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Stay safeguarded in your Oakland home with these smoke detector installation guidelines

January 27, 2025
Man installing smoke detector inside a home

Did you purchase an older property only to realize that it doesn’t have enough smoke detectors or none at all? Even more recently built homes might not have a sufficient amount or in the right spots. If you are getting ready to integrate these crucial safety components, adhere to our smoke detector installation tips for Oakland homes and discover why monitored alarms are preferred. 

Where to place your Oakland smoke detectors

Since becoming widespread at the end of the 1970s, smoke detectors have saved countless lives. Even with the clear benefit, many properties either don’t have enough or the devices they have are non-functional. Curious how important they really are? Consider that the chance of perishing in a residential fire is cut by 60 percent when you have working smoke alarms, as documented by the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA).

Abide by these basic smoke detector installation tips when installing them in your Oakland home:

  • Place a smoke alarm on each level of your home, including your basement.
  • Install them inside and outside every bedroom (and any other sleeping area).
  • Only use a licensed electrician for hardwired models.
  • For the highest level of protection, bridge your smoke detectors so that if one is tripped, they all go off.
  • Install them on ceilings or high on walls while circumventing dead air spots around the corners or near the tip of a vaulted ceiling.
  • Avoid false alarms by keeping them out of kitchens and a minimum of 10 feet from stoves.
  • Always adhere to the manufacturer’s installation directions.

The majority of smoke detectors are operational for 5 years but don’t assume they’re working. Test them monthly to ensure proper function. 

Why are monitored smoke detectors a preferred choice?

Why not choose smoke detectors that integrate into your home security system for improved safety? Monitored components give you the following benefits:

  • Whenever a fire occurs, you and your monitoring specialists will receive an update. The communication will be sent to your smartphone by way of your home security app.
  • Your smoke detector can initiate other equipment. To illustrate, you can power your HVAC system down to minimize the progression of flames and release your smart locks to assist your departure.
  • Many of the latest smoke detectors use photoelectric sensors for better safeguarding. They can identify climbing heat levels before the arrival of smoke.

Some variations are dual-purpose units that shield your household by identifying both fire and CO. You’ll appreciate this multifunctional approach and the benefit of having a skilled monitoring staff at the ready. Dedicated monitoring specialists can get emergency services to your house quicker.

Better protect your family with monitored smoke detector installation in Oakland from Vivint

Better protect your home and family with monitored smoke detectors in Oakland from Vivint. You’ll enjoy photoelectric sensing, 24-7 support, instant notification, and custom-tailored home automation. Order your detectors today as part of an integrated home security package. Dial (510) 281-3999 to learn more.