Reliable Solutions
Reliable Solutions | Smoke Detectors | Electrical | Duff
When moments count, you need an electrical partner who treats safety like a promise, not a possibility. HEP’s Reliable Solutions Electrical team protects Duff homes and businesses by installing, testing, and upgrading smoke detectors that react in seconds and stand guard for years. Our licensed electricians know the local codes inside out, use only UL-listed equipment, and leave every job cleaner than they found it—so the only thing you’ll notice is peace of mind.
Whether you’re building new, renovating an older property, or simply unsure how old your current smoke detectors are, we make the process effortless. Schedule a same-day assessment, get upfront pricing, and relax while we handle wiring, placement, and ongoing maintenance. One call to HEP keeps your family, tenants, or employees safer—and keeps compliance worries off your plate.
FAQs
Why are smoke detectors so important, and what does Duff’s fire code require?
Working smoke detectors cut the risk of residential fire fatalities in half. Duff follows the Ontario Fire Code, which states that every dwelling unit must have a functioning smoke alarm on every storey and outside all sleeping areas. Landlords are legally responsible for installation and maintenance; homeowners can be fined for missing or disabled units. Reliable Solutions Electrical ensures your new or upgraded detectors meet all current code requirements and are properly documented for insurance purposes.
Which types of smoke detectors do you install, and how do I choose the right one?
We supply and install photo-electric, ionization, dual-sensor, and combination smoke/CO alarms from trusted brands such as Kidde, BRK, and First Alert. Photo-electric units excel at detecting smouldering fires (common with upholstery and wiring), while ionization models respond faster to flaming fires (kitchen grease, paper). Dual-sensor alarms offer the best overall protection. During our on-site assessment we consider your home’s layout, existing wiring, family members’ sensitivities, and budget to recommend the ideal mix of technologies.
What is the difference between battery-operated and hard-wired smoke detectors?
Battery-only alarms are inexpensive and easy to install anywhere. However, they rely on regular battery replacement and cannot interconnect unless they are wireless. Hard-wired detectors are powered by your home’s 120 V circuit with a battery backup; when one unit sounds, all interconnected units sound, giving occupants maximum escape time. Duff’s newer building codes require hard-wired, interconnected alarms in new construction and major renovations. Reliable Solutions Electrical can retrofit existing homes with hard-wired or wireless-linked options to achieve whole-home coverage without excessive drywall repairs.
How often should smoke detectors be tested, cleaned, and replaced?
Test each alarm monthly by pressing the test button until it sounds. Vacuum the exterior vents every six months to clear dust and insects that can cause false alarms. Replace backup batteries annually (or use 10-year sealed lithium models). All smoke detectors—battery or hard-wired—expire after 10 years because the sensing chamber degrades. The manufacturing date is stamped on the back; if yours is over a decade old, schedule a replacement with us to stay compliant and fully protected.
Can you integrate smoke detectors with smart home or security systems?
Yes. We offer interconnected hard-wired alarms that tie into security panels such as DSC, Honeywell, and Qolsys, as well as Wi-Fi–enabled detectors that send real-time alerts to smartphones via apps like Google Nest or Kidde RemoteLync. Integration allows remote monitoring, automatic lighting of exit paths, and notification to monitoring stations or first responders. Our technicians will review your existing smart devices, recommend compatible detectors, and program everything so you receive instant alerts whether you’re in Duff or travelling abroad.
What should I expect during a professional smoke detector service from Reliable Solutions Electrical?
1) Free on-site audit of current detector locations, wiring, and code compliance. 2) Clear quotation covering equipment, labour, and any drywall repair. 3) Clean, minimally invasive installation by licensed ESA-certified electricians, including permits if required. 4) Functional testing, interconnection verification, and homeowner education on operation and maintenance. 5) Removal and recycling of old alarms and batteries. All new detectors come with the manufacturer’s 5–10-year warranty plus our 2-year workmanship guarantee. Most homes in Duff can be fully upgraded in one visit lasting 2–4 hours.