THE ABC'S OF FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS — PART 41: RESIDENTIAL SMOKE ALARMS

摘要

The term "smoke detector" has been widely used, but a smoke detector is a device that is designed for connection to a fire alarm system, which, in turn, has its own alarm sounding devices. Residential units have their own sounders, so properly, they should be referred to as "smoke alarms." Residential smoke alarms have been in a state of flux for a couple of decades. With the advent of microchips, these devices have been available at bargain prices. On the other hand, the old saying "you get what you pay for" comes in to play. From the 1970s onward, battery operated units have been universally available and they undoubtedly saved many lives. Conversely they have also cost many lives, since seventy-nine percent of injuries resulting from residential building fires involved smoke inhalation and thermal burns.