By: Angy Steiner, Director of Sales, Electrical Division, Resideo Technologies, Inc.
Home safety is a priority for every homeowner, meaning it should be a priority for builders and installers as well. Homeowners trust that builders will make their spaces not only functional and aesthetically pleasing, but also fortified with the latest safety measures in mind. Fire safety, in particular, is critical, as a fire can spread within minutes, causing irreversible damage to both property and lives. In fact, on average, a fire department responds to a fire somewhere in the U.S. every 21 seconds, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Builders and installers have a responsibility to implement effective fire prevention strategies from the ground up, ensuring that the homes they work on are protected against this potential threat.
Whole-Home Alerts
It’s vital to start by making sure the home is equipped with the appropriate fire protection. An effective fire safety system helps alert everyone in the house, no matter which room they are in. Fires can break out in isolated parts of the home, like attics or basements, where people are less likely to notice them. Single station alarms may be limited by their inability to alert all occupants in all areas of the home simultaneously, especially in larger homes. For this reason, builders should prioritize incorporating interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, which offer a superior level of detection and warning.
Emphasis on Interconnectivity
As homeowners and builders alike continue to seek efficient and reliable solutions, interconnected smoke and CO alarms remain go-to options for comprehensive home coverage. These devices not only detect early signs of danger but also communicate with each other, creating an interconnected network of alarms that enhances awareness in emergency fire or CO situations. When one alarm is triggered, all alarms in the home sound simultaneously, helping ensure that everyone in the household is alerted, regardless of where the fire starts. This interconnected system provides a seamless safety net, significantly reducing response times and helping to save lives by giving occupants more time to evacuate.
Seamless Integration and Evolution
When selecting smoke and CO alarms, pros should look for features that simplify installation and enhance compatibility with modern electrical systems. For example, BRK’s Precision Detection smoke and combination smoke and CO alarms are designed with builders and installers in mind, offering a range of features that meet their needs. Older models and newer Precision Detection models use the same wiring harness, making replacement and installation easy and ensuring builders and contractors don’t have to learn a new wiring system. Additionally, these alarms require no extra parts, streamlining the installation process. They also seamlessly integrate with existing BRK/First Alert alarms, making them ideal for renovations or expansions, and adaptors are available for unified integration with other brands.
Early Warning, Decreased False Alarms
BRK’s Precision Detection alarms meet the latest industry standards and are equipped with advanced sensing technology that provides homeowners with early warning in the case of a fire emergency. This updated technology also reduces nuisance alarms due to its ability to better distinguish between cooking smoke/steam and a fire emergency. Additionally, because BRK’s hardwired alarms can be interconnected, when one alarm is triggered, all alarms throughout the home will sound, helping to provide more comprehensive detection and warning.
BRK’s Precision Detection alarms are equipped with the latest smoke sensing technology and offer a significant range of features, meaning builders or remodelers can choose from a variety of options, including ionization, photoelectric or dual-sensor alarms; 10-year sealed battery alarms; or hardwire alarms with battery backup or with 10-year sealed battery – providing the flexibility to select the right solution for each project. In battery-operated models, the battery drawers are on the side of the alarms, making them easy to change.
For more information, visit brkelectronics.com.
Angy Steiner is director of sales for the electrical division of Resideo Products & Solutions. Steiner has decades of experience serving the needs of professionals in the residential building industry, with a keen focus on fire safety and indoor air quality devices. Trained in management and communications, Steiner brings added expertise in the HVAC, plumbing and MRO businesses specializing in wholesale distribution. You can reach her at [email protected].
