Years Of Experience
Years Of Experience | Smoke Detectors | Electrical | Rockwood
For decades, homeowners and businesses across Rockwood have turned to HEP for precise electrical work that keeps families safe and properties secure. Our licensed technicians draw on years of hands-on experience, up-to-date training, and a genuine passion for service to install, test, and maintain smoke detectors that you can rely on when every second counts. From selecting the ideal units for your layout to ensuring seamless integration with existing electrical systems, we handle every detail so you can breathe easy.
Whether you’re renovating an older home, building from the ground up, or simply need a quick inspection, we bring the same commitment to craftsmanship and courtesy to every job. We arrive on time, respect your space, and back our work with straightforward pricing and iron-clad guarantees. When it’s time to protect what matters most, trust the local team that Rockwood has trusted for years—HEP, where safety meets experience.
FAQs
Why should I trust your team to install or upgrade smoke detectors in my Rockwood home?
With more than 25 years of licensed electrical experience in Rockwood, our technicians understand both the Ontario Electrical Safety Code and local building bylaws inside out. We have installed thousands of hard-wired and battery-powered smoke detectors in residential, commercial and multi-unit buildings. That depth of hands-on knowledge lets us recommend the ideal detector type, placement and interconnection method for maximum protection and full code compliance—backed by workmanship warranties and ESA inspection approvals.
How often do smoke detectors need to be tested and replaced?
The Ontario Fire Code requires homeowners to test every smoke detector at least once a month and replace the entire unit every 10 years, even if it still chirps during tests. Batteries in battery-operated or hard-wired backup models should be changed twice a year. During our maintenance visits we perform a functional test with smoke aerosol, verify sound levels, confirm date codes and document results for your insurance records.
Where should smoke detectors be installed in a typical Rockwood residence?
Current code calls for a smoke detector on every storey, including basements, and inside each sleeping room. Detectors must also be located outside sleeping areas (e.g., hallway) and interconnected so all alarms sound together. We map your floor plan, consider ceiling height, HVAC vents, kitchens and bathrooms to avoid nuisance alarms, then position units at least 10 cm from walls and 100 cm from ceiling fans for optimal sensing.
What is the difference between ionization and photoelectric smoke detectors, and which do you recommend?
Ionization sensors react fastest to fast-flaming fires, while photoelectric sensors are quicker at detecting slow, smouldering fires. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends using both technologies or a dual-sensor unit. We typically install dual-sensor, hard-wired models with battery backup so you receive broad detection coverage without extra wall clutter—and we always confirm CSA approval for Canadian homes.
Can I install battery-only smoke alarms myself, or is professional hard-wiring really necessary?
Battery-only units meet minimum safety requirements but they rely entirely on homeowner upkeep and are not interconnected. Hard-wired detectors, legally mandated in new Rockwood constructions and most renovation permits, are powered by your electrical system, include battery backup and interconnect through a dedicated 3-conductor cable. Professionally wiring them ensures secure mounting, hidden cabling, breaker labelling and ESA inspection sign-off, which DIY installations cannot provide.
Do smoke detectors need regular professional maintenance even if they seem to work?
Yes. Dust, insects, humidity and voltage fluctuations can degrade sensors long before you notice. Our annual service includes vacuum cleaning sensing chambers, checking voltage on hard-wired circuits, updating firmware on smart detectors, replacing expired units, and documenting compliance for insurance and real-estate transactions. Scheduled maintenance preserves manufacturer warranties and ensures you remain protected 24/7.