Q: "The new regulations in our town require carbon monoxide alarms installed in all new houses and rental properties. I am looking to replace my smoke alarms since they are almost 10 years old. Don't smoke alarms go off when carbon monoxide levels are high? Why do I need more alarms?" Thanks. Tom
Answer: The sensors are different for smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and combustible gas alarms (for propane, lp or natural gas). Until recently, some towns did not require the other two alarms. In fact currently the propane and natural gas alarms remain optional and virtually unknown except when a home or building explodes due to build up of combustible gasses.
There are several kinds of smoke alarm sensors available: ionization and photoelectric. It is best to have both kinds of alarms in your home.
Here are some examples of the choices we offer in Kidde Smoke Alarms and BRK alarms:
- The Kidde Fire Sentry Smoke Alarm i9040E is an ionization sensor alarm that operates via one 9volt battery. There are 120VAC units such as the FireX/Kidde I5000 FADC which has a 10 year warranty and hard-wired to 120VAC. It has a 9V battery backup in case of power failure. It has a front loading battery door and can be used as a single station or multiple station unit, i.e. connects with other units in your home or business. This unit is great if you have a new home and can wire the appropriate connectors.
- Otherwise a better choice is the Kidde Wireless RF Hardwired Interconnected Smoke Alarm with Battery Back -Up. The new wireless technology uses a radio frequency to both transmit and receive messages about a hazard in the home; when one alarm sounds, all will sound. This also has a ten year warranty.
- The Kidde Silhouette is a low profile AC/DC powered, ionization smoke alarm that operates on a 120V power source with a sealed rechargeable battery backup.
- Photoelectric Smoke Alarm AC / DC Battery Backup - BRK 7010B UL 217 standard.Dust cover * Single button test / silence feature * 9V battery backup * Alarm indication * Photoelectric sensing chamber * Perfect mount keeps alarm secure over a wide rotation range * 10 year limited warranty * Optipath 360 technology.
Most homes need at least 4 smoke alarms.
Thanks for your question.
Sincerely,
Barbara