Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are more than just annoyances that yell at you when you mess up in the kitchen—they are crucial devices that could save your life. Fire and smoke can cause serious injury or death, and they can quickly creep up on you if you happen to be asleep when a fire starts. For this reason, smoke detectors are required by law, and it’s critical to maintain the protection they provide. At Small Jobs Electric, we provide smoke and carbon monoxide detector installation and replacement services.
This includes installing and maintaining wiring that provides a constant and reliable stream of power directly to your detectors. If your home does not have adequate protection or it has been a considerable amount of time since your detector was last changed, talk to our team about updating your fire protection and improving your peace of mind. Our electricians take pride in their work and have over 40 years of experience keeping you and your loved ones safe and giving you peace of mind.
Call Small Jobs Electric at (813) 968-5856 today to learn more about our fire and smoke detector installation and replacement services.
Many modern smoke detectors are directly wired into your electrical system to provide them with reliable and constant power without depending on a battery. If your home lacks the proper wiring for adequate smoke detector protection, or if you need someone to change out your now-expired smoke detectors, talk to Small Jobs Electric! We offer smoke detector wiring, installation, and replacement services throughout Tampa and the surrounding areas.
We take protecting your property seriously and treat your home with the caution and respect it deserves.
Smoke Detector Placement Requirements
Florida law requires that all dwellings, including single-family homes, multi-family homes, hotels, rental properties, apartments, and dormitories, be outfitted with smoke alarms. For new construction, these alarms must be UL-listed and be both hard-wired into your home’s electrical system and equipped with a battery backup.
Florida’s fire code and Tampa’s city government take things further, recommending you have at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home, including your attic. Furthermore, installing one smoke alarm in every bedroom provides greater protection since these alarms are designed to wake you up in the event you are sleeping. However, regardless of the type of home you have or its size, you should have no fewer than two smoke alarms in your home.
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is often dubbed “the silent killer.” Unlike its counterpart, which is a major part of our atmosphere, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide is toxic to humans and pets alike when ingested in large amounts. However, what really makes it a threat is that it isn’t all that uncommon in our homes or businesses. Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of incomplete combustion, meaning it’s an exhaust product when fuel of virtually any type does not burn entirely.
Carbon monoxide is most frequently found in exhaust fumes, such as exhaust from fuel-powered heaters, car or generator exhaust, kerosene and gas space heaters, fireplaces, and even gas stoves. Even a candle can produce small quantities of carbon monoxide. That’s not to say using these items is unsafe—the quantity of carbon monoxide produced is extremely small when these flames are properly ventilated. However, it is important to make sure you have proper carbon monoxide detection to make sure you and your loved ones are safe.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector FAQs
Do Florida homes need both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors?
Yes. Smoke detectors are required in Florida homes, and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are required in homes with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages. Installing both helps protect your family from fire and dangerous carbon monoxide gas.
Where should smoke and carbon monoxide detectors be installed?
Smoke detectors should be installed inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed outside sleeping areas and near fuel-burning appliances, following the manufacturer’s recommendations and Florida building code requirements.
How often should smoke and carbon monoxide detectors be replaced?
Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year unless they use sealed 10-year batteries. Most detectors should be replaced every 10 years to ensure reliable protection. If a detector chirps, won’t test properly, or has reached its expiration date, it’s time for a replacement.
Step up your smoke and carbon monoxide protection with detectors from Small Jobs Electric! Contact us today to learn more.
While many modern smoke detectors can also detect carbon monoxide, not all units do. If your home’s smoke detectors are simply that, we strongly advise purchasing additional carbon monoxide detectors and placing them near carbon monoxide-producing appliances, such as in your kitchen, and in your laundry room (if your dryer uses natural gas).
Many secondary carbon monoxide detectors can simply be plugged into a standard outlet to work, and they are secured by a backup battery. However, like smoke detectors, these units also have an expiration date. Be sure to note this date and replace your detectors when they can no longer provide the protection you need.
Antonio did an excellent job and was very nice. He explained everything and what we needed to do to prevent further breaker problems. We would highly recommend him and will call him again to install lights. He installed three lights outside and fixed an interior switch. Excellent job again!
