Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Keeping Your Home Fire Safe
Nothing matters more than the protection of you and your loved ones. Smoke detectors are the most essential tool for life and safety in any home. Valkyrie Electric can make sure your smoke detectors are up to date and working for you 24/7.
Smoke and CO - The Dynamic Duo of Fire Safety
A smoke and CO combination alarm quickly alerts you to the presence of both smoke hazards and dangerous levels of carbon monoxide (CO), a poisonous gas that can build up in your home.
Where are smoke detectors needed?
The BC Building Code mandates that smoke detectors be installed in all dwelling units, in sleeping rooms, and on every storey, including basements. Smoke detectors must be installed on or near the ceiling and be electrically interconnected within a dwelling unit, meaning the activation of one detector sounds all others within the unit as well. Smoke detectors should also be installed with permanent electrical connections and a battery backup.
Interconnection - What Does It Mean and Why Is It Important?
Interconnected alarms are the safest option and are required for any new installation. When smoke or CO is detected by any one device, all of the smoke detectors throughout the home will sound their alarms.
Updating older homes to comply with modern building code safety standards
Updating outdated smoke detectors involves running new wiring between detectors and adding new smoke detector locations. This can be achieved by running wiring in an attic directly above the living space, or in the case of a multi story home, may involve opening up drywall. If you are considering a renovation in your home, this would be the ideal time to invest in new smoke detector wiring.
How to tell if your smoke detectors are expired, or not interconnected?
The best way to ensure your smoke detectors are operating properly is to test them. First verify if there is an expiry sticker or manufacture date on the smoke detector. The manufacture date can be found on the back of the alarm. If it's 10 years or older, it's time to replace it.
A chirping sound, even after replacing the battery, indicates the alarm is at the end of its life and needs to be replaced.
Press the test button on a single detector and have someone else verify that all the other detectors are set off at the same time. If not, they may not be interconnected or require replacement.
Get Safe, Get Interconnected
You can trust Valkyrie Electric to update your home’s number one safety protection quickly and efficiently. Reach out today and we can provide you with the best next steps.