Why We Need Smoke Alarms & Fire Detection Systems ?

Property Management professionals know that fire indicators protect lives from the fires in residences. The NZ Fire Service has said, smoke alarms were either not installed or not in working order in an estimated 80% of house fires last year! An alarming statistic! (No pun intended)

There is widespread interest and debate about whether the owner of a property and/or property management companies should be required, by law, to provide smoke alarms for rental properties.

What type of smoke alarm should you purchase?

There are two main types of smoke & fire alarms available: Ionisation and Photoelectric alarms.

Ionisation Alarms: These sense volatile burning products from flaming fires, but do not do an acceptable job sensing smoke from less intense, smouldering fires because fewer combustion products are present.

Photoelectric Alarms: A type of sensor that shines a light beam across a room and senses if the air in the room becomes partially obscured, which detects smoke from both flaming fires and smouldering fires.

For more recommendations on the types of alarms available visit The NZ Fire Service website.

AC powered or battery operated alarms?

Smoke Alarms can be powered from two different sources.

Smoke alarms that are Battery Operated (DC) have the key advantage of operating in the event of a power failure (assuming they have been correctly installed and the batteries are checked regularly). Battery Operated smoke alarms are often the most cost effective way to go.

AC powered fire sensors, as opposed to Battery Managed fire alarms, are powered by mains and will only run if power does not fail.

These can be a bit more costly and are required, by law, to be installed by a certified electrician. AC powered smoke alarms with a battery back-up are in most cases the most comprehensive and will continue to provide detection even if the power fails – (assuming batteries are fresh and the device has been installed correctly). The vast majority of fire alarms have long-life batteries now that can last for up to 10 years.

Where should smoke alarms be installed?

In general smoke alarms should be installed in hallways and as close to bedrooms as possible. This ensures alarms are heard for persons sleeping behind closed doors. The bigger the house the more smoke sensors will probably be recommended and most smoke alarms are provided having an easy-guide regarding the most effective place to set up them.

If you are currently renting a property consult with your landlord for further advice and information on the best places to install smoke alarms. Property managers are also a good resource for property owners and investors for assistance and advice.

It is considered to be significant to note that fire sensors are a single warning device only and should never be solely depended upon as a total fire detection system. A sprinkler system, fire-resistant products and fire exits would be regarded as a complete fire detection system.

This article #001 was written by Rhys Coffin, Internet Marketing specialist with Internet New Zealand Limited.