Technical questions

Q: What to take into consideration when purchasing a smoke detector?

There are approximately 10 000 fires a year. Not only does the heat of the fire cause casualties, but the smoke in particular is deadly ! Especially if the fire breaks out at night. Therefore, it's crucial you invest in a good smoke detector , hang it in the right place and test it regularly . That way you can go to bed with an easy mind. A few guidelines: Buy an optical smoke detector . An ionization smoke alarm contains a radioactive source that continuously emits alpha particles. Under current legislation, it is no longer permitted to install ionisation smoke detectors in your home. Purchase a smoke alarm with the required CE label and EN14604 certificate (European Standard). Certain smoke alarms have a (non-replaceable) battery with a life span of 5 or 10 years . They cost more, but you don't have to replace the batteries for a few years. Be sure to buy a smoke alarm that has a test button. This way you can test monthly whether your smoke detector is functioning properly. All smoke detectors need to be replaced after 10 years . This ensures that you always have sensors that work optimally.

Q: Why does my smoke detector go off when there's no smoke?

Your smoke detector can go off even if there's no smoke. The question then is: why does my smoke alarm go off when there's no smoke? We will help you by offering you a few possible explanations. The smoke detector is standing/hanging in a bad place Install the smoke alarm at least 6 meters away from appliances such as boilers/heaters and ovens, because they produce combustion particles. The smoke alarm should be positioned at least 3 metres away from damp areas such as bathrooms and laundry rooms, at least 1 metre away from heaters, 0.50 metres away from lamps and 1.5 metres away from fluorescent lamps. Air flows from fans, doors and windows should also be avoided. Water vapour and gases can cause a smoke detector to give off a false alarm signal, because smoke detectors can't differentiate between those particles and smoke particles since they have approximately the same diameter. The sensor chamber is dusty or dirty Your smoke detector may look clean, but dust can build up on the inside of the device making the detector more 'sensitive'. Clean the detector at least once a month by gently going over the smoke detector with the dusting brush attachment of the vacuum cleaner. Insects cover or clog the sensing chamber Clean the smoke detector with the dusting brush attachment on the vacuum cleaner. Use insect repellent to treat the room. Careful: do not spray it on the smoke alarm itself. Battery is low Are you sure that it's really a false alarm, and that it's not a "low battery" signal? Check the manual to see what how this signal should sound. Detector is malfunctioning Detectors also give an alarm if there's a technical fault. In that case, your detector needs to be repaired or replaced.

Q: Why is the expiration date on my smoke alarm shorter than my warranty period?

Smoke detectors with a 10-year lithium battery must have an expiry date on the detector. This is laid down in the European Standards (EN Standards). Every brands has to comply to this rule and thus you will always find an expiration date on that kind of detector. The expiration date is always the production year plus 10 years. But a smoke detector almost never reaches the customer in a short time after production, so the expiration date will never actually be the full 10 years later. This expiry date is therefore a "soft date" that you can ignore. The warranty is only valid from the date of invoice and the battery can be used for 10 years after you active it.

Q: Fire blanket as a (business) gift?

A fire blanket in the office or at home is a must. A personalized fire blanket is therefore the ultimate promotional gift: functional, handy and it shows that you care about the safety of others. We can personalize and / or print various types of fire blankets with your logo, brand or message. Interested? Send an e-mail to info@brandbeveiligingshop.be and request a customised quote.

Q: What is Thermoptek (sensor technology)?

Thermoptek is a combination of an optical detector and a heat detector. The detector is suitable for detecting smouldering fires, and thanks to its permanent temperature control, it can detect a big fire significantly faster than a standard detector. That's why this type of Thermoptek detector has been on the up and up in recent years. We sell both 'regular' Thermoptek detectors as well as connectable Thermoptek detectors. Thermoptek detectors are also "toast proof". You can install them in a room next to the kitchen, where cooking fumes can enter. In the kitchen you have to install a heat detector if necessary.

Q: How do I take care of a gas alarm?

Clean your gas alarm regularly to prevent dust piling up on the inside of the device. To do this, use a vacuum cleaner and clean the sides and grill of your alarm with the soft brush of your vacuum cleaner. To prevent hurting yourself (electric shock) or damaging the product, never attempt to repair or tinker with the gas alarm yourself. Doing so may also invalidate the warranty.

Q: What to do if the gas alarm goes off?

If your gas alarm goes off, it is important to know what to do. First of all, it is essential that you remain calm and take the next steps - not necessarily in the given order. Immediately extinguish any open flame, cigarette, cigar, candle, etc. When the alarm goes off under normal circumstances, close the (main) gas valve, close the gas cylinder, shut off the leaking source, etc. and open your windows and doors for perfect ventilation. Do not turn any electrical appliances or controls (light switches, doorbell, telephone, intercom, or other electrical consumer products) on or off. It's forbidden to touch electric switches. Just a small spark can cause an explosion. If a gas leakage is constantly or repeatedly detected, contact a qualified installer or your gas company. Do not use the telephone or another electrical device near the gas leak to call your installer or gas company. If the alarm continues to go off, even after you reconnect and reset it, and you can't find the leak, leave your home and warn your gas company or installer immediately to have your gas installation tested. If the alarm stops or a switched off alarm is reset according to the instructions and the source of the gas leak has been found (e.g. a burner was open without the gas burning) and all gas appliances have been turned off then you can turn the (main) gas tap back on.

Q: How do I create and use an escape plan or escape route?

Create a floor plan and indicate all doors and windows on it, and immediately indicate an escape route. Upstairs windows may require a rope or escape ladder. Familiarise everyone living in the home with the sound of the alarm and practice leaving the home when hearing the alarm. Repeat the exercise regularly. If the alarm goes off, leave the house immediately according to your flight plan. Every second counts; so react quickly. If you do not immediately see smoke or feel any heat and the detector still goes off, make sure that all people in the house are in a safe place before you start checking the smoke detector. Do not open any inner door during your flight without first feeling the surface of the door to check if the door feels warm; if that's the case, do not open the door. If there's smoke coming out of the gaps of the door, keep it closed as well. Choose another escape route. If the inner door is cold, put your shoulder against it, open the door slightly and check for heat and smoke in the room. In that case, be prepared to close the door again. If there is a lot of smoke in the air, stay low to the ground and breathe shallowly through a preferably damp cloth. When you are outside, call the fire brigade as soon as possible.

Q: How to clean and take care of a smoke alarm?

Most appliances are maintenance free, so don't open them, except to replace the batteries. Opening the device will invalidate the warranty. Only clean the outside of the appliance with a soft, dry cloth or brush. Before cleaning, disconnect the units from all power sources. The detector must never come into contact with any liquid. A slightly damp cloth is allowed. Cleaning the detector with the soft brush of a vacuum cleaner is also permitted. Do not use carboxylic cleaning products or gasoline, alcohol, or similar products. They have a corrosive effect on the surface of the devices. Besides, the vapors flammable and are dangerous for your health. Do not use sharp instruments, screwdrivers, metal brushes or similar items to clean. Never paint or cover the detector with tape. In order to be sure, consult the manual of your smoke detector.

Q: Can a smoke detector damage your hearing?

It is very unlikely that your hearing can be damaged by a smoke detector. A smoke detector gives a signal of around 85 decibels.Even if we assume the detector emits a sound of 90 decibels, even then you're only at risk after an hour. The sound of a smoke detector seems much louder than it is, and that's of course its purpose. These are the rules of thumb for exposure to noise: Noises below 75 dB are safe . With stronger sounds, make sure you don't expose your ears for too long . For example, with sounds of 85 dB , you reach the safety limit after eight hours. For every 3 dB added, the sound pressure approximately doubles on your eardrum. So you can be exposed to that noise for only half as long without risk, e.g. 88 dB is only safe for four hours, 91 dB for two hours.