With all the recent wildfire devastation taking place on the other side of the country, it is wise to review your commercial fire safety codes and systems for Indiana. One of the most basic and life-saving devices your commercial property or office should have is a smoke alarm. There are two main types of smoke detector technologies accepted today: ionization smoke alarms and photoelectric smoke alarms.
Continue reading to learn about each type of smoke detecting device, as well as, the general rule of thumb for installing smoke detection systems in your commercial building.
How Smoke Alarms Work
Photoelectric smoke alarms use light coupled with a sensor to detect smoke. When smoke enters the chamber, it causes the light to scatter, which triggers the alarm to ring. In contrast, ionization smoke alarms are designed containing a minor amount of radioactive material that ionizes the space between two electrically charged plates, which then stimulates a current to flow between them. When smoke enters the chamber of the device, the current that keeps the ions flowing becomes disrupted, which sets off the alarm.
U.S. Fire Administration Recommendation
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, nearly 96% of all commercial buildings have ionization smoke alarm systems. However, they strongly recommended to have both types of alarms installed in your commercial property or office. That is because they each use a specific technology that detects different types of smoke and fire, giving you a faster alert and reaction rate. For instance, photoelectric smoke alarms are good at detecting smoldering fires, while ionization smoke alarms react faster to the smoke produced by flaming fires.
Tips for Smoke Detector Installation
You can purchase two different types of smoke alarm systems, but you also have the option of choosing a dual sensor smoke detector with both ionization and photoelectric technology. Once you have your chosen smoke detectors, you are ready to install them. If you are not familiar with handyman work, it is recommended to hire a licensed commercial general contractor in Indianapolis for help ensuring your systems are installed properly and up to code.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests that a smoke alarm should be installed in every occupational room or area of a commercial building or business, as well as, outside of each enclosed room, on every level or floor, and even in basements and lower levels of the building. On the main floors where there are enclosed rooms or offices, smoke alarms should be installed in a central space, as well as, the near the stairs to the upper and lower levels of the buildings. Elevators must also be equipped with smoke alarm devices.
For smoke alarms that are designed for wall mounting, be sure to install them high on the wall, but no more than a foot away from the ceiling. Ceiling smoke alarms should be strictly used for ceilings only. Avoid mounting smoke detectors within 36 inches of hot kitchen appliances or machinery in order to prevent false alerts. Furthermore, do not install them near doors, windows, or vents, since air currents can interrupt the devices ability to detect smoke or fire.
A very important rule of thumb that is also strongly recommended by the NFPA is to have all your smoke alarms interconnected; this way, when one is set off, all others are set off at the same time, thus increasing reaction times. This can be done either by hardwiring or wireless technology. If you are unfamiliar with how to do this, it is suggested to hire a professional commercial facility maintenance contractor for help installing your smoke detector systems in your commercial building.
Commercial General Contracting and Facility Maintenance in Central Indiana
Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for professional commercial general contracting and facility maintenance services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding areas. Our building maintenance programs are guaranteed to preserve and improve function, utility, and ultimately, value. We serve all corporate, commercial, and industrial industries, and can get you started with a consultation as soon as today!
