Smoke Detectors
Smoke / Heat and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
In the UK a substantial number of people die and others are injured in domestic fires every year, many from smoke inhalation.
It is widely accepted that those deaths and injuries would be significantly reduced by installing and maintaining smoke alarms within dwellings.
NJM Electrical install wired electronic detectors that also have battery back-up facilities. When installing more than one detector they will be inter-linked so that when one detector alarms you will hear the warning from both detectors. Other features include;
Responds quickly to fast flaming fires
Unique and proven long life ionisation smoke chamber
Alkaline battery supplied already connected to reduce installation errors (does not draw power until alarm is fitted to the mounting plate)
Hush button for false alarm control
Interconnects with other Ei mains powered smoke and heat alarm
Separate mains and warning LEDs
Time and money saving Easi-fit design
Protective dust cover supplied
5 year guarantee
Where are self-contained smoke alarm systems required?
- All new dwellings and certain extensions to existing dwellings
- In loft or attic conversions
It is recommended that the installation of a smoke detector is done by a qualified person e.g a registered electrician.
Self contained smoke alarms are not recommended for use in areas such as kitchens, garages or places where steam, condensation or fumes could give rise to false alarms. More appropriate and effective detectors are available for such instances. e.g. heat detectors.
Location of smoke alarms
A high standard of protection can be provided by installing detectors in the kitchen and lounge areas. In a single storey 2/3 bedroom dwelling, a single smoke detector may be adequate if sited in the main circulation area. In a typical two storey dwelling smoke detectors should be installed both at ground and at landing levels. Therefore at least two smoke alarms will be required, one usually at the foot of the stairs ( or hallway ) and one on the upper landing. In the picture below you can see detectors placed in the ground floor lobby and also the 1st floor landing.
Maintenance
Building Control have no authority to ensure that smoke alarms are maintained. It is vitally important that your smoke alarm is regularly checked. Further information can be obtained from the manufacturers' instructions.
Positioning
Smoke alarms should be located in a circulation route such as the hall or landing, so that there is one:
- Not more than 7.5m from doors to habitable rooms
Note: There are additional provisions for open plan layouts and large houses
What is CO & why does it need to be monitored?
Carbon Monoxide is an invisible, odourless, tasteless and extremely toxic gas that, if inhaled, can cause serious ill effects - justifying its name as 'The Silent Killer'. CO is readily absorbed by haemoglobin in the blood - approximately 240 times more efficiently than oxygen. This causes serious damage to the heart and brain from oxygen starvation.
How is CO produced?
Carbon Monoxide originates from the combustion of any
fossil fuel - coal, bottled and natural gas, paraffin, wood, petrol, diesel, charcoal etc.
What are the main sources of CO?
All Fossil fuel burning appliances produce CO, this is normally vented through flues and chimneys to the outside atmosphere. However, if the process is not entirely efficient, CO can build up to dangerous levels. Examples of possible causes are:
Poorly connected, blocked, cracked or corroded flue pipe/vent
Flue pipes/vents are designed to allow the CO produced by the appliance to vent to the outside atmosphere. If the flue is not operating correctly or is damaged, CO may leak into the property. Even if there is an annual check on the appliance/s, flues and vents remain a potential hazard.
Back drafting
Building Regulation requirements for energy efficient homes and a greater emphasis on air extraction e.g. bathroom and kitchen fans, means there is a risk of creating negative air pressure. This can cause reverse airflow through appliances resulting in dangerous levels of CO being drawn back into the property.
Cracked heat exchanger on gas central heating system
This will result in a large amount of CO leakage and is therefore a particularly dangerous possibility.
Appliances without flues
Some fuel burning appliances do not have flues. Portable heaters, cooking rings and grills are particularly vulnerable as are old appliances. Whether burning liquid gas, paraffin, natural gas or wood, each are capable of emitting dangerous levels of CO.
What are the effects of CO poisoning?
Carbon Monoxide poisoning can have a very serious, even fatal, effect on the body. Unfortunately, most people are unaware that a relatively low level of CO exposure for a prolonged period can have the same effect as a high level of CO exposure for a short period. A major problem is that the symptoms of CO poisoning can easily be confused with other common illnesses - such as cold and flu.
Fitting a Carbon Monoxide Detector
The alarms that NJM Electric supply and install are designed to provide reliable mains powered CO detection. The unit is designed with performance in mind. Useful and practical features such as the built in pattress with integral terminal block and CO gas quick-test feature ensure straightforward installation and testing.
- Proven Electrochemical Cell CO sensor module, minimum 5
year life
- Kite marked to BS EN 50291: 2001
- Automatic self diagnostics
- Easy to use test/hush button
- Distinctive alarm sound is easily distinguishable from a smoke/heat alarm
- Pre alarm warning - alarm LED will flash
- Memory feature - indicates last recorded CO level
- Quick CO gas test feature - saves time and money
- LED indicators for power, CO level and fault status conditions
- Built-in pattress with integral terminal block and surface wiring knockout
- Fixing kit included
- Full technical specification sheet available on request
- Manufacturers 5 year guarantee
If you require advice or a free quote regarding Carbon Monoxide Detector then please contact us at;
Our Huddersfield based electricians and electrical contractors cover all areas of Huddersfield, Honley, Meltham,Slaithwaite, Marsden, Holmfirth, Shepley, Wakefield, Halifax, Bradford, Leeds, Brighouse, Oldham, Barnsley, Sheffield and all of West Yorkshireand Yorkshire.
NJM Electrical, 447 New Mill Road, Brockholes, Huddersfield, HD9 7EF. Copyright © by NJM Electrical All Right Reserved. Published on: 2009-11-01 (577 reads) [ Go Back ] |
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