How often should I replace my smoke alarms?

It's generally recommended that smoke alarms be replaced every ten years. Depending on their location and upkeep, smoke alarms can wear out over time. If you're unsure when a smoke alarm was installed or if you believe it's close to approaching its ten year end of life cycle, you should replace it immediately.

Where should I install smoke alarms?

Early detection of smoke, carbon monoxide, and natural gas is key to saving lives. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends the following placement:

• Every Level: Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home, including finished attics and basements.
• Sleeping Areas: You are also encouraged to install a smoke detector inside every bedroom (or areas where people may sleep).
• Stairways: Place alarms at the top of certain stairways to ensure rising smoke is detected early.

Do I need four kinds of detectors or can one do it all?

You never know what kind of hazard will strike your home, or when. That's why we recommend technology that can detect carbon monoxide (CO) and natural gas as well as smoke and fire. You'll get the most protection from detectors that can quickly and accurately respond to a range of threats.

What are "nuisance alarms"? Why are they a concern?

A smoke alarm that goes off when there's no emergency is annoying. According to the NFPA, these “nuisance alarms” are the leading reason why homeowners intentionally disable their smoke detectors. Almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no working smoke alarms.

What is the total number of smoke alarms or devices I can interconnect?

The NFPA 72 standard allows for a maximum of 24 devices in an interconnected system:

• Alarm Limit: Up to 12 smoke alarms and up to 6 other alarms (heat or carbon monoxide) for a total of 18 alarms.
• Relay Modules: Up to an additional 6 relay modules may be interconnected for a maximum of 24 devices.
• Compatibility Caution: USI alarms and accessories should only be interconnected with other USI devices to avoid nuisance alarms or damage.
• Power Safety: All interconnected alarms should be powered by the same circuit breaker and not a circuit protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter.

What is Universal Smoke Sensing Technology?

New Universal Smoke Sensing Technology alarms have been tested to respond to both fast flaming and slow smoldering fires faster than normal ionization or photoelectric alarms. Responding 87% faster to slow-smoldering fires, these are the fastest available alarms in today's market.

What are new Sensing Plus® Smoke Alarms?

These alarms conform to the new UL 217 8th Edition standards with several key enhancements:

• Enhanced Detection: Identifies smoke and fire without triggering nuisance alarms from cooking smoke and steam.
• Multi-Criteria AI: Differentiates and responds to both fast flaming and slow smoldering fires, including polyurethane fires.
• Built-in Microprocessor: Removes virtually all false alarms caused by cooking, providing an intelligent alert system.