Top 4 Features You Want in Smoke Detectors

Every element of your fire safety system must offer the greatest level of protection for your employees and anyone else who happens to be in your place of business. The choice of smoke detectors requires more than selecting the first one you see. Opting for the right type of Kidde detectors will ensure those alarms work right every time. Here are a few features that must be included.

Self-Diagnostics Matter

You certainly plan on creating and following a schedule for manual testing and inspection of those new detectors. Just as you would not think of allowing the fire extinguishers to go for long periods of time without being checked, you see the value of ensuring each detector is working properly. Along with your efforts, it pays to invest in detectors that perform self-diagnostics on a recurring basis.

In the event something is wrong with a detector and it’s still some time before the next manual testing, those self-diagnostics will identify the problem and report it. That gives you a chance to remedy the issue quickly and maybe avoid damage to the property or injury to an employee.

Alarm Verification Features Prevent False Warnings

You’ll find that going with a reputable choice like Kidde detectors helps to minimize the potential for sounding false alarms. Have you ever dealt with a detector that was unable to distinguish between smoke and steam? A higher quality unit will detect the difference and remain silent unless there is really smoke close at hand.

Compatible With Your Existing Control Panel

As with so many types of equipment, you want the new detector to function with the main control panel properly. That’s not something you have to be concerned with when choosing the fire extinguishers that are placed at strategic points around the facility, but it’s a big deal with detectors. Always make sure the make and model chosen will blend in seamlessly with the current setup. Fire safety is an area where you want a hundred percent accuracy and nothing less.

Meets the Criteria for Listings and Approvals

What sort of listings and approvals are offered by the brand and model under consideration? It’s a good idea to confirm that the unit is FM Approved, UL Listed, and CSFM Approved. Why does this matter? Those listings and approvals ensure that the Kidde detectors you are thinking of purchasing really will provide the level of performance you need. If the detector under consideration does not meet the standards necessary to earn these certifications, it’s not worth your time or money.

Take every aspect of fire safety seriously. Buy only the best fire extinguishers. Choose detectors that are perform properly and will last for a long time. Get a professional to help you choose the right elements for your fire safety system. All it takes is one event to make all your efforts worthwhile.