Smoke alarms and smoke detectors are an essential part of the American household, just as a stove or a ventilation system is. Why? That is because household fires can easily start with one minor mistake, and spread quite fast, given the materials of furnishings and even construction like drywalls for instance. Thus to prevent any hazardous incidents, that can otherwise be easily controlled, installing smoke alarms and detectors around the premises is an absolute necessity.
With our homes being centrally air-conditioned or just by having air conditioners installed, there also arises the issue of carbon monoxide leaks. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that is inhaled in large amounts can be quite lethal to humans and animals alike. Installing carbon monoxide detectors should also be a priority, and what better than getting a smoke detector that also serves as a carbon monoxide detector?
Smart Smoke Detector
A smart smoke detector is potentially the best kind of smoke detector to exist. And we say that because this device not only takes home safety up a notch but it also has the ability to detect carbon monoxide leaks. These wireless smoke and carbon monoxide detectors also come in wired variants, and at reasonable prices given the technology they feature.
So why are smart smoke detectors better than ordinary ones? Smart smoke detectors have a wider range when it comes to detecting any potential threats. They can pick up on anything from smoldering fires to fast-burning ones, and even carbon monoxide leaks. Once detected, these devices are connected via Wi-Fi to our smartphones and tablets, even voice assistants, and can alert you immediately to any sort of danger. This gives you a head start into tackling the issue beforehand, whether you are present at home or away.
With wired smart smoke detectors there is the advantage of the fact that they are all interconnected; meaning if one alarm were to go off, they all do as opposed to the battery operated (wireless) ones that work individually. Nonetheless, getting real-time alerts does the trick!
How to Install a Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector At Home
Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how you can install a smoke and carbon monoxide detector in your home, all by yourself. With wired ones however, if you are not too sure about installation it’s best to call in a professional.
Installing a wired smoke and CO detector:
- Considering wired smoke detectors require working around electrical wires, the first thing you must do is shut off the power supply to the power outlets where you would install these, from the main circuit breaker to avoid any problems.
- If there isn’t already a smoke detector in place, you must first install the mounting plate of the one you are planning on installing. Place the mounting plate around the outlet with the opening in the middle through which the wires can pass through, and mark the spaces where it needs to be screwed into.
- Screw in the mounting plate. However if there already was a smoke detector in place that you were planning on replacing, then first remove that device and its mounting plate to make space for your new one.
- Once the mounting plate is installed, gently take the wiring out of the opening of the plate.
- Connect your smoke detector with the wiring behind the device as instructed.
- When the wires have been connected, place the device into the mounting plate to fix it in. You may have to gently push it in to fix it in place.
- Once the smoke detector is fixed in place, you can switch the power back on from the main circuit breaker, and when the lights begin to blink, your device is ready to do the work!
Installing a battery-operated (wireless) smoke detector:
When it comes to installing a wireless smoke detector, it is pretty easy to do so by yourself – no need to call in a professional since there are no wires or electricity that needs to be tampered with. Follow the same steps as mentioned above, without having to connect the device to any wires in the outlet, and the smoke detector will be ready to use within a matter of minutes.
Installing smart smoke detectors:
When installing a smart smoke detector, wired or wireless, the process is the same as you would install a regular one. With smart smoke detectors however, after installation the device has to be configured through their mobile applications. Connect the device to the Wi-Fi network at home, and use the app to set up your device.
Carbon monoxide detectors are as important as smoke alarms, and if you were to find a device that is inclusive of both then what’s better than that? These gas leaks often times go undetected and what follows can be a big health hazard for those within the home.
If you’re thinking of investing in a smart smoke and carbon monoxide detector, head on over to FirstEnergy’s website www.firstenergyhome.com. You’ll find a whole lot of smart home products in addition to these!
I am Donovan and my love is writing about home improvement. I write mostly about home ideas, but also share some tips and tricks that can make your life easier when it comes to getting things done in the house.
