Smoke, Heat & Carbon Monoxide Alarms Brentwood

Welcome to TM Hughes & Son Electrical Services Ltd. We install Smoke, Heat & Carbon Monoxide Alarms in Brentwood.

• NICEIC Registered Electricians
• Free No-Obligation Quotes
• Fully Insured

Smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide alarms each play a role in home safety. 

Smoke alarms detect the presence of smoke typically associated with fires. They’re sensitive to small smoke particles and effectively provide early warnings for rapid, flaming, and slower, smouldering fires. 

Heat alarms, on the other hand, respond to the rise in temperature caused by a fire. They’re best suited for areas where smoke detectors may cause false alarms, such as kitchens. 

Carbon monoxide alarms alert occupants to the presence of carbon monoxide, a dangerous, odourless gas produced by burning fuels. 

While smoke and heat alarms are designed to detect a fire threat, carbon monoxide alarms protect against this toxic gas, ensuring a comprehensive safety network in your home. Each type of alarm is crucial for different reasons and, when used together, provides a robust safety system.

Installing alarms in your home is critical for ensuring safety. Homeowners can install them themselves, but there are common mistakes homeowners often make during the installation process:

• Incorrect Placement: One of the most common errors is installing alarms in the wrong places. For instance, smoke alarms should be installed on ceilings or high on walls. They should be kept away from drafts caused by windows, doors, or ducts. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed close to fuel-burning appliances at a height that complies with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Insufficient Number of Alarms: Another common mistake is not having enough alarms. There should be at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide alarms should also be on every level of the home, ideally in or near every sleeping area.
• Neglecting Interconnectivity: Alarms should be interconnected so that when one alarm sounds, all of them do. This ensures that people in all home areas are alerted in case of a fire or carbon monoxide leak.
• Ignoring Manufacturer’s Instructions: Every alarm model is different. Not following the manufacturer’s specific installation instructions can lead to ineffective alarms.
• Failing to Maintain Alarms: Installation is just the first step. Regular testing and maintenance are essential for keeping alarms in working order. Batteries should be replaced regularly (even if the model is hardwired), and the device should be replaced every 10 years or as the manufacturer recommends.