Smoke alarms are your first line of defense in the event of a fire.  Smoke alarms come in two main different types.  Ionization and photoelectric.

Ionization smoke alarms have a ionization chamber inside the smoke alarm unit itself.  The smoke alarm chamber consist of two plates about a centimeter apart.  One of the plates is charged positive by the battery or transformer in AC models and the other plates is negative.  Alpha particles constantly released by the americium knock electrons off of the atoms in the air, ionizing the oxygen and nitrogen atoms in the chamber. The positively-charged oxygen and nitrogen atoms are attracted to the negative plate and the electrons are attracted to the positive plate, generating a minuet, constant electrical current. Upon smoke entering the chamber, the smoke particles attach to the ions and neutralize them, so they do not reach the plate. The drop in current between the plates triggers the alarm.

Photoelectric smoke alarms have an internal chamber with a light beam.  When smoke enters the chamber it blocks the light from entering the photoelectric sensor causing an alarm to sound.  Smoke may also cause the light beam to scatter creating an inconsistent pattern on the photocell causing the smoke alarm to sound.  Photoelectric chambers can detect a smoldering fire faster than most ionization type smoke alarms.

Smoke alarms are most commonly seen as battery operated units in older homes.  Battery units are also common in situations were a smoke alarm is added and AC power is not accessible.  AC units power the smoke alarm with standard AC current from the homes wiring.  AC units are common in newer homes.  Current new construction code requires smoke alarms to be AC with a battery built into the unit as a back up power source.

Current smoke alarms used in new construction homes are AC and battery combination units as stated above.  They also require a dual sensing smoke alarm unit.  The most common dual sensing combination is either photoelectric and ionization or a combination ionization and carbon monoxide unit.

Carbon monoxide also called the invisible killer, is odorless and colorless gas.  Carbon monoxide is most commonly created in the home when unburnt or improperly vented heating equipment releases the gas.  Carbon monoxide can be created from natural gas heaters, wood burners, and oil burners.  Carbon monoxide can also enter the home from the exhaust of a running vehicle or generator.

Carbon monoxide effect some people easier than others.  People such as elderly, pregnant women, infants, and people with emphysema, asthma, or heart disease can suffer the effects of carbon monoxide much quicker than a healthy person.

We can install most major brands of smoke alarms.  We offer smoke alarm installation for Kiddie and First Alert.  In addition to Kiddie and First alert, we also offer smoke alarm installation for USI, and BRK smoke alarms.  We offer smoke alarm installation for AC units with batter backup, AC only units, and battery only units.  We highly recommended the AC with battery backup units for superior performance.  We also offer smoke alarm installation for interconnected units.  This type is highly recommended.  They function as following:  When one smoke alarm unit goes into alarm mode it causes the other smoke alarms to sound an alarm.  If access limits being able to connect the smoke alarm units we offer a wireless type smoke alarm installation to insure the units are properly interconnected.

Anyone who has a security system installed on their premises knows exactly how much of research they have conducted before deciding which one to opt for. If you check what’s available in the market, you will find there really is an expansive range of security solutions to choose from, in varying price ranges. In many ways, this wide choice makes the decision more difficult. It’s probably why many people settle for devices that have the most advanced technology.

Unfortunately, that isn’t the end of the story! It doesn’t take too long for security technology to become outdated and get nudged out of the picture by newer, state-of-the-art, security systems. But you can’t really switch to the new technology that easily, even if you want to. After all, the security system you get installed represents a significant investment and you want to be able to use it for as long as you are able to.

If you are considering getting a security system for the first time, or are upgrading to a new one, there are certain things you should keep in view:

While all these factors are important, it’s also extremely important to ensure that the wiring in your home is completely synched to your security needs in the future. Technologies are always in evolve-mode. It’s difficult enough to accommodate the varied equipment that is an integral part of most households. But when you throw in security system-related wiring requirements, you might just be in for some unpleasant surprises, if you don’t keep your future needs in view.

When you are adding a new security system and upgrading your wiring, think about all the places you would want Ethernet, cable, Internet or any other wiring installations and how those needs may change in the future. The wiring you get done now, should keep these things in view. This will help make your security system more future proof than it already is.

For more security system wiring ideas and the best electrical solutions, call Allround Electrical at 1300 169 263. You can also drop us a line via email.

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Install the service panel at a convenient location that is also secured so that only authorized people have access to it. The electrical panel is sized according to the environment as well. In many commercial wiring schematics, where each tenant has separate cabling and metering, the panel should provide for this. All panels and metering are typically installed in one location with an outline of which components are related to each apartment, floor or condo. There should be adequate electrical outlets to avoid using extension cords. It is important to ensure the layout and spacing complies with the relevant electrical standards.

A tenant may carry out renovations and wish to add electrical outlets to other locations not served by the initial outlets. Before making the modifications, the tenant should confirm that the panel and conductors have the capacity to handle extra outlets, lights or additional loads. This can be confirmed by the building owner, a qualified electrician, or electrical contractor who carried out the initial wiring. If the wiring is not adequate, additional cabling and protection may be required.

Electrical Safety in a commercial building is usually very critical to any building owner or caretaker, as well as business owners or tenants. They must ensure the safety of the people working on the premises as well as the visitors and customers. To minimize the risk of accidents and injuries, the building owner should make sure that the electrical wiring is up to date. This includes regular maintenance. Three phase power should comply with all electrical and building codes for that area. In particular, the people responsible must focus on ensuring that:

A comprehensive inspection of a commercial installation of electrical wiring should be carried out every 5 years by a qualified electrician. However, it is important to have regular inspections in between that identify defects and enable prompt repairs. A building owner must ensure the safety of the tenants, employees, and visitors while also guaranteeing uninterruptible supply to the premises.