Home Smoke Alarms: DIY Or Professional Install?

When it comes to home safety, installing CCTV cameras shouldn’t be the only thing you need to consider. There’s still the threat of household fires, which is something more challenging to prevent, especially with a faulty security system. Luckily, a well-placed home smoke alarm system can keep you safe.

But do you take the Do-it-yourself (DIY) route or hire a professional to do it? Before you install your smoke alarms at home, here are some things you need to know:

• 1. Smoke Alarm Vs. Fire Alarm

These two alarms sound like they’re interchangeable if you’re a first-time homeowner. Interestingly, even though they both serve as early detection systems to warn you of fires, these two alarms differ in functions. A smoke alarm warns you when it detects smoke inside your home, while a fire alarm is triggered by the smoke detector which produces a sound to inform everyone in the house.

If you lack the confidence to install the alarms on your own, you could always hire professional installers in your area like Electrician Sydney to do the job for you. 

Smoke alarms

A smoke alarm can be a stand-alone or a whole network system at home.

Some models are sensitive to temperature and react to heat, while others have photoelectric sensors that pick-up smoke particles. There are even models with an ionization sensor triggered by chemical reactions. Units like these are often inexpensive and easy to find.

Another thing to take note of is their power source. Smoke alarms are either battery-powered or hard-wired-powered. If they rely on house currents, these may also have a battery backup in case of power outages.

Fire alarms

What differentiates a fire alarm from a smoke alarm is a fire suppression component, like a sprinkler system. The sprinklers activate once it senses an actual fire that’s present.

Other elements fire alarms consist of are:

• The alarms can be in the form of buzzers, a bell, or a strobe.
• The control panel is the system’s cental control unit. It's connected to a home security company or your local fire department.
• Detection devices are heat, photoelectric, or ionization sensors.
• Manual signal boxes are those small glass boxes you’ll need to break in case of fires. There’s a switch inside this that you also need to pull.
• Wireless pushbuttons are worn as necklaces or wristbands by the elderly or people with disabilities. Pressing the button helps these people alert authorities in case of a house fire.

• 2. Installation

With some research, regular homeowners like you can install smoke alarms yourself. Battery-powered alarms are much easier to install. All you need is a stepladder, a drill and a minimum of four screws for the base. Then, put in the batteries as instructed before closing it with the cover. 

DIY installations will also cost less since you won’t pay anyone to do the work for you. It gives you more flexibility to do it in your most convenient time. There’ll be no need to schedule appointments with electricians if you choose to do things yourself.

However, hard-wired alarms may be a bit trickier to install on your own. Homeowners often get assistance from professionals for these types of alarms. But if you’re comfortable with handling electricity, you should do just fine. Turn off the power before installing the alarms and follow these steps:

• * Confirm that power is off completely using a voltage tester
• * Follow the instructions that come with the smoke alarm when connecting wires
• * You’ll have a third red, or orange wire called an “interconnect,” which new smoke alarms have. Don’t connect this if your previous alarm only had two connections
• * Turn the power back on and press your smoke alarm’s test button

Even when installing an electrical smoke alarm system by yourself, professional help is still recommended. Schedule an appointment with one, especially after the installation process. Doing so assures your alarm system is installed correctly and works as it should.

• 3. Maintenance

Like any home appliance, your smoke alarms also need regular maintenance. Do home safety checkups at least twice a year to ensure your alarms are in peak performance. 

Battery-powered alarms, need their batteries changed regularly. Your alarms must follow safety standards. You can maintain it properly by:

• * Changing batteries every six months
• * Inspecting the units for dirt, dust, and insects
• * Testing the alarms’ sound. If it sounds muffled or weak, it’s time to replace the batteries
• * Checking the manufacturing date. Replace smoke alarms that are ten years older. Some models might need replacing earlier than that

If you want quality assurance, an electrician will check if your alarm system is still in excellent condition. They may even offer advice to improve your smoke alarms for maximum effectiveness.

• 4. Benefits

Whether you decide to install smoke alarms by yourself or with the help of a professional, you’re sure to get an excellent warning system. Smoke alarms decrease fire damage risks to your property and send out alerts to local authorities. You’ll have a 24/7 system that protects your home and monitors any threat of fire.

Smoke alarms keeps you, your family and pets safe. Especially in an arid country where bushfires are common, the smoke can be hazardous to your health. A properly-installed system will alert you of severe smoke and fires, giving you time for a planned escape should the need arise.

Smoke’s All Clear

Every home must have a smoke alarm system as a safety precaution. Even the smallest flame can grow ten times larger and engulf a whole house. The smoke itself is already dangerous on its own as it causes suffocation.

Take time to think about which method works best for you to install smoke alarms for your home. The important thing is to have one to protect you and give everyone else at home some peace of mind.