Installing a smoke detector
A smoke detector or fire alarm system is considered an essential equipment for buildings today. For several years, the installation of smoke detectors has been considered one of the construction standards, and the supervising engineer checks the smoke sensor thoroughly when checking the buildings. It is interesting to know that the installation location of the smoke sensor is not only for today’s buildings, towers and parking, but you can install smoke detectors for the kitchen, bedroom and corridors.
Smoke detector location
The smoke detector and gas sensor locations are not only for parking, towers and luxury buildings. You can use them to announce a gas leak in a building or a greenhouse, a fire in textile factories and wood workshops, archive rooms, banks, conference rooms, home kitchens, coffee shops, and restaurants. So, by installing it, you can prevent significant loss of life and money.
Leave smoke detector installation to skilled technicians
If you are planning to install a smoke detector, you can quickly request this service to get access to the best technicians in a short time. By viewing the records and specifications of KCS technicians, you can trust them and entrust the installation of your building’s smoke sensor to them.
How does a smoke detector work?
There are gaps in the smoke detector that smoke and heat enter the sensors inside when there is a fire. The fire alarm of this sensor sounds when the infrared light is reduced due to smoke. In this way, the sensors are activated, and electricity is generated.
Some smoke detectors run on electricity, and others run on batteries. Some smoke detectors run on electricity, and others with batteries. Because there may be a power outage, a battery is placed in it to be used instead of electricity. Therefore, the method of installing the smoke sensor is critical.
Smoke detector installation steps
• Marking and cutting the installation site
• Device wiring
• Installation of the device
• Sensor test
Installing a smoke detector includes four general steps that I will explain below. So, I say again, if you have enough knowledge and experience, do it; otherwise, take it easy and get help from a skilled electrician.
Smoke sensor location standards
Installation height of the smoke sensor: consider the maximum coverage area of the detector to be 100 square meters, and pay attention to the fact that the distance of any point from the detector should not exceed 7.5 meters. The height range for the system connected to the central fire alarm station and the places where the fire brigade reaches the location of the fire within 5 minutes is 15 and 10.5 meters.
Ventilation or air movement: as you know, air movement dilutes the smoke concentration and may prevent it from reaching the detector. Therefore, when detector installation becomes necessary, it is better to use many sensors. But in general, you should avoid installing them in front of fresh air vents and, in return, air spaces.
The distance of the detectors from each other: you need to install the detectors symmetrically. The actual coverage area of the sensors is a circle in the desired location. But for simplicity, assume that the desired size is a square or rectangle. This assumption makes you not cover some parts between the detectors well. For example, if the protected area is 100 square meters and you use sensors with a coverage area of 100 square meters, you need four detectors arranged symmetrically in the desired location.
Obstacles: When installing a smoke detector, you should be aware of obstacles. Walls and other obstructions affect the flow of smoke. Therefore, the smoke detectors must have a proper distance from the walls. The minimum length is 50 cm, and from the air ducts, 60 cm.
Staircase: In stairways and elevator shafts, you must place at least one detector on the upper floor’s ceiling. If you isolate lower floors or smoke barriers such as fire doors and maintenance platforms, install another detector on the roof in front of these barriers as well. Generally, a sensor should not cover more than three staircase floors. Install one detector for every eight meters of height in a lifting shaft.
Tips to follow when using smoke detectors:
• You should not install the smoke detector in the path of the blind air.
• Do not use this detector in places where there is usually smoke and steam, such as the engine room and next to the boiler.
• There is a special spray that is used to test smoke detectors. You can be sure of its correct operation by spraying it toward the sensor.
More information
• The smoke sensor usually has a battery to stabilize its operation.
• Smoke sensor is generally used to prevent the spread of fire.
• The smoke sensor is fixed, and you can install it on the ceiling.
• The smoke sensor is used alone to cover a small space.
• The smoke sensor activates the ventilation equipment through the smart home network.
• The smoke sensor measures the amount of smoke accumulation in the space using advanced technology without possible errors.
• If a significant amount of smoke leaks, the smoke sensor will notify you of the possibility of danger.
Last word
Do not forget that the installation of smoke and thermal detectors and the start-up of the entire fire alarm system must be done by experts. If you need the presence of a professional team to install and operate the fire alarm system, KCS experts can help you.