milt cawley riverview fire and rescue residential smoke alarm installation nbafpo spring seminar st....
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Milt Cawley
Riverview Fire and Rescue
Residential Smoke Alarm Installation
NBAFPO Spring Seminar St. Andrews, NB
Albert County Heat Detector
Save money on batteries! if it starts a-poppin, grab the kids and RUN!
Residential Smoke Alarm Installation
Residential Smoke Alarm Installation
Do I Need a Smoke Alarm?Working Smoke Alarms can cut the
chance of dying in a home fire nearly in half
They provide extra “critical time for safe escape.
Most home fires occur at night when people are sleeping.
Most home fire deaths result from fires in homes with no working smoke alarms
Residential Smoke Alarm Installation
We Will Cover:What smoke alarms are
Types of smoke alarm sensors
Installation of Smoke Alarms
Maintenance of smoke alarms and detectors
What nuisance alarms are and some steps that can be taken to avoid them
Some problems that affect smoke alarms
Smoke Alarms Are…Electronic devices designed to
detect the presence of a fire and sound an alarm
They generally consist of:One or more sensors A triggering circuitAn alarm amplifier and hornA power supply
Purpose of Smoke AlarmsDetect presence of combustion products
Provide warning to persons in the structure (and, in some cases, to remote monitoring stations)Primary purpose of warning is to facilitate escape of
persons in the structureSecondary purpose is to initiate an early response by
Fire Department
Smoke Detectors Are Used In…
Industrial Facilities
Storage and Shipping Facilities
Office Buildings
Retail Stores
Smoke Alarms Are Used In…
Residential Facilities and Private HomesIn this seminar we will focus primarily on residential
smoke alarms
Smoke Alarm Vs Smoke DetectorMisconceptionsThe terms smoke alarm and smoke detector sometimes are used interchangeably to refer to smoke alarms. Although similar the two terms refer to different pieces of equipment.
SMOKE ALARMS are self-contained units with a sensor that detects smoke, and an audio and/or visual stimulus to alert occupants of a fire.
SMOKE DETECTORS are not self-contained and must be wired with an additional alarm system to alert individuals in an emergency.
Residential Smoke Alarm Installation
Self-Contained AlarmsMost commonly found in single-family dwellings
and small apartment buildings
Seldom linked to fire suppression or external notification systems
Linked independent alarms are becoming more common in new construction
Residential Smoke Alarm Installation
Residential Smoke Alarm Installation
Types of Smoke Alarm SensorsThere are two primary types of smoke alarm
sensors:Ionization sensorsPhotoelectric sensors
Some alarms also include other types of safety sensors, such as heat sensors, or carbon monoxide sensors
Ionization SensorsBest at detecting fast, flaming fires like grease
fires
Detect combustion particles of .01 to 3 microns (an average human hair is about 90 microns)
Most sensitive to dark or black smoke
Sensitive to steam, so they may produce false alarms if installed near kitchens or bathrooms
How Ionization Sensors WorkUse a weak radiation source (Americium 241)
to ionize the air in a detector chamber
The ionized air conducts an electrical current
The detector circuit senses this current; if it is present, the alarm does not sound
Smoke particles interfere with the current flow; when the current is reduced, the alarm sounds
Ionization Sensor Illustration
Photoelectric SensorsBest at detecting slow, smoldering fires like
furniture ignited by a cigarette
Detect combustion particles of .3 to 10 microns
Most sensitive to light gray smoke
Not very sensitive to steam, so they are better for use near kitchens or bathrooms
Higher power requirements than ionization
How Photoelectric Sensors WorkAn LED creates a beam of infrared light in the
detector chamber
The detector circuit senses this light; if it is present, the alarm does not sound
Smoke particles scatter the light, and reduce the amount that reaches the detector; when the amount of light is reduced, the alarm sounds
Photoelectric Sensor Illustration
Smoke Alarm Power SourcesAC power (“hard wired”) – linked to normal AC
wiring systemMost new detectors have a battery backup in case
AC power fails
Batteries 9 volt carbon zinc (“general purpose”)
9 volt alkaline
9 volt lithium (“ten year battery”)
AC PowerMost dependable (at least if backup batteries
are maintained properly)
Cost-competitive with battery power for new construction but expensive to retrofit in older buildings
Battery (DC) PowerFairly dependable if batteries are checked and
replaced consistently
Inexpensive and easy to install, even in older buildings
Often used as the primary power source for self-contained independent alarms
Smoke Alarm MaintenanceSmoke Alarms require
regular maintenance, which includes:Maintenance of Power Supply
Cleaning of Sensor and Air Passages
Regular Testing
Replacement of outdated Alarms
Power Supply MaintenanceFor AC powered alarms:
Check AC power supply monthly (or more often)Replace backup batteries as recommended by the
alarm manufacturer
For battery powered alarms:Test alarm monthly (or as directed by manufacturer) Replace batteries:
Every six months for general purpose or alkaline batteries When alarm signals low battery or fails test for lithium
batteries
Cleaning Smoke AlarmsFor a smoke alarm to work properly, air
must be able to flow through the detector chamber and the chamber must be free of dust and dirt
A dirty detector chamber will:Reduce alarm sensitivityIncrease the chance of a nuisance alarm
Clean the detector by vacuuming the exterior of the alarm with a vacuum nozzleIf this isn’t an option, dust the outside of the
alarm housing
Smoke Alarm TestingAlarms should be tested monthly,
or more often if the manufacturer or codes requireMonthly by pushing test button
At least annually (more often recommended) by using spray or the smoke from a candle
One of the most common reasons for failed smoke alarms is a lack of regular testing
Smoke Alarm TestingDo not use the test button.
• The test button is not sufficient. It only confirms that the batteries can sound the alarm horn. It does not test the smoke sensor in the unit, which could be faulty even if the horn sounds when you push the button.
Smoke Alarm TestingUse a small spray can of smoke detector test aerosol.
• Just spray some of the test material into the detector, and wait 5 to 10 seconds for a response. If the alarm sounds, you know the unit will sound in a fire. If not, you have a non- functioning smoke detector, even if it beeps when you push the button. Try changing the batteries, then repeat the test procedure. If that does not get it working, it is useless..
Smoke Alarm Testing
Do NOT use a flame for testing a Smoke Alarm
Smoke Alarm Testing
Always follow the manufacturers instructions on installing, testing, replacing and maintaining smoke alarms
Replacing Outdated AlarmsThe recommended service life for most smoke alarms
is ten yearsAfter that point, electronic failure becomes likely
If the alarm is self-contained, the entire alarm should be replaced
Nuisance AlarmsNuisance alarms occur when the alarm sounds without
a fire being presentOften called “false alarms,” but in most cases they’re
not – the alarm does detect something
Usually caused by exposing the alarm to smoke, combustion products or steamFrom tobacco smokersFrom wood-burning stoves or fireplaces From kitchens and bathrooms
Reducing Nuisance AlarmsLocate alarms and sensors
away from areas where they will be exposed to smoke, other combustion products or steam
Clean the alarm regularly
Maintain the alarm power supply (low power can sometimes trigger a true “false alarm”)
Avoid activities that trigger the alarm
Problems With Smoke AlarmsLack of Power
Usually due to failure to test alarm and replace battery as needed
Electronic failureRare, but it happens – testing is important!
Deliberately disabled alarmsUsually due to nuisance alarms, but may also be
done to get alarm battery
Ways to Reduce ProblemsTest alarms regularly
Will identify lack of power or electronic failure
Replace batteries as needed
Place alarms properly to avoid nuisance alarms
Seal alarms to protect battery
Other Potential Improvements
Building codes requiring hard-wired (AC) alarms with battery backup
Use of long life lithium batteries (which last up to ten years) instead of general purpose or alkaline batteries
Installing Smoke AlarmsResidential Smoke Alarm Installation
Residential Smoke Alarm Installation
Provisions of NBCAt least one functional smoke alarm on every
occupied level of the homeThis includes basementsIt does not include attics, cellars and other areas that
are not generally occupied, but…You can put an alarm in an area where a fire could
easily start, even if the area is not usually occupied – so long as that area is not too hot, cold or dusty for the alarm
Provisions of NBC 1995(cont.)A smoke alarm should be installed outside each
separate sleeping areaThis does not mean that each bedroom must have
it’s own smoke alarm – one alarm in a hallway between two adjacent bedroom doors is acceptable (for existing structures)
In new construction, (NBC 2010) alarms must be installed in every sleeping room
Main Changes 2010 CodeSmoke alarms shall be installed in each sleeping
room.Shall have a manually operated silencing device to
silence for not more than 10 minutes before resetting and resounding
Sound patterns of smoke shall be T3
What Does T3 MeanT3 is a temporal pattern that consists of 3 beeps and then a pause, then 3 beeps and then a pause....etc. T3 is used for smoke detectors exclusively. T3 is the NFPA standard for new home construction and smoke detectors less than 10 years old could emit the T3 pattern.
Provisions of NBC(cont.)If a smoke alarm is installed in or near a kitchen
the alarm must be photoelectric or have a “silence” button (“hush” button)This is because ionization alarms are very sensitive
to steam
This is also a good idea for alarms installed near bathrooms, though the code doesn’t actually require them to be photoelectric
Provisions of NBC(cont.)All smoke alarms installed in homes should be tested
regularlyMonthly, or more often if the manufacturer recommends it;
many manufacturers recommend weekly tests
All residential smoke alarms should be replaced when they are ten years old
Where more than one smoke alarm is required in a dwelling unit, the smoke alarms shall be wired so that the activation of one alarm will cause all alarms within the dwelling unit to sound.
NFPA 72National Fire Alarm Code
Developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Covers all types of fire alarm systems in many different types of occupancies we will focus on the standards for residential smoke
alarms
Provisions of NFPA 72 – the National Fire Alarm
Code – that cover residential smoke alarms
Proper smoke alarm selection
Locations where you should – and should not – install residential smoke alarms
Methods for mounting the alarm
The importance of the alarm instructions
The importance of fire safety education
Tips for doing an effective smoke alarm installation and fire safety education visit
Alarm SelectionIf you want to use an alarm with a long life lithium
battery, you will have to use an alarm with an ionization sensorPhotoelectric alarms require more power and are not
currently offered with lithium batteries
Alarm Selection (cont.)If the power source is not a limitation, use the type
of alarm most suitable for the sitePhotoelectric alarms work best in or near kitchens,
bathrooms, laundry rooms and other areas where steam may be present
Both sensor types work well in other areas
Use hardwired (AC powered) linked alarms in new construction
Alarm LocationInstalling smoke alarms in proper locations is
important
Alarms that are installed in the wrong location may:Not provide adequate warning of fire or smoke
Fail prematurely due to heat, cold, etc.
Produce nuisance alarms
Alarm Location (cont.)Install at least one alarm on each occupied level
of the house – including the basement, NBC 1995 refers
Install at least one alarm outside each separate bedroom areaYou may need to install alarms inside a bedroom
in special circumstances, such as where a resident smokes in bed
Alarm Location (cont.)
Example of Separate Sleeping Areas
Smoke Alarm
Alarm Location (cont.)Do not install smoke alarms…
In or near kitchens, bathrooms or laundry rooms, if the alarm has an ionization sensor
In attics, cellars or other areas that become very hot, cold or dusty
On un-insulated exterior walls or ceilings that are not insulated from the roof (the alarm will get too hot and/or cold)
Alarm Location (cont.)Do not install smoke alarms…
In the “dead air zones” that occur within two feet of any corner of a room or hallway
In the “dead air zone” that is found within four inches of the edge of any ceiling, or the top edge of any wall
In any area where air flow is restricted or there is a very strong draft or air flow
Alarm Location (cont.)
Example ofthe “dead airzone” at the boundary between a ceiling anda wall
DEAD AIRZONE
Acceptable mounting locations for smoke alarms
Residential Smoke Alarm Installation
Residential Smoke Alarm Installation
Residential Smoke Alarm Installation
Residential Smoke Alarm Installation
Residential Smoke Alarm Installation
Residential Smoke Alarm Installation
Residential Smoke Alarm Installation
Residential Smoke Alarm Installation
Residential Smoke Alarm Installation
Preferred Placement of AlarmsWhenever possible, install
smoke alarms on ceilingsNear the center of the room is
usually best
If the room has an arched, vaulted or gabled ceiling, put the alarm at or near the highest point of the ceiling
Do not install smoke alarms within four inches of a wall or within two feet of a corner
Wall Installation of AlarmsCeiling installation is preferable, but if it isn’t
practical, smoke alarms may be installed on a wallInstall alarms in the narrow area at least four inches,
but not more than twelve inches, below the ceiling
Remember: do not install a smoke alarm on an un-insulated exterior wall
Follow Manufactures' Instructions
Tips For Placing AlarmsTry to place the alarm where a resident can reach it
for testing and cleaning This may not always be practical in rooms with high
ceilings
Always test the alarm before you attach it to the ceiling or the wallIt is much easier to replace a defective alarm or
battery before the alarm is installed
Mounting Smoke AlarmsThere are two common methods of mounting smoke
alarms to ceilings or wallsUsing screws (generally supplied with the alarm)
Using industrial grade double-sided tape
Alarm Mounting - ScrewsThis is the preferred method of mounting the alarm
It is recommended by the manufacturerScrews will not lose strength over time
Screws are usually included in the smoke alarm packageMasonry anchors are also usually included
Alarm Mounting – Screws (cont.)Mounting process:
Place the alarm base or mounting plate on the ceiling or wall
Mark screw locations and remove the base or mounting plate
Drill pilot holes or masonry anchor holesInsert masonry anchors (if needed)Place alarm base or mounting plateInsert and tighten screws
Why Lock or Seal the Case?It usually isn’t a good idea to lock the case of a
smoke alarm that uses alkaline or general purpose batteries
It may be a good idea to lock or seal the case of a smoke alarm that uses long life lithium batteries, to prevent the battery from being removed to disable the alarm
Smoke Alarm InstructionsSmoke alarms are packed with detailed instructions
These instructions often include sections in different languages
You should read and understand the instructions before installing an alarmYou may have to explain the instructions to residents
in non-technical terms
The Importance of EducationSmoke alarms only do one thing – they detect fire
or smoke and sound an alarm
In order for smoke alarms to be effective, residents must also be educated
They must learn: How to maintain and test the alarm What to do if the alarm sounds How to prevent fires
Residential Smoke Alarm Installation
Residential Smoke Alarm Installation
Education – Alarm MaintenanceSmoke alarms require testing and care
The instructions packed with most smoke alarms are long and complex – many people will not read or understand them
If you install a smoke alarm for someone, you should educate them about how to test and maintain the alarm Simplify the information when needed
SMOKE ALARMS AND RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES
Rechargeable batteries don't give you any warning when they are wearing out and can simply die at the end of their charge.
As a result you will not hear a "chirp" from your smoke alarm to indicate that the battery needs replacing.
A dead battery in your smoke alarm leaves you and your family unprotected. Don't use a rechargeable battery in your smoke alarm.
Education – Escape PlanningA smoke alarm will not help someone who doesn’t know what to do
when the alarm sounds
Every home should have a fire escape plan – and practice it at least yearly
Explain the need for a fire escape plan and how to develop one
Provide details and examples
When purchasing a smoke alarm, look for a product that has been manufactured and tested to an acceptable standard, indicated by a marking for the Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC), or Underwriters Laboratories Incorporated (cUL).
Education – Fire PreventionThe most effective way to survive a residential fire
is to avoid having oneSmoke alarms are effective, but they are no
substitute for fire prevention
Providing fire safety education is an effective way to reduce the risk of fire deathsBe detailed; provide information about “how” as well
as “why” to be safe
Providing Effective EducationTo provide effective education, you must…
Take time to talk - simply handing someone a fist full of brochures is not effective
Give specific examples of ways to be safe:
NOT GOOD: “You should be careful so you don’t have a cooking fire.”
GOOD: “Why don’t you get a kitchen timer that you can set when you put something on the stove, so that you don’t forget that you have something cooking?”
Using Educational MaterialsBrochures and printed handouts can help you
explain important safety informationUse them to supplement, not replace, a discussion –
go through them as you talk and explain the information in them
Printed materials are also good because residents can refer to them later
Tips for Doing InstallationsTake all the tools, supplies, educational materials
and alarms that you may need
Small teams work very wellOne person provides fire safety education while one
or more others install the alarm(s)
Allow plenty of time to do the job properly
Tips for Doing Installations (cont.)Have a legible address and/or directions to the
places where you will install alarmsPhone numbers are also very handy
Wear a uniform or other identification
Never talk about what you see in a home
Do any required paperwork as soon as you finish doing the installation
The Smoke Alarm Installation and Smoke Alarm Campaign
New Brunswick | Firefighters begin door-to-door campaign to test smoke alarms, batteriesPosted by Hal Newman on Mar 14, 2012 in Canada, New Brunswick
Front, from left: acting Fire Marshal Norman Thibodeau; Fire Chief Murray Crouse, Upper Kingsclear Fire Department; Memramcook Fire Chief Raymond LeBlanc, president, New Brunswick Association of Fire Chiefs (NBAFC); Bill Adams, vice-president (Atlantic), Insurance Bureau of Canada; Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General Robert Trevors; Grand Falls Fire Chief Charles Kavanaugh, first vice-president, NBAFC; and Fredericton Fire Chief Philip Toole. Back, from left: Saint Andrews Fire Chief Jeff Cross, president, New Brunswick Association of Fire Prevention Officers; and Oromocto Fire Chief Jody Price, past president, NBAFC.
Smoke Alarm Campaign Smoke Alarm Installation and Fire Education
Forms used to document smoke alarm installations
Reporting requirements
Application Form – must be completed to participate in the program. Once the FMO receives the completed form, they will send you the smoke alarms and batteries promptly.
Evaluation Form - Once you complete the campaign, the FMO asks you fill out this form and return it by email or fax to your Regional Fire Marshal.
Smoke Alarm Campaign
Residential Smoke Alarm Installation
Riverview Fire & Rescue Milt Cawley
506 387 2202 506 387 2107 Deputy [email protected]
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Residential Smoke Alarm Installation
Residential Smoke Alarm Installation
Riverview Fire & Rescue Milt Cawley
506 387 2202 506 387 2107 Deputy [email protected]
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Smoke Alarm Campaign
Install smoke alarms in homes that do not have functional smoke alarms
Provide fire safety education to the residents of these homes
Provide fire safety education to other people in project communities
Smoke Alarm Campaign
Collect information about the percentage of homes with working smoke alarms before and after the project is conducted in a community
Determine whether alarms installed by the project remain functional several months after they are installed
Smoke Alarm Campaign
Installation RequirementsWhen installing smoke alarms as part of this project:
Only those alarms needed should be used, but the home should meet the standards of NBC when the installation is complete
The residents should receive education in fire prevention, escape plans and alarm care
Smoke Alarm Campaign
Installation Requirements
Ask resident if we can check their smoke detector. Explain to that this is not a fire inspection.
If they don’t have a detector, give them one and Offer to install it if refused explain where they should install it.
If the person is a Senior or Handicapped install the detector for them.
Smoke Alarm Campaign
Installation RequirementsMake sure that all of the smoke detectors in the
residence are working (use smoke spray)
If not replace Battery (in one unit only, the detector outside of the sleeping area).
Still not working replace the detector (Make sure that the new detector is placed outside of the sleeping area).
Smoke Alarm Campaign
Installation Requirements If the detector looks old (7 years +) inform the resident
that smoke detectors only have a life span of 7-10 years. It is the occupants responsibility to replace the detector(s) if it falls within this time period. DO NOT LEAVE A NEW DETECTOR
In newer homes it is a requirement that there should be a detector on each level of the home. The detectors shall be hardwired (110v) and interconnected. If you test the one in the basement the one on the uppermost level should sound.
Smoke Alarm Campaign
Installation RequirementsHardwired detectors have the same life span as battery
detectors.
Tell the resident that the detector requires some simple maintenance to work properly. At least once every 6 months they should be vacuumed to remove the dust and other debris that may block the smoke chamber. They should also replace the batteries at least twice a year.
Smoke Alarm Campaign
VACUUM YOUR SMOKE ALARMS
Installation RequirementsGive one smoke detector per household (Only if they
don’t have one, or, the ONE they have does not work).
Only replace one battery in a household. i.e. If they have 4 detectors only replace the battery in the detector outside of the sleeping area.
Smoke Alarm Campaign
Residential Smoke Alarm Installation
1. Protect yourself and your family. Install smoke alarms
2. Smoke alarms save lives.Most fatal fires occur at night when people are asleep. Often, victims never wake up. A working smoke alarm will detect smoke and sound an alarm to alert you, giving you precious time to escape.
10 Rules
Residential Smoke Alarm Installation
3. Buying the best alarm (for your situation).There are many types of smoke alarms, each with different features. Alarms can be electrically connected, battery powered or a combination of both. This combination - and a hush feature to reduce nuisance alarms - are highly recommended
4. One smoke alarm is not enough.Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and near sleeping areas. If you or your loved ones sleep with bedroom doors closed, install an alarm inside each bedroom.
10 Rules
Residential Smoke Alarm Installation
5. Where to install smoke alarms.Because smoke rises, you should place alarms on the ceiling. If you cannot do this, place them high up on a wall, according to manufacturer's instructions. There are certain locations to avoid such as near bathrooms, heating appliances, windows, or close to ceiling fans.
6. Test your smoke alarm regularly.Every month, test your smoke alarms, using the alarm test button. Test your alarms regularly using smoke from a smouldering cotton string. Follow your owner's manual.
10 Rules
Residential Smoke Alarm Installation
7. Change your clock, change your battery.Install a new battery of the proper type at least once a year. If the low battery warning beeps, replace the battery immediately. We change our clocks each spring and fall so this a good time to change your smoke alarm batteries too.
8. Gently vacuum alarm every six months.Dust can clog a smoke alarm, so carefully vacuum the inside of a battery powered unit using the soft bristle brush. If electrically connected, shut off the power and vacuum the outside vents only. Restore power and test unit when finished.
10 Rules
9. Smoke alarms don't last forever.Smoke alarms do wear out, so if you think your alarms are more than 10 years old, replace them with new ones. Why not replace them with long-life smoke alarms that will eliminate the need for annual battery replacement and the potential hazard of dead batteries for up to 10 years.
10. Plan your escape.Make sure that everyone knows the sound of the smoke alarm and what to do if a fire occurs. Regularly practice your home fire escape plan. Know two ways out of every room and have a pre-arranged meeting place outside. Once out, stay out and call the fire department from a neighbour's home.
10 Rules
Summary and ReviewTypes of smoke alarm sensors and power supplies
The difference between self-contained, linked and central station alarms
Smoke alarm testing and maintenance
How to minimize nuisance alarms
Summary and Review (cont.)
Where smoke alarms should – and should not – be installed in a home
NBC requirements for residential alarms
Methods for installing smoke alarms
How and why to lock smoke alarm cases
Why fire safety education is important
What the Smoke alarm project is
What alarms and materials are used by the project
Summary and Review (cont.)
Summary and Review (cont.)Smoke Alarm are designed to be as maintenance-free as
possible, but there are a few simple things you must do to keep it working properly:Test it at least once a month using test button and at least every
year with a smoking candle or string.
Gently vacuum
When the battery becomes weak, the smoke alarm will “chirp” about once a minute replace the battery immediately to continue your protection.
Never paint your smoke alarm.
Replace a smoke alarm after 10 years
Residential Smoke Alarm Installation
Residential Smoke Alarm Installation
Residential Smoke Alarm Installation
No Excuses
A tour of a cemetery shows the graves of people who died because they didn't have smoke alarms. ...
No ...Excuses
Questions or Comments?