The comfort of living in your own apartment or house depends not only on its design or arrangement, but also on the level of security. We are talking primarily about alarm systems that respond to the risk of fire or the escape of harmful chemicals.
Thanks to early warning, we can save our lives and our loved ones. It also allows us to initiate actions that will prevent the spread of the threat throughout the entire building.
The security system in question should be based primarily on effective smoke and time sensors. In this text we will explain how important their use is and what to look for when buying individual devices.
Why is it worth buying a smoke detector?
Fire hazards can be associated with many defects, as well as everyday situations or ordinary onlooking. Faulty installation, equipment failure, leaving the pan on the stove turned on? Unfortunately, there are many possibilities, so you should have an efficient system that will warn us in advance about the crisis.
It is worth noting that smoke detectors can not only inform about the threat, but also run installed sprinklers. However, a proper combination of two systems is needed.
Why buy a carbon monoxide sensor?
While the specter of a possible fire strongly affects the imagination of many people, the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning still does not cause us right concern. All because carbon monoxide, or chad, is imperceptible and imperceptible. He is referred to as the "silent killer" who has thousands of victims every year.
All this makes it extremely dangerous. As a matter of fact, we may not even be aware that in our apartment or house, Chad is volatile. After some time, we may experience dizziness and headaches, which can easily be underestimated, without combining the symptoms with a real threat. Once we realize that something is wrong, it may be too late.
How can such a situation happen? Carbon monoxide can be generated due to incomplete combustion of fuel in the heating devices we use? they can be oil or coal boilers, fireplaces, coal and gas stoves and water heaters with an open combustion chamber. Insufficient combustion may result from insufficient oxygen supply, which inhibits the process of carbon dioxide formation and complete combustion.
Most often, this situation results from damage or improper functioning of the mentioned devices? they may be heavily soiled, poorly adjusted or simply defective. Another problem is the improper furnace design and blockage of the air outlet. All this means that this type of device must be regularly checked and maintained.
It is also necessary to have a carbon monoxide sensor. Only he is able to alert us to the threat,so we can leave? poisoned? room, ventilate them or call appropriate services. It should be remembered that carbon monoxide is a direct threat to our health and life.
Checking the efficiency of the ventilation system
To avoid the situations described above, you should not only regularly monitor the condition of any heating devices used, but also inspect the ventilation system.
Under current regulations, the chimney sweep must be inspected at least once a year by people with the appropriate qualifications. It consists in checking the efficiency of not only ventilation ducts, but also flue gas and smoke ducts. Of course, if we notice any irregularities in the operation of gravitational ventilation, this should be reported immediately.
In addition to checking the ventilation status, you should also remember about your own responsibility. Under no circumstances should you obstruct the ventilation grilles. Also, be careful with windows that are too sealed. In case of danger, the air circulation will be too low.
We can also decide to install devices included in the mechanical ventilation. The obligation to control them is not enshrined in the Act, however, producers of this type of systems always attach information on how often they should be checked.
Where to mount the sensors?
Since we already know how important these sensors play in the home security system, it is worth considering where they should be installed. This case should not be underestimated, because the correct placement of sensors can determine their effectiveness.
Smoke detectors
The best solution would be to install one sensor in each room. Thanks to this, we will be sure that we will be informed about the threat in time. Of course, this involves serious costs. The price of one sensor ranges from 50 to well over 100 zlotys? multiplying this by the number of rooms in the house, as well as adding the cost of installation, it is easy to deduce what the costs will be.
So if we can't afford it, we should try to mount at least one sensor on each floor. What are the best places to put on a sensor?
* Kitchen ? this is where the threat usually arises.
* Bedroom surroundings.
* Corridor.
* At the child's room.
The assembly method is also important. The sensors should be installed vertically on the ceiling, in the middle or near the center of the room. Why? Because it guarantees detection of smoke coming from all sides. However, remember not to install them too close to air conditioners, fans and heating devices. The heat or steam they generate can often cause false alarms.
Assembly alone is not everything. Always check that the sound generated by the sensor is heard throughout the home. Of course, we can not forget to regularly check the status of devices? this also applies to batteries.
Carbon monoxide sensors
These types of detectors should alert us to the threat not only audibly, but also through the generated light. They should be placed near heating devices in which coal is burning, i.e. stoves, boilers or fireplaces. The sensor should be located no closer than 2 meters from these devices? in this way we guarantee its proper functioning.
Of course, the detector should also be installed in bathrooms with water heaters. Are they used in many tenement houses and flats? it often happens that they are quite old, which increases the threat.
For larger homes, it would be good if the sensors were also located near the bedroom or in the hallway. In the case of multi-storey buildings, of course, detectors must be installed on each floor. Importantly, we must ensure that the operation of the device is not disturbed, for example, by covering it with an object or decoration, as well as by the movement of air coming out of fans or grilles. The detector should be installed at an altitude that will allow us to control its operation.
How to choose a sensor?
The types of sensors that we choose also affect the level of security. As you can easily guess, there are various devices on the market that differ not only in construction, but also in basic technical parameters and mode of operation. All this makes it worth briefly discussing all the most important issues, typical for both sensors.
Which smoke detector should I buy?
Before making a purchase, the most important thing is to determine the type of sensor we are interested in. We have four choices:
* optical smoke detector ? it works based on mounted photocells that detect the appearance of smoke. It is worth remembering that there are 3 types of optical sensors on the market. The first is a diffuse model with infrared light. The photocell reacts to infrared light emitted by a special diode. If the light beam is diffused by smoke, an alarm sounds. Such equipment is distinguished by a low price, but it is highly exposed to false alarms.
The twin sensor sensor is slightly more accurate. We are dealing here with two photocells and two diodes. The alarm is only triggered when two light beams are scattered. The aforementioned diffuse model can also operate on the principle of generating ultraviolet light, which significantly increases the accuracy of its operation,
* thermal smoke detector ? as the name suggests, it reacts when the room temperature increases. Depending on the type, the alarm is activated in the event of a sudden temperature rise or after exceeding the previously programmed level,
* ionization smoke detector ? its construction is based on two diodes, between which ions flow. When it is disturbed by smoke, an alarm sounds. This solution is very accurate, especially when burning gases,
* multisensor smoke detector ? definitely the most advanced device in this combination. It uses many technologies that respond to any changes in the room. Of course, this makes it belong to the group of the most expensive detectors.
Of course, determining the type of sensor does not solve the whole matter. It is also worth analyzing their most important technical parameters. It should be mentioned first of all about the maximum area that they are able to "cover", the volume of the alarm (must be audible throughout the house, so it should generate sound above 80 dB), operating temperature and humidity, as well as the type of power supply? they can be batteries, an electric wire or a combination of both.
Which carbon monoxide sensor should you choose?
For devices that detect the appearance of carbon monoxide in a room, two models must be distinguished:
* photoelectric carbon monoxide sensor ? it is equipped with a simple mechanism that detects the presence of CO and, if the standard is exceeded, triggers an audible and visual warning. These types of detectors are usually able to detect carbon monoxide at a concentration of about 50 ppm,
* carbon monoxide sensor with LCD display ? definitely more advanced device that guarantees measurement accuracy on the level from 30 to 999 ppm. All thanks to the use of two sensors? electrochemical and temperature. This allows for precise operation and detection of time already in the initial phase.
These types of detectors also have electronic control systems. They use the capabilities of special microprocessors that analyze the reaction occurring in the electrochemical sensor (because it contains substances that react with carbon monoxide), thus determining the level of CO concentration in the room. If it exceeds 15%, an alarm is triggered.
Using the display, we can check the current concentration, battery level and several other indicators. It is worth noting that the most extensive sensors are able to detect not only chad, but also smoke and gas.
As in the case of the smoke sensor, also in this case it is worth paying attention to the maximum surface on which the detector is able to function properly, the maximum values of temperature and pressure, as well as the method of supply.
Of course, always select sensors with approval. This is very important because on the market you can find very cheap devices that do not have them. Some models are also distinguished by additional functions, such as the ability to perform a function test or SMS notification.
Which sensors should I buy?
The detectors described above will guarantee us a high level of security, which you should definitely think about. The threat is more real than we think. Early warning will help us take appropriate steps that will save our lives and that of everyone in the apartment or house.
In addition to smoke and chad detection devices, you should also think about buying gas sensors , which will also prove extremely useful in many situations. All detectors can only trigger an alarm or be connected to a more advanced security system, whose operation is based, for example, on calling the appropriate services or switching on sprinklers or ventilation mechanisms.
Sponsored article.
.................................................. ..........................
Advertisement
Readalso:
Is it worth installing sleep gas detectors Discussion
Connecting any detector to any control panel - guide
We invite you to familiarize yourself with other guides, featured topics, articles on security systems such as intercoms, gate and barrier automation, alarm systems, cameras, access control:
Guides on security systems
If the above topics do not find the answer to your question, please visit the forum:
Security Systems
We also encourage you to visit the General Guides section, where you will find materials from other sections of the forum, including those starting their adventure with electronics:
General Guides
Thanks to early warning, we can save our lives and our loved ones. It also allows us to initiate actions that will prevent the spread of the threat throughout the entire building.
The security system in question should be based primarily on effective smoke and time sensors. In this text we will explain how important their use is and what to look for when buying individual devices.
Why is it worth buying a smoke detector?
Fire hazards can be associated with many defects, as well as everyday situations or ordinary onlooking. Faulty installation, equipment failure, leaving the pan on the stove turned on? Unfortunately, there are many possibilities, so you should have an efficient system that will warn us in advance about the crisis.
It is worth noting that smoke detectors can not only inform about the threat, but also run installed sprinklers. However, a proper combination of two systems is needed.
Why buy a carbon monoxide sensor?
While the specter of a possible fire strongly affects the imagination of many people, the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning still does not cause us right concern. All because carbon monoxide, or chad, is imperceptible and imperceptible. He is referred to as the "silent killer" who has thousands of victims every year.
All this makes it extremely dangerous. As a matter of fact, we may not even be aware that in our apartment or house, Chad is volatile. After some time, we may experience dizziness and headaches, which can easily be underestimated, without combining the symptoms with a real threat. Once we realize that something is wrong, it may be too late.
How can such a situation happen? Carbon monoxide can be generated due to incomplete combustion of fuel in the heating devices we use? they can be oil or coal boilers, fireplaces, coal and gas stoves and water heaters with an open combustion chamber. Insufficient combustion may result from insufficient oxygen supply, which inhibits the process of carbon dioxide formation and complete combustion.
Most often, this situation results from damage or improper functioning of the mentioned devices? they may be heavily soiled, poorly adjusted or simply defective. Another problem is the improper furnace design and blockage of the air outlet. All this means that this type of device must be regularly checked and maintained.
It is also necessary to have a carbon monoxide sensor. Only he is able to alert us to the threat,so we can leave? poisoned? room, ventilate them or call appropriate services. It should be remembered that carbon monoxide is a direct threat to our health and life.
Checking the efficiency of the ventilation system
To avoid the situations described above, you should not only regularly monitor the condition of any heating devices used, but also inspect the ventilation system.
Under current regulations, the chimney sweep must be inspected at least once a year by people with the appropriate qualifications. It consists in checking the efficiency of not only ventilation ducts, but also flue gas and smoke ducts. Of course, if we notice any irregularities in the operation of gravitational ventilation, this should be reported immediately.
In addition to checking the ventilation status, you should also remember about your own responsibility. Under no circumstances should you obstruct the ventilation grilles. Also, be careful with windows that are too sealed. In case of danger, the air circulation will be too low.
We can also decide to install devices included in the mechanical ventilation. The obligation to control them is not enshrined in the Act, however, producers of this type of systems always attach information on how often they should be checked.
Where to mount the sensors?
Since we already know how important these sensors play in the home security system, it is worth considering where they should be installed. This case should not be underestimated, because the correct placement of sensors can determine their effectiveness.
Smoke detectors
The best solution would be to install one sensor in each room. Thanks to this, we will be sure that we will be informed about the threat in time. Of course, this involves serious costs. The price of one sensor ranges from 50 to well over 100 zlotys? multiplying this by the number of rooms in the house, as well as adding the cost of installation, it is easy to deduce what the costs will be.
So if we can't afford it, we should try to mount at least one sensor on each floor. What are the best places to put on a sensor?
* Kitchen ? this is where the threat usually arises.
* Bedroom surroundings.
* Corridor.
* At the child's room.
The assembly method is also important. The sensors should be installed vertically on the ceiling, in the middle or near the center of the room. Why? Because it guarantees detection of smoke coming from all sides. However, remember not to install them too close to air conditioners, fans and heating devices. The heat or steam they generate can often cause false alarms.
Assembly alone is not everything. Always check that the sound generated by the sensor is heard throughout the home. Of course, we can not forget to regularly check the status of devices? this also applies to batteries.
Carbon monoxide sensors
These types of detectors should alert us to the threat not only audibly, but also through the generated light. They should be placed near heating devices in which coal is burning, i.e. stoves, boilers or fireplaces. The sensor should be located no closer than 2 meters from these devices? in this way we guarantee its proper functioning.
Of course, the detector should also be installed in bathrooms with water heaters. Are they used in many tenement houses and flats? it often happens that they are quite old, which increases the threat.
For larger homes, it would be good if the sensors were also located near the bedroom or in the hallway. In the case of multi-storey buildings, of course, detectors must be installed on each floor. Importantly, we must ensure that the operation of the device is not disturbed, for example, by covering it with an object or decoration, as well as by the movement of air coming out of fans or grilles. The detector should be installed at an altitude that will allow us to control its operation.
How to choose a sensor?
The types of sensors that we choose also affect the level of security. As you can easily guess, there are various devices on the market that differ not only in construction, but also in basic technical parameters and mode of operation. All this makes it worth briefly discussing all the most important issues, typical for both sensors.
Which smoke detector should I buy?
Before making a purchase, the most important thing is to determine the type of sensor we are interested in. We have four choices:
* optical smoke detector ? it works based on mounted photocells that detect the appearance of smoke. It is worth remembering that there are 3 types of optical sensors on the market. The first is a diffuse model with infrared light. The photocell reacts to infrared light emitted by a special diode. If the light beam is diffused by smoke, an alarm sounds. Such equipment is distinguished by a low price, but it is highly exposed to false alarms.
The twin sensor sensor is slightly more accurate. We are dealing here with two photocells and two diodes. The alarm is only triggered when two light beams are scattered. The aforementioned diffuse model can also operate on the principle of generating ultraviolet light, which significantly increases the accuracy of its operation,
* thermal smoke detector ? as the name suggests, it reacts when the room temperature increases. Depending on the type, the alarm is activated in the event of a sudden temperature rise or after exceeding the previously programmed level,
* ionization smoke detector ? its construction is based on two diodes, between which ions flow. When it is disturbed by smoke, an alarm sounds. This solution is very accurate, especially when burning gases,
* multisensor smoke detector ? definitely the most advanced device in this combination. It uses many technologies that respond to any changes in the room. Of course, this makes it belong to the group of the most expensive detectors.
Of course, determining the type of sensor does not solve the whole matter. It is also worth analyzing their most important technical parameters. It should be mentioned first of all about the maximum area that they are able to "cover", the volume of the alarm (must be audible throughout the house, so it should generate sound above 80 dB), operating temperature and humidity, as well as the type of power supply? they can be batteries, an electric wire or a combination of both.
Which carbon monoxide sensor should you choose?
For devices that detect the appearance of carbon monoxide in a room, two models must be distinguished:
* photoelectric carbon monoxide sensor ? it is equipped with a simple mechanism that detects the presence of CO and, if the standard is exceeded, triggers an audible and visual warning. These types of detectors are usually able to detect carbon monoxide at a concentration of about 50 ppm,
* carbon monoxide sensor with LCD display ? definitely more advanced device that guarantees measurement accuracy on the level from 30 to 999 ppm. All thanks to the use of two sensors? electrochemical and temperature. This allows for precise operation and detection of time already in the initial phase.
These types of detectors also have electronic control systems. They use the capabilities of special microprocessors that analyze the reaction occurring in the electrochemical sensor (because it contains substances that react with carbon monoxide), thus determining the level of CO concentration in the room. If it exceeds 15%, an alarm is triggered.
Using the display, we can check the current concentration, battery level and several other indicators. It is worth noting that the most extensive sensors are able to detect not only chad, but also smoke and gas.
As in the case of the smoke sensor, also in this case it is worth paying attention to the maximum surface on which the detector is able to function properly, the maximum values of temperature and pressure, as well as the method of supply.
Of course, always select sensors with approval. This is very important because on the market you can find very cheap devices that do not have them. Some models are also distinguished by additional functions, such as the ability to perform a function test or SMS notification.
Which sensors should I buy?
The detectors described above will guarantee us a high level of security, which you should definitely think about. The threat is more real than we think. Early warning will help us take appropriate steps that will save our lives and that of everyone in the apartment or house.
In addition to smoke and chad detection devices, you should also think about buying gas sensors , which will also prove extremely useful in many situations. All detectors can only trigger an alarm or be connected to a more advanced security system, whose operation is based, for example, on calling the appropriate services or switching on sprinklers or ventilation mechanisms.
Sponsored article.
.................................................. ..........................
Advertisement
Readalso:
Is it worth installing sleep gas detectors Discussion
Connecting any detector to any control panel - guide
We invite you to familiarize yourself with other guides, featured topics, articles on security systems such as intercoms, gate and barrier automation, alarm systems, cameras, access control:
Guides on security systems
If the above topics do not find the answer to your question, please visit the forum:
Security Systems
We also encourage you to visit the General Guides section, where you will find materials from other sections of the forum, including those starting their adventure with electronics:
General Guides