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Focus on smoke detectors

House fires often occur when the inhabitants of a house are sleeping soundly. The alert can thus be given thanks to an autonomous smoke detector-warning device (DAAF). Does your home already have one?

It is now an obligation

If we refer to the statistics, each year in France there are nearly eight hundred deaths as a result of a domestic fire. All the more reason to be more vigilant than ever. But anyway, the French no longer have a choice. Indeed, since the entry into force of the Morange law, each private dwelling must now be equipped with this device. The deadline was set for March 8, 2015, but an ambiguity in an amendment to the Macron law cast doubt:in order to allow social landlords to equip their entire housing stock, the amendment requires them to have purchased the detectors of smoke before March 8, 2015, leaving them until the 1 st January 2016 to install them all. For individuals, the installation date remains March 8, 2015.

I took advantage of small electrical work in my house to finally submit to this law. Moreover, if you lack tips for your home, I invite you to read the articles published on Bricoleur Pro. However, I strongly emphasize the need for this electronic equipment, because the detector can simply save your life. And even if the law does not provide for a sanction for houses and apartments that do not have them, insurance companies have every right to apply a substantial deductible in the event of a claim in dwellings. without smoke detectors. Ideally, send an installation certificate to your insurer.

How to put it?

When buying your detector, make sure that the model bears the EN 14 604 standard. This is the guarantee of the reliability of the device. Otherwise, for the sake of efficiency and performance, I recommend products made in France or in the European Community. You will recognize them thanks to the NF and CE symbol. Moreover, even if some brands are accessible for less than five euros, only favor models that are sold from fifteen euros. You are investing in a quality device. The UFC Que Choisir had published, in February 2015, a comparative test of smoke detectors, which helped me to make my choice.

But the most difficult task was to find its location. The detectors had to be placed high up, preferably on the ceiling, to avoid accidental triggering. Be careful though, not too high to reach it. Even if one can be enough, I still installed two in my house:one on each level of my house.

As for its pose, there is no need for special skills. Indeed, as the device works with batteries, no connection is necessary. It's real child's play. Just refer to the installation guide. However, to fix the device to the wall or ceiling, you may need to make two small holes for the screws. Have your drill handy when securing your smoke alarm in place.