Our independent Alarm systems offer better protection than a single interdependent system.
Our exposure alarms are to be square and Smoke alarms to be round because we respond differently to these threats.
Smoke Alarm:
To not confuse residents these are round devices on or within 1 ft of ceilings.
Immediate response = Extinguish the source or exit the house.
Each alarm being independent helps locate a fire & diagnose false alarms.
We use mostly ionization alarms that respond fastest to rapid fires and continue to function with a steady rate probability of failure indefinitely if tested annually. Each floor with a bedroom should have 1 photoelectric type of detector to respond to smoldering fires earlier, but these must be replaced every 10 years or the probability of failure increases. FYI: In 2018 Code now specifies 10 year replacement regardless, but 10year batteries may transfer between alarms until depleted.
Carbon Monoxide Alarm:
To not confuse residents these are to be rectangular devices on walls rather than round on or within 1 ft of ceilings.
Immediate response = Open windows and doors.
Practical need: assure a functioning CO alarm within 10ft of, but not in the same room as, every combustion device.
Code also arbitrarily requires one withing 10ft of every bedroom, but a laps while replacing these is less urgent. Ensure those in rooms adjacent to combustion devices are trust worthy at All times.
CO Alarm Kidde 9CO5-LP2. 10year warranty, AA battery only. -- So far no 10yr AA battery found
85 db Alarm sounds: 70ppm within 60-240min; 150ppm within 10-15min, 400ppm within 4-15min.
CO Alarm plug in. Saves cost & hassle of replacing batteries.
CO Alarm internal 10yr Battery. So far it has been 3x the price.
Combined CO & Gas Alarm We purchase a monitor from time to time to verify the safety of old furnaces and boilers, but these are not cost effective due to limited life and high rates of failure. These and CO monitors should not be left within old boiler rooms.