Ecmweb 17849 Service Secrets Talbot Pr
Ecmweb 17849 Service Secrets Talbot Pr
Ecmweb 17849 Service Secrets Talbot Pr
Ecmweb 17849 Service Secrets Talbot Pr
Ecmweb 17849 Service Secrets Talbot Pr

How You and Smoke Detectors Can Help Save Lives

Sept. 20, 2018
When it comes to smoke detection, sometimes you don’t get a do-over.

The leading cause of death related to fires is smoke inhalation. Components of smoke can also lead to short- and long-term chronic health issues, even if exposure is brief. The risks are real, so why take a chance on your clients inhaling smoke during a hazardous condition?

For many years, NFPA 72, also known as the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, has required as a minimum that smoke alarms be installed inside every sleep room — even for existing homes — in addition to requiring them outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Fires can occur in a variety of ways and in any room of a home. A smoke alarm is necessary for the early detection of a fire and could mean the difference between life and death. Smoke alarms detect most fires more rapidly than heat detectors. There are currently three types of smoke alarms on the market: ionization, photoelectric, and combination ionization/photoelectric.

Here at Mister Sparky, we decided to do our own test, and what we found may scare you. We placed a smoldering piece of couch cushion in a fish tank and covered it up with an ionization smoke detector. Much to our surprise, the smoke detector never went off. After searching for answers, we discovered that there are several types of smoke. Some of the types of smoke and their characteristics include:

Wet

• Plastics and rubbers

• Low heat

• Smoldering

• Pungent odor

• Sticky/smeary

Dry

• Paper and wood

• Fast burning

• High temperatures

• Heat rises, therefore the smoke rises

Protein

• Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible

• Discolors paints and varnishes

• Extremely pungent odor

When it comes to smoke detection, you don’t get a do-over. So, invest in a smoke detector that distinguishes as many forms of smoke as possible.

Sadly, many people don’t think about smoke detection until they hear of someone dying of smoke inhalation or a fire. Recently, a friend posted a heart-breaking story on social media: A family lost three of their four children in a house fire that started in the middle of the night. After seeing this family go through the worst time of their lives, I have resolved that it’s worth the investment in my technicians to go the extra mile and offer smoke detectors on each and every call. Below is a list of fire safety tips that your techs should implement daily:

1. Offer smoke detectors on every call (no excuses).

2. Check existing smoke detectors with a can of actual smoke, not just by pressing the test button.

3. When performing home inspections, make sure to look for anything that could cause a fire if left unrepaired or unattended.

4. Space heaters must be installed safely and on their own circuit.

5. Check the breaker box for evidence of circuits overheating.

6. Heat scan all electrical devices and motors to make sure heat is within the acceptable range.

7. Ensure all connections are mechanically sound.

8. Educate clients on dangerous types of panels and aluminum wiring.

Talbot is a licensed, master electrician in Georgia, where he was born and raised. He has been in the industry for 17 years and is currently the operations manager for Mister Sparky Atlanta, where he manages a team of technicians. In his spare time, he plays with his kids, volunteers, and is flipping his fourth house. He can be reached at [email protected].

About the Author

Gerald Talbot | Operations Manager

Gerald is a licensed, master electrician in Georgia, where he was born and raised. He has been in the industry for 17 years and is currently the operations manager for Mister Sparky Atlanta, where he manages a team of technicians.

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