Archive for December, 2009

Smoke Alarm Battery Life

Thursday, December 10th, 2009
For instance, a carbon zinc battery in a BRk 9120B will last up to one year. It all depends on how fresh it was before it was installed and when the unit itself was activated. UL 217 mandates that any installed battery in a backup mode only alarm needs to last at least for 24 hours in standby condition and thereafter be able to be in alarm for at least 4 minutes. As a rule of thumb in a smoke alarm, alkaline batteries will last for about 1-2 years and Lithium batteries for 6 years plus

As a rule of thumb in a smoke alarm, alkaline batteries will last for about 1-2 years and Lithium batteries for 6 years plus

For instance, a carbon zinc battery in a BRk 9120B will last up to one year. It all depends on how fresh it was before it was installed and when the unit itself was activated. UL 217 mandates that any installed battery in a backup mode only alarm needs to last at least for 24 hours in standby condition and thereafter be able to be in alarm for at least 4 minutes. As a rule of thumb in a smoke alarm, alkaline batteries will last for about 1-2 years and Lithium batteries for 6 years plus.

Review: Kidde Battery Powered Ionization Smoke Alarm (Model#0915E)

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009
Battery Operated (9V battery included)  Provides continuous protection even during power failures

Battery Operated (9V battery included) Provides continuous protection even during power failures

The Kidde 0915E is a full size, ionization, battery operated smoke alarm designed to protect you and your family from the dangers of smoke and fire. The 0915E is powered by a 9V battery, providing continuous protection even during power outages. This unit includes a flashing red LED to indicate the alarm is receiving power.

The Kidde 0915E basic, battery operated smoke alarm provides you and your family an early warning signal against the dangers of fire and smoke. This easy to install smoke alarm includes a test button to verify the units electronic circuitry, horn and battery function are work properly. The 0915E also includes a tamper resist feature to help deter theft or tampering. This smoke alarm is powered by a 9V battery and is suitable for all living areas. UL listed.

Features:
• Easy Installation with no wiring required
• Battery Operated (9V battery included) Provides continuous protection even during power failures
• Quality Design• 5 year limited warranty
• Flashing LED Indicates alarm is receiving power
• Test Button Verifies battery and alarm operation.
• Low Battery Indicator Chirps when battery needs replacement

Technical Specifications:
• Dimensions: 5″ Diam. x 1-1/2″ Width
• Power Source: 9V Battery (included)
• Audio Alarm: 85dB at 10ft
• Temperature Range: 40°F to 100°F (4°C to 38°C)
• Humidity Range: 5%-95% relative humidity (RH)
• Sensor: Ionization
• Size: 5″ in diameter x 1.75″ depth
• Interconnects: No
• LED: Red, normal operation

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Holiday Safety Facts and Tips

Tuesday, December 8th, 2009
Place holiday decorations well away from heat sources. If you use a tree, water it daily.

Place holiday decorations well away from heat sources. If you use a tree, water it daily.

• In 2007, 53 percent of civilian fire deaths occurred in just four months: November — February.
• Fire deaths in greater Minnesota outpace those in the metropolitan area by a rate of slightly over two to one.
• A dry Christmas tree can be consumed by fire in an instant, while generating enough heat to ignite an entire room.
• Holidays mean more time socializing with friends and relatives. In 2007, alcohol or other drug use was present or identified as a factor in 15 percent of all fire deaths and in 50 percent of fire deaths attributed to careless smoking.

Safe Behavior

• Protect neighborhood homes this winter. Keep your nearest fire hydrant clear of snow.
• After holiday parties, check wastebaskets and furniture for smoldering cigarettes.
• Place holiday decorations well away from heat sources. If you use a tree, water it daily.
• Do not burn holiday wrappings in a fireplace; it may cause a chimney fire.
• Pay attention to cooking. If a pan is on fire, cover it with a lid. Water will spread the fire.
• Turn off and unplug lights and decorations before going to bed or leaving your house. Buy electrical decorations that have been approved by a national testing laboratory. Don’t overload outlets.

Candle Burning Safety Tips:

• Remember to extinguish candles when leaving the room or going to sleep. Never leave children or pets unattended in a room with a lit candle.
• Place candles on a secure surface in sturdy noncombustible holders that won’t tip over. Make sure holders are big enough to catch drippings.
• Keep candles away from children and pets. Candles should be out of children’s reach.
• Keep candles away from combustible items such as curtains, books, and paper. Remember the “three-foot rule” — anything combustible needs to be kept three feet from a heat source.
• Keep candles away from flammable liquids. Do not use a candle for light when fueling a kerosene heater or lantern. The flame may ignite the fumes.
• Avoid using candles during a power outage. A flashlight is a safer option. Don’t carry a lit candle.

Review: First Alert Battery Powered, Photoelectric Smoke Alarm (Model#SA710B)

Friday, December 4th, 2009
The SA710B is an economical battery-operated photoelectric alarm. On Sale for $15.75

The SA710B is an economical battery-operated photoelectric alarm. On Sale for $15.75

The SA710B is an economical battery-operated photoelectric alarm. Photoelectric detectors reduce the number of false alarms as well as increase the speed of responding to smoldering fires.

Features:
• Photoelectric Sensing Technology
• Includes 9-Volt Battery Included
• Single Button Test/Silence
• Can be used with BRK

Technical Specifications:
• Detector Type: Smoke and Fire
• Sensor Type: Photoelectric
• Power Source: Battery Powered
• Temperature Range: 40°F to 100°F
• Humidity Range: 10% to 90% Relative Humidity
• Certifications: UL listed

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Colorado Law Protects Citizens from the Silent Killer

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009
Known as the “silent killer,” CO is the leading cause of accidental poisonings in the United States

Known as the “silent killer,” CO is the leading cause of accidental poisonings in the United States

A new law is now in effect to help protect Coloradans from deadly carbon monoxide (CO). As of July 1st, many families must install CO alarms within 15 feet of bedrooms. Colorado is now the 23rd state to require CO alarms in homes.

Known as the “silent killer,” CO is the leading cause of accidental poisonings in the United States. The only safe way to detect carbon monoxide in your home is with a working CO alarm.

All of Kidde’s CO alarms are UL-listed and include Nighthawk technology, which has been proven to be the world’s most accurate CO sensing technology based on claims by major manufacturers.

Read a news release on Colorado’s new CO alarm law.

Choose from a list of CO Alarms

Review: Kidde Plug-In Carbon Monoxide and Gas Combination Alarm (Model#KN-COEG-3)

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009
Includes 9V battery back up that provides protection during a power outage where AC-only units cannot

Includes 9V battery back up that provides protection during a power outage where AC-only units cannot

The Kidde KN-COEG-3 AC powered, plug-in CO and Explosive Gas Alarm protects you and your family from two deadly threats. The KN-COEG-3 includes 9V battery back up that provides protection during a power outage where AC-only units cannot. By pressing the Peak Level Button you can see the peak CO level recorded by the alarm since it was last reset or unplugged. The continuous digital display shows you the level of carbon monoxide (if any) in addition to whether or not gas is present. The gas sensor is a metal oxide sensor designed to detect natural gas (methane) or propane.

The Kidde KN-COEG-3 provides you and your family a high level of protection. The alarm is easily installed in any AC wall outlets, giving you the choice of a direct-plug, 6 power cord, or table top unit.

Features:
• Sounder Alarm: The KN-COEG-3 offers a loud 85-decibel pulsing alarm that will sound to alert you to a potential problem
• Alarm Condition: Carbon Monoxide 4 quick beeps, followed by 5 seconds of silence, followed by 4 quick beeps. Repeat with a number showing in the display (CO concentration in ppm)
• Gas: one second of alarm on, one second of alarm off, repeating with GAS” shown in display

Technical Specifications:
• Part Number: 900-0113
• Power Source: 120VAC
• Sensor: Electrochemical
• Audio Alarm: 85dB at 10ft
• Temperature Range: 40°F (4.4°C) to 100°F (37.8°C)
• Humidity Range: 5%-95% relative humidity (RH)
• Dimensions: 6.1″L x 3.8″W x 1.8″H
• Interconnects: No
• Wiring: Plug-In
• LED: Displays CO concentration in PPM
• Certifications: UL Listed

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