Autonomous fire alarm – a small device that saves lives
An autonomous smoke alarm, which responds to smoke with a loud audible signal and thus warns of danger, is an indispensable tool for detecting fires at an early stage, saving lives and property. Every year, the AFI saves lives.
A standalone smoke alarm is a kind of alarm clock that is triggered by the presence of smoke. When smoke is detected, the ASA emits a loud, intermittent sound and a steady red LED.
85 dB is the minimum volume level of the API sound signal at a distance of 1 meter from it.
This is comparable to a loud human scream or the noise of a motorcycle with a muffler. This volume is loud enough to be heard in every room, even in the neighbors’ rooms, and even enough to wake a sound sleeper.
Smoke typically rises to the ceiling and spreads along it, so the preferred location for the detector is on the ceiling in the center of the room. If this isn’t possible (for example, when mounting on a suspended ceiling), detectors can be mounted on the wall 10 to 30 cm from the ceiling. However, it’s important to remember that corners between walls are the least ventilated areas in rooms, so when mounting detectors on walls, it’s not recommended to install them closer than 50 cm from the corner.
Installing the alarm requires no special knowledge or skills. It comes with detailed instructions containing all the necessary information on installation, design, and operating instructions. The alarm doesn’t detract from the interior design at all; its mounting plate is secured with screws, and the alarm itself is then installed by turning it clockwise until it stops.
To remove, simply turn the device counterclockwise. The detector operates on a single 12-volt battery. It is recommended to vacuum the API once a year and test its functionality monthly by pressing the test button.
A flashing red LED located on the API body indicates that it is working properly and is in standby mode.
Autonomous fire alarm (AFA):
- Detects smoke.
- Produces a powerful alarm.
- Wakes up a sleeping person.
Recommendations:
- Install the AFA in all living rooms.
- Place the AFA in the center of the ceiling where air flow occurs.
- Clean the AFA housing of dust with a vacuum cleaner or hair dryer at least once a year.
- Replace the battery at least once a year.
- Test the AFA’s functionality once a month using the test button.
Autonomous fire alarms save more than 200 lives in Belarus annually.
