How Do Wireless Smoke Detectors Work?
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What Do They Do?
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Like their name says, wireless smoke alarms do not require wiring or an electrician to install. When one alarm senses fire and sounds, any other alarms throughout the home or building will also go off regardless of where the fire is located. This ensures more warning in more places, which can save lives.
Many building codes require that new construction have what is referred to as "interconnected smoke detector systems" in place. Wireless smoke detectors are much cheaper to install than traditional interconnected systems that are hardwired and perform the same function.
How Do they Do It?
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Wireless smoke detectors use radio frequency, or RF, transmitters to communicate with each other. When a smoke detector senses smoke, the RF transmitter goes into action, sending signals to all the other detectors connected throughout a home or building.
These alarms are usually hooked up with an AC adapter to an electrical outlet or use a battery. Many have an AC adapter with a battery backup.
Each wireless smoke alarm comes with over 200 different identification systems to ensure your smoke detector will not accidentally transmit or receive information about what is taking place in another building.
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Special Features
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Unlike traditional smoke alarms that sound a loud, high-pitched noise, many wireless smoke detectors shout out commands like "Danger! Fire! Wake up! Follow the Escape Plan!" in addition to emitting low-frequency tones.
Studies have shown that children are more likely to sleep through an alarm yet wake up at the sound of a voice, and lower frequency tones can help elderly people who may suffer from age-related high-frequency hearing loss.
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