Dependable Safety
Dependable Safety | Smoke Detectors | Electrical | Thorn Hill
When seconds count, HEP’s licensed electricians in Thorn Hill make sure every chirp, flash, and signal from your smoke detectors is absolutely reliable. We install, replace, and interlink hard-wired and battery-backed units that meet current codes, then test them with the same rigor we use in commercial life-safety systems. From strategically locating alarms in vaulted ceilings to taming tricky wiring in historic cabins, our team handles the details so you can sleep soundly knowing your family is protected.
If you’re unsure whether your existing alarms are still within their ten-year lifespan—or you’re ready to upgrade to smart, app-enabled smoke detectors that alert you even when you’re away—call HEP today. We arrive on time, clean up meticulously, and back every job with our Dependable Safety Guarantee, the strongest promise in Thorn Hill electrical service. Your peace of mind is just one appointment away.
FAQs
How often should smoke detectors in Thorn Hill homes be tested?
You should test every smoke detector at least once a month by pressing the unit’s test button until the alarm sounds. Regular testing ensures the device still has power, the sensor is responsive, and the sounder is loud enough to alert occupants in an emergency.
When do smoke detector batteries need to be replaced?
For standard 9-volt battery models, replace the battery twice a year—many residents do it when clocks change for daylight saving. For sealed 10-year lithium battery units, the entire detector must be replaced at the end of the 10-year life span, as the battery is non-replaceable.
How long do smoke detectors last before they need to be replaced completely?
Most manufacturers—and Ontario Building Code—recommend replacing smoke detectors every 10 years. Over time, sensors lose sensitivity and internal components can degrade, reducing reliability. Check the manufacture date on the back of the unit; if it’s over 10 years old, install a new detector.
Where are the best locations to install smoke detectors in a Thorn Hill home?
Install a smoke detector on every level, including the basement, and inside each bedroom or sleeping area. Mount units on the ceiling (preferably near the center) or high on a wall, at least 10 cm (4 in.) away from corners or air vents. Avoid kitchens and bathrooms where steam or cooking fumes may cause false alarms—place detectors at least 3 m (10 ft) from cooking appliances.
Are interconnected smoke detectors required, and what are their benefits?
Interconnected detectors are now required in all new homes built in Ontario and strongly recommended for existing homes. When one unit senses smoke, all alarms sound simultaneously, giving occupants earlier warning even if the fire starts on a different floor. Interconnection can be hard-wired by an electrician or achieved wirelessly with compatible models.
Do Thorn Hill homeowners need smoke detectors that also detect carbon monoxide (CO)?
Yes. Ontario law requires CO alarms outside sleeping areas in homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages. Combination smoke/CO units provide both protections in one device, reducing installation clutter. If you already have separate CO alarms, you can keep them and install dedicated smoke detectors, but combination units often simplify maintenance and battery replacement.