How To Install A Smoke Alarm

There are a number of different steps and tools involved within detect smoke alarm installations. Also, know that it is needed that the system has to be installed 300-500mm away from the wall.

The following tools needed for installing smoke alarms are either already available or are cheap to purchase:

• Drill
• Driver
• Tape Measurer
• Ladder
• Pencil
• Safety Glasses

Even though the steps are simple there can still be some dangers involved within the process. The main ones are dealing with the drill and the driver which safety glasses are needed. Be careful not to touch the moving part as this can cause major cuts and issues.

Moreover, when drilling into ceilings and alike, be careful that the debris coming out from the ceiling does not make contact with the eye. Lastly, if on a ladder, make certain that the area around it is clear of clutter and danger. For if the case that the ladder tips over, there would be nothing to harmfully fall on.

1. While on the ladder, use a pencil to mark at least 300-500mm off the wall
2. Place the template/ base of the smoke alarm against the ceiling to then mark the fixing points on the ceiling for where the screws will be inserted
3. Use a 3mm drill bit to drill the holes into the ceiling
4. If drilling into plater rather than hardwood, use plasterboard anchor points screwed into the holes to keep it secure
5. Place the plate back onto the ceiling and place by hand the screws into the hole
6. Use the driver to have the screws drilled into the ceiling
7. Insert the battery into the actual smoke alarm
8. Slot/ slide the smoke alarm into the plate that has been properly and securely ben installed on the ceiling
9. Test to see if the smoke alarm works by pressing the “test” button, if flashing then it is working

The ideal smoke detector locations within a residential building include the following:

• All Bedrooms
• Living Area
• Dining Area
• Hallways
• Ceiling at Head of Stairway (multi-level homes)

Where to avoid installing a smoke alarm to reduce the chance of a false alarm:

• Near Air Conditioners
• Close to Heaters
• In the Vicinity of a Fan
• Within Bathrooms (Steam)
• In Kitchens (Steam)

There are overall three main types of smoke detectors with there also being some additional features that can be included.

Smoke detectors which use a battery work independently and not with the other smoke alarms. Being easily installable in any location, the battery-powered detectors come in two variations: 9V Battery and 10-year lithium-ion battery.

Being connected to the main electrical switchboard, they receive constant electricity. In the case of a power outage, a back-up battery is also included within the appliance. The difference is that a licensed electrician can only work with installing these types of smoke alarms, however.

Advised for larger/ multi-storey homes, these systems will beep the alarm sound across the whole building. They are connected to the mains power or the battery operator and overall are encouraged the most for being installed in a building.

Test buttons are advised when purchasing a smoke alarm because it can provide a clear indication that the smoke alarm works. These buttons can include a sensor, however, regularly ensuring they work is highly recommended. Here are some other small features that can come along with a smoke alarm:

• Escape lights can flash when evacuations occur to be of assistance
• Hush buttons allow for false smoke alarms to be silenced for a few minutes
• Insect screens can prevent insects from creating a false alarm and setting it off
• A light can be included that advises when replacing the battery inside is needed