole decade. One benefit of the wired ones, as opposed to the battery-operated ones: when one alarm sets off, they all do. So there is no way you can miss out on any alert.
Apart from having all the similar features of Smart Smoke Detectors in general as we mentioned above, the Nest Protect has some more features of its own. When the device detects any danger, it not only sends alerts to your device but also literally speaks in order to get your attention and also points out where exactly a threat has been detected – that goes for fires and carbon monoxide leaks.
The Nest Protect has a subtle green glow that lights up at night when there’s any movement. So if you’re making your way to the kitchen for a midnight snack while everyone else is asleep, you won’t have to stumble in the dark or use your phone’s light again.
This is pretty much everything you should know about the silent heroes of our homes: smoke detectors. If you’re looking to get the Nest Protect for your home, head on over to FirstEnergy Home’s website www.firstenergyhome.com. You’ll also find some more smart home devices there, ideal for your home. Who doesn’t want a brilliant smart device because they are worth the investment?
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Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Pinstripe Magazine. Creative thinker and menswear designer who has been writing articles dedicated to men’s fashion, lifestyle, luxury items, home design, gear, grooming and gadgets since 1998. For info on PinstripeMag, any editorial needs or to contact me please email at marv@pinstripemag.com.
