milt cawley riverview fire and rescue residential smoke alarm installation nbafpo spring seminar st....

Milt Cawley

Riverview Fire and Rescue

Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

NBAFPO Spring Seminar St. Andrews, NB

Albert County Heat Detector

Save money on batteries! if it starts a-poppin, grab the kids and RUN!

Do I Need a Smoke Alarm?Working Smoke Alarms can cut the

chance of dying in a home fire nearly in half

They provide extra “critical time for safe escape.

Most home fires occur at night when people are sleeping.

Most home fire deaths result from fires in homes with no working smoke alarms


We Will Cover:What smoke alarms are

Types of smoke alarm sensors

Installation of Smoke Alarms

Maintenance of smoke alarms and detectors

What nuisance alarms are and some steps that can be taken to avoid them

Some problems that affect smoke alarms

Smoke Alarms Are…Electronic devices designed to

detect the presence of a fire and sound an alarm

They generally consist of:One or more sensors A triggering circuitAn alarm amplifier and hornA power supply

Purpose of Smoke AlarmsDetect presence of combustion products

Provide warning to persons in the structure (and, in some cases, to remote monitoring stations)Primary purpose of warning is to facilitate escape of

persons in the structureSecondary purpose is to initiate an early response by

Fire Department

Smoke Detectors Are Used In…

Industrial Facilities

Storage and Shipping Facilities

Office Buildings

Retail Stores

Smoke Alarms Are Used In…

Residential Facilities and Private HomesIn this seminar we will focus primarily on residential

smoke alarms

Smoke Alarm Vs Smoke DetectorMisconceptionsThe terms smoke alarm and smoke detector sometimes are used interchangeably to refer to smoke alarms. Although similar the two terms refer to different pieces of equipment.

SMOKE ALARMS are self-contained units with a sensor that detects smoke, and an audio and/or visual stimulus to alert occupants of a fire.

SMOKE DETECTORS are not self-contained and must be wired with an additional alarm system to alert individuals in an emergency.

Self-Contained AlarmsMost commonly found in single-family dwellings

and small apartment buildings

Seldom linked to fire suppression or external notification systems

Linked independent alarms are becoming more common in new construction

Types of Smoke Alarm SensorsThere are two primary types of smoke alarm

sensors:Ionization sensorsPhotoelectric sensors

Some alarms also include other types of safety sensors, such as heat sensors, or carbon monoxide sensors

Ionization SensorsBest at detecting fast, flaming fires like grease

fires

Detect combustion particles of .01 to 3 microns (an average human hair is about 90 microns)

Most sensitive to dark or black smoke

Sensitive to steam, so they may produce false alarms if installed near kitchens or bathrooms

How Ionization Sensors WorkUse a weak radiation source (Americium 241)

to ionize the air in a detector chamber

The ionized air conducts an electrical current

The detector circuit senses this current; if it is present, the alarm does not sound

Smoke particles interfere with the current flow; when the current is reduced, the alarm sounds

Ionization Sensor Illustration

Photoelectric SensorsBest at detecting slow, smoldering fires like

furniture ignited by a cigarette

Detect combustion particles of .3 to 10 microns

Most sensitive to light gray smoke

Not very sensitive to steam, so they are better for use near kitchens or bathrooms

Higher power requirements than ionization

How Photoelectric Sensors WorkAn LED creates a beam of infrared light in the

detector chamber

The detector circuit senses this light; if it is present, the alarm does not sound

Smoke particles scatter the light, and reduce the amount that reaches the detector; when the amount of light is reduced, the alarm sounds

Photoelectric Sensor Illustration

Smoke Alarm Power SourcesAC power (“hard wired”) – linked to normal AC

wiring systemMost new detectors have a battery backup in case

AC power fails

Batteries 9 volt carbon zinc (“general purpose”)

9 volt alkaline

9 volt lithium (“ten year battery”)

AC PowerMost dependable (at least if backup batteries

are maintained properly)

Cost-competitive with battery power for new construction but expensive to retrofit in older buildings

Battery (DC) PowerFairly dependable if batteries are checked and

replaced consistently

Inexpensive and easy to install, even in older buildings

Often used as the primary power source for self-contained independent alarms

Smoke Alarm MaintenanceSmoke Alarms require

regular maintenance, which includes:Maintenance of Power Supply

Cleaning of Sensor and Air Passages

Regular Testing

Replacement of outdated Alarms

Power Supply MaintenanceFor AC powered alarms:

Check AC power supply monthly (or more often)Replace backup batteries as recommended by the

alarm manufacturer

For battery powered alarms:Test alarm monthly (or as directed by manufacturer) Replace batteries:

Every six months for general purpose or alkaline batteries When alarm signals low battery or fails test for lithium

batteries

Cleaning Smoke AlarmsFor a smoke alarm to work properly, air

must be able to flow through the detector chamber and the chamber must be free of dust and dirt

A dirty detector chamber will:Reduce alarm sensitivityIncrease the chance of a nuisance alarm

Clean the detector by vacuuming the exterior of the alarm with a vacuum nozzleIf this isn’t an option, dust the outside of the

alarm housing

Smoke Alarm TestingAlarms should be tested monthly,

or more often if the manufacturer or codes requireMonthly by pushing test button

At least annually (more often recommended) by using spray or the smoke from a candle

One of the most common reasons for failed smoke alarms is a lack of regular testing

Smoke Alarm TestingDo not use the test button.

• The test button is not sufficient. It only confirms that the batteries can sound the alarm horn. It does not test the smoke sensor in the unit, which could be faulty even if the horn sounds when you push the button.

Smoke Alarm TestingUse a small spray can of smoke detector test aerosol.

• Just spray some of the test material into the detector, and wait 5 to 10 seconds for a response. If the alarm sounds, you know the unit will sound in a fire. If not, you have a non- functioning smoke detector, even if it beeps when you push the button. Try changing the batteries, then repeat the test procedure. If that does not get it working, it is useless..

Smoke Alarm Testing

Do NOT use a flame for testing a Smoke Alarm

Smoke Alarm Testing

Always follow the manufacturers instructions on installing, testing, replacing and maintaining smoke alarms

Replacing Outdated AlarmsThe recommended service life for most smoke alarms

is ten yearsAfter that point, electronic failure becomes likely

If the alarm is self-contained, the entire alarm should be replaced

Nuisance AlarmsNuisance alarms occur when the alarm sounds without

a fire being presentOften called “false alarms,” but in most cases they’re

not – the alarm does detect something

Usually caused by exposing the alarm to smoke, combustion products or steamFrom tobacco smokersFrom wood-burning stoves or fireplaces From kitchens and bathrooms

Reducing Nuisance AlarmsLocate alarms and sensors

away from areas where they will be exposed to smoke, other combustion products or steam

Clean the alarm regularly

Maintain the alarm power supply (low power can sometimes trigger a true “false alarm”)

Avoid activities that trigger the alarm

Problems With Smoke AlarmsLack of Power

Usually due to failure to test alarm and replace battery as needed

Electronic failureRare, but it happens – testing is important!

Deliberately disabled alarmsUsually due to nuisance alarms, but may also be

done to get alarm battery

Ways to Reduce ProblemsTest alarms regularly

Will identify lack of power or electronic failure

Replace batteries as needed

Place alarms properly to avoid nuisance alarms

Seal alarms to protect battery

Other Potential Improvements

Building codes requiring hard-wired (AC) alarms with battery backup

Use of long life lithium batteries (which last up to ten years) instead of general purpose or alkaline batteries

Installing Smoke AlarmsResidential Smoke Alarm Installation


Provisions of NBCAt least one functional smoke alarm on every

occupied level of the homeThis includes basementsIt does not include attics, cellars and other areas that

are not generally occupied, but…You can put an alarm in an area where a fire could

easily start, even if the area is not usually occupied – so long as that area is not too hot, cold or dusty for the alarm

Provisions of NBC 1995(cont.)A smoke alarm should be installed outside each

separate sleeping areaThis does not mean that each bedroom must have

it’s own smoke alarm – one alarm in a hallway between two adjacent bedroom doors is acceptable (for existing structures)

In new construction, (NBC 2010) alarms must be installed in every sleeping room

Main Changes 2010 CodeSmoke alarms shall be installed in each sleeping

room.Shall have a manually operated silencing device to

silence for not more than 10 minutes before resetting and resounding

Sound patterns of smoke shall be T3

What Does T3 MeanT3 is a temporal pattern that consists of 3 beeps and then a pause, then 3 beeps and then a pause....etc. T3 is used for smoke detectors exclusively. T3 is the NFPA standard for new home construction and smoke detectors less than 10 years old could emit the T3 pattern.

Provisions of NBC(cont.)If a smoke alarm is installed in or near a kitchen

the alarm must be photoelectric or have a “silence” button (“hush” button)This is because ionization alarms are very sensitive

to steam

This is also a good idea for alarms installed near bathrooms, though the code doesn’t actually require them to be photoelectric

Provisions of NBC(cont.)All smoke alarms installed in homes should be tested

regularlyMonthly, or more often if the manufacturer recommends it;

many manufacturers recommend weekly tests

All residential smoke alarms should be replaced when they are ten years old

Where more than one smoke alarm is required in a dwelling unit, the smoke alarms shall be wired so that the activation of one alarm will cause all alarms within the dwelling unit to sound.

NFPA 72National Fire Alarm Code

Developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

Covers all types of fire alarm systems in many different types of occupancies we will focus on the standards for residential smoke

alarms

Provisions of NFPA 72 – the National Fire Alarm

Code – that cover residential smoke alarms

Proper smoke alarm selection

Locations where you should – and should not – install residential smoke alarms

Methods for mounting the alarm

The importance of the alarm instructions

The importance of fire safety education

Tips for doing an effective smoke alarm installation and fire safety education visit

Alarm SelectionIf you want to use an alarm with a long life lithium

battery, you will have to use an alarm with an ionization sensorPhotoelectric alarms require more power and are not

currently offered with lithium batteries

Alarm Selection (cont.)If the power source is not a limitation, use the type

of alarm most suitable for the sitePhotoelectric alarms work best in or near kitchens,

bathrooms, laundry rooms and other areas where steam may be present

Both sensor types work well in other areas

Use hardwired (AC powered) linked alarms in new construction

Alarm LocationInstalling smoke alarms in proper locations is

important

Alarms that are installed in the wrong location may:Not provide adequate warning of fire or smoke

Fail prematurely due to heat, cold, etc.

Produce nuisance alarms

Alarm Location (cont.)Install at least one alarm on each occupied level

of the house – including the basement, NBC 1995 refers

Install at least one alarm outside each separate bedroom areaYou may need to install alarms inside a bedroom

in special circumstances, such as where a resident smokes in bed

Alarm Location (cont.)

Example of Separate Sleeping Areas

Smoke Alarm

Alarm Location (cont.)Do not install smoke alarms…

In or near kitchens, bathrooms or laundry rooms, if the alarm has an ionization sensor

In attics, cellars or other areas that become very hot, cold or dusty

On un-insulated exterior walls or ceilings that are not insulated from the roof (the alarm will get too hot and/or cold)

Alarm Location (cont.)Do not install smoke alarms…

In the “dead air zones” that occur within two feet of any corner of a room or hallway

In the “dead air zone” that is found within four inches of the edge of any ceiling, or the top edge of any wall

In any area where air flow is restricted or there is a very strong draft or air flow

Alarm Location (cont.)

Example ofthe “dead airzone” at the boundary between a ceiling anda wall

DEAD AIRZONE

Acceptable mounting locations for smoke alarms

Preferred Placement of AlarmsWhenever possible, install

smoke alarms on ceilingsNear the center of the room is

usually best

If the room has an arched, vaulted or gabled ceiling, put the alarm at or near the highest point of the ceiling

Do not install smoke alarms within four inches of a wall or within two feet of a corner

Wall Installation of AlarmsCeiling installation is preferable, but if it isn’t

practical, smoke alarms may be installed on a wallInstall alarms in the narrow area at least four inches,

but not more than twelve inches, below the ceiling

Remember: do not install a smoke alarm on an un-insulated exterior wall

Follow Manufactures' Instructions

Tips For Placing AlarmsTry to place the alarm where a resident can reach it

for testing and cleaning This may not always be practical in rooms with high

ceilings

Always test the alarm before you attach it to the ceiling or the wallIt is much easier to replace a defective alarm or

battery before the alarm is installed

Mounting Smoke AlarmsThere are two common methods of mounting smoke

alarms to ceilings or wallsUsing screws (generally supplied with the alarm)

Using industrial grade double-sided tape

Alarm Mounting - ScrewsThis is the preferred method of mounting the alarm

It is recommended by the manufacturerScrews will not lose strength over time

Screws are usually included in the smoke alarm packageMasonry anchors are also usually included

Alarm Mounting – Screws (cont.)Mounting process:

Place the alarm base or mounting plate on the ceiling or wall

Mark screw locations and remove the base or mounting plate

Drill pilot holes or masonry anchor holesInsert masonry anchors (if needed)Place alarm base or mounting plateInsert and tighten screws

Why Lock or Seal the Case?It usually isn’t a good idea to lock the case of a

smoke alarm that uses alkaline or general purpose batteries

It may be a good idea to lock or seal the case of a smoke alarm that uses long life lithium batteries, to prevent the battery from being removed to disable the alarm

Smoke Alarm InstructionsSmoke alarms are packed with detailed instructions

These instructions often include sections in different languages

You should read and understand the instructions before installing an alarmYou may have to explain the instructions to residents

in non-technical terms

The Importance of EducationSmoke alarms only do one thing – they detect fire

or smoke and sound an alarm

In order for smoke alarms to be effective, residents must also be educated

They must learn: How to maintain and test the alarm What to do if the alarm sounds How to prevent fires

Education – Alarm MaintenanceSmoke alarms require testing and care

The instructions packed with most smoke alarms are long and complex – many people will not read or understand them

If you install a smoke alarm for someone, you should educate them about how to test and maintain the alarm Simplify the information when needed

SMOKE ALARMS AND RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES

Rechargeable batteries don't give you any warning when they are wearing out and can simply die at the end of their charge.

As a result you will not hear a "chirp" from your smoke alarm to indicate that the battery needs replacing.

A dead battery in your smoke alarm leaves you and your family unprotected. Don't use a rechargeable battery in your smoke alarm.

Education – Escape PlanningA smoke alarm will not help someone who doesn’t know what to do

when the alarm sounds

Every home should have a fire escape plan – and practice it at least yearly

Explain the need for a fire escape plan and how to develop one

Provide details and examples

When purchasing a smoke alarm, look for a product that has been manufactured and tested to an acceptable standard, indicated by a marking for the Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC), or Underwriters Laboratories Incorporated (cUL).

Education – Fire PreventionThe most effective way to survive a residential fire

is to avoid having oneSmoke alarms are effective, but they are no

substitute for fire prevention

Providing fire safety education is an effective way to reduce the risk of fire deathsBe detailed; provide information about “how” as well

as “why” to be safe

Providing Effective EducationTo provide effective education, you must…

Take time to talk - simply handing someone a fist full of brochures is not effective

Give specific examples of ways to be safe:

NOT GOOD: “You should be careful so you don’t have a cooking fire.”

GOOD: “Why don’t you get a kitchen timer that you can set when you put something on the stove, so that you don’t forget that you have something cooking?”

Using Educational MaterialsBrochures and printed handouts can help you

explain important safety informationUse them to supplement, not replace, a discussion –

go through them as you talk and explain the information in them

Printed materials are also good because residents can refer to them later

Tips for Doing InstallationsTake all the tools, supplies, educational materials

and alarms that you may need

Small teams work very wellOne person provides fire safety education while one

or more others install the alarm(s)

Allow plenty of time to do the job properly

Tips for Doing Installations (cont.)Have a legible address and/or directions to the

places where you will install alarmsPhone numbers are also very handy

Wear a uniform or other identification

Never talk about what you see in a home

Do any required paperwork as soon as you finish doing the installation

The Smoke Alarm Installation and Smoke Alarm Campaign

New Brunswick | Firefighters begin door-to-door campaign to test smoke alarms, batteriesPosted by Hal Newman on Mar 14, 2012 in Canada, New Brunswick

Front, from left: acting Fire Marshal Norman Thibodeau; Fire Chief Murray Crouse, Upper Kingsclear Fire Department; Memramcook Fire Chief Raymond LeBlanc, president, New Brunswick Association of Fire Chiefs (NBAFC); Bill Adams, vice-president (Atlantic), Insurance Bureau of Canada; Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General Robert Trevors; Grand Falls Fire Chief Charles Kavanaugh, first vice-president, NBAFC; and Fredericton Fire Chief Philip Toole. Back, from left: Saint Andrews Fire Chief Jeff Cross, president, New Brunswick Association of Fire Prevention Officers; and Oromocto Fire Chief Jody Price, past president, NBAFC.

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Smoke Alarm Campaign Smoke Alarm Installation and Fire Education

Forms used to document smoke alarm installations

Reporting requirements

Application Form – must be completed to participate in the program. Once the FMO receives the completed form, they will send you the smoke alarms and batteries promptly.

Evaluation Form - Once you complete the campaign, the FMO asks you fill out this form and return it by email or fax to your Regional Fire Marshal.

Smoke Alarm Campaign


Riverview Fire & Rescue Milt Cawley

506 387 2202 506 387 2107 Deputy [email protected]

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50

X


Riverview Fire & Rescue Milt Cawley

506 387 2202 506 387 2107 Deputy [email protected]

150

50

50

X

X

Install smoke alarms in homes that do not have functional smoke alarms

Provide fire safety education to the residents of these homes

Provide fire safety education to other people in project communities


Collect information about the percentage of homes with working smoke alarms before and after the project is conducted in a community

Determine whether alarms installed by the project remain functional several months after they are installed


Installation RequirementsWhen installing smoke alarms as part of this project:

Only those alarms needed should be used, but the home should meet the standards of NBC when the installation is complete

The residents should receive education in fire prevention, escape plans and alarm care


Installation Requirements

Ask resident if we can check their smoke detector. Explain to that this is not a fire inspection.

If they don’t have a detector, give them one and Offer to install it if refused explain where they should install it.

If the person is a Senior or Handicapped install the detector for them.


Installation RequirementsMake sure that all of the smoke detectors in the

residence are working (use smoke spray)

If not replace Battery (in one unit only, the detector outside of the sleeping area).

Still not working replace the detector (Make sure that the new detector is placed outside of the sleeping area).


Installation Requirements If the detector looks old (7 years +) inform the resident

that smoke detectors only have a life span of 7-10 years. It is the occupants responsibility to replace the detector(s) if it falls within this time period. DO NOT LEAVE A NEW DETECTOR

In newer homes it is a requirement that there should be a detector on each level of the home. The detectors shall be hardwired (110v) and interconnected. If you test the one in the basement the one on the uppermost level should sound.


Installation RequirementsHardwired detectors have the same life span as battery

detectors.

Tell the resident that the detector requires some simple maintenance to work properly. At least once every 6 months they should be vacuumed to remove the dust and other debris that may block the smoke chamber. They should also replace the batteries at least twice a year.


VACUUM YOUR SMOKE ALARMS

Installation RequirementsGive one smoke detector per household (Only if they

don’t have one, or, the ONE they have does not work).

Only replace one battery in a household. i.e. If they have 4 detectors only replace the battery in the detector outside of the sleeping area.



1. Protect yourself and your family. Install smoke alarms

2. Smoke alarms save lives.Most fatal fires occur at night when people are asleep. Often, victims never wake up. A working smoke alarm will detect smoke and sound an alarm to alert you, giving you precious time to escape.

10 Rules


3. Buying the best alarm (for your situation).There are many types of smoke alarms, each with different features. Alarms can be electrically connected, battery powered or a combination of both. This combination - and a hush feature to reduce nuisance alarms - are highly recommended

4. One smoke alarm is not enough.Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and near sleeping areas. If you or your loved ones sleep with bedroom doors closed, install an alarm inside each bedroom.

10 Rules


5. Where to install smoke alarms.Because smoke rises, you should place alarms on the ceiling. If you cannot do this, place them high up on a wall, according to manufacturer's instructions. There are certain locations to avoid such as near bathrooms, heating appliances, windows, or close to ceiling fans.

6. Test your smoke alarm regularly.Every month, test your smoke alarms, using the alarm test button. Test your alarms regularly using smoke from a smouldering cotton string. Follow your owner's manual.

10 Rules


7. Change your clock, change your battery.Install a new battery of the proper type at least once a year. If the low battery warning beeps, replace the battery immediately. We change our clocks each spring and fall so this a good time to change your smoke alarm batteries too.

8. Gently vacuum alarm every six months.Dust can clog a smoke alarm, so carefully vacuum the inside of a battery powered unit using the soft bristle brush. If electrically connected, shut off the power and vacuum the outside vents only. Restore power and test unit when finished.

10 Rules

9. Smoke alarms don't last forever.Smoke alarms do wear out, so if you think your alarms are more than 10 years old, replace them with new ones. Why not replace them with long-life smoke alarms that will eliminate the need for annual battery replacement and the potential hazard of dead batteries for up to 10 years.

10. Plan your escape.Make sure that everyone knows the sound of the smoke alarm and what to do if a fire occurs. Regularly practice your home fire escape plan. Know two ways out of every room and have a pre-arranged meeting place outside. Once out, stay out and call the fire department from a neighbour's home.

10 Rules

Summary and ReviewTypes of smoke alarm sensors and power supplies

The difference between self-contained, linked and central station alarms

Smoke alarm testing and maintenance

How to minimize nuisance alarms

Summary and Review (cont.)

Where smoke alarms should – and should not – be installed in a home

NBC requirements for residential alarms

Methods for installing smoke alarms

How and why to lock smoke alarm cases

Why fire safety education is important

What the Smoke alarm project is

What alarms and materials are used by the project

Summary and Review (cont.)

Summary and Review (cont.)Smoke Alarm are designed to be as maintenance-free as

possible, but there are a few simple things you must do to keep it working properly:Test it at least once a month using test button and at least every

year with a smoking candle or string.

Gently vacuum

When the battery becomes weak, the smoke alarm will “chirp” about once a minute replace the battery immediately to continue your protection.

Never paint your smoke alarm.

Replace a smoke alarm after 10 years



No Excuses

A tour of a cemetery shows the graves of people who died because they didn't have smoke alarms. ...

No ...Excuses

Questions or Comments?

milt cawley riverview fire and rescue residential smoke alarm installation nbafpo spring seminar st....

Documents

residential smoke alarms

purpose of smoke alarms

smoke detectors

terms smoke alarm

ionization slide

nb slide

sound smoke particles

power supply slide