Autonomous fire alarm (AFA) - effective and reliable protection for your home!

From November 24 to December 14, a large-scale information campaign on the effectiveness of autonomous fire alarms and the necessity of their installation in households will be held in the republic. During this campaign, events will be organized in work collectives and retail outlets. By the way, thanks to autonomous fire alarms, 47 people have already been saved in the first 10 months of this year, including 12 children. In 2024, 93 people, including 21 children, were saved thanks to autonomous fire alarms.

"How and where to correctly install an autonomous fire alarm if the house has a stretch ceiling?"

An autonomous fire alarm (AFA) is an automatic device that structurally combines in one housing:

- a fire detection sensor (usually smoke-sensitive),

- a sound alert device,

- an autonomous power source (a "Krona" type battery).

It does not require connection to external systems: the AFA can independently detect signs of fire and immediately alert people nearby with a loud sound signal.

In case of fire, smoke rises to the ceiling and then spreads along it, so the most preferable location for the alarm is on the ceiling in the middle of the room. However, in a situation with a stretch ceiling, it cannot be simply attached.

The installation of an autonomous fire alarm must be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations specified in the operating documentation (passport). An alternative placement is on the wall. It is permissible to mount the alarm on a vertical surface at a height of 10–30 cm from the ceiling.

Also, when installing an AFA, it must be taken into account that it should not be placed closer than 50 cm to the corners of the room. This is because the wall junctions are the least ventilated areas, and smoke reaches them much later, which can delay the device's activation. In addition, avoid installation near windows, ventilation, and air conditioners. Air currents can divert smoke from the sensor, hindering its timely activation.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations recommends installing smoke detectors in every residential unit. A flashing red LED on the smoke detector housing indicates its proper functioning and standby mode. Upon detecting smoke, the smoke detector emits an intermittent audible alarm with a steady red LED. To stop the alarm, eliminate the smoke source and ventilate the room.

During operation, the smoke detector requires maintenance, which involves cleaning the optical system using a hairdryer on a cold, maximum power setting. Without disassembling the detector, direct the airflow onto the protective mesh of the optical element. Cleaning should be performed at least once a year and after every false alarm. The power source ("Krona" battery) must also be replaced regularly. The detector will signal that it is time for replacement by emitting a continuous series of short audible signals.

Remember: from a fire safety perspective, smoke detectors installed in residential units must be kept in working and good condition. Protect yourself and your loved ones! In case of an emergency, call 101 or 112.