When choosing a smoke alarm for your home, you need to consider several factors. For starters, you should look at its Typical operation mode. In addition, you should know its Price and Specifications. Then, you can decide if it is suitable for your needs. A smoke alarm is essential to protect you and your family from fires.
Specifications
There are several important specifications for smoke alarms, and these specifications are critical for fire safety. The first of these is the fire alarm control unit, which shall be provided in each building. The system shall be supervised to ensure that there are no power interruptions or faults, and the control unit shall transmit digital alarm information to the main fire alarm control unit.
The second criterion relates to the charger. It is necessary that the charger has built-in protection against short circuits and overloads. It must also include automatic AC line voltage regulation and adjustable voltage controls. Finally, the LCD display should display a message of at least two lines of 40 characters, identifying the zone, floor, and building number.
In addition to these features, the alarm should have enough power to operate for 24 hours and give five minutes of warning. The alarm system must be able to provide a loud sound for at least ten feet. It should also have a digitized voice message. Additionally, it should feature a door holder that can be used to activate the alarm.
In addition, the specifications of the system must comply with all applicable codes and regulations. For example, in NSW, there must be one alarm for every level, while in QLD, each unit should be interconnected. The wiring shall be color coded, and the number of conductors should be consistent with the manufacturer’s recommendations. The size of the conductors should be 18 AWG for the initiating and notification devices, and 14 AWG for the other ones. The wiring must also be shielded.
Price
The price of a smoke alarm can vary based on several factors. Some models cost as little as $20, while others can cost as much as $100. Generally, the smoke alarm should be replaced every 10 years. Some models have a longer battery life than others. The manufacturer of a smoke alarm can provide the details about the unit’s lifespan, as well as its compatibility with other smoke alarms.
