riddle@ut-sally.UUCP (Prentiss Riddle) (01/30/84)
I need to buy some smoke alarms for my home. Unfortunately, my
housemates and I are living on student budgets, so affordability
will be a major criterion in our choice. Does anyone have any
recommendations as to brands or models?
Please reply by mail and I will summarize to the net. Thank you.
--- Prentiss Riddle
--- ("Aprendiz de todo, maestro de nada.")
--- {ihnp4,seismo,ctvax}!ut-sally!riddleriddle@ut-sally.UUCP (Prentiss Riddle) (02/13/84)
Thanks to all the people who sent me tips on smoke alarms. There
seemed to be a major difference of opinion about whether or not it was
wise to try to save money on such an important item. Some of the
responses were rather detailed, so I will reproduce them in their
entirety:
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I bought smoke detectors for our house this past fall, and decided to
go with First Alert (I think the model number is SA-76R). These units
were rated highly by Consumer Reports. The normal retail price is
~$20, but around here (central NJ) they seem to be on sale at various
"home center" stores with great regularity for about $15. I even got a
$5/unit rebate from First Alert for ours (check with your local store
on that).
Jim Simester
..!houxm!hou2b!sims
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Check your local discount stores.....you should find one for under $10.
Here in Silicon Valley, I've seen 'em for as low as $7.99.
Any brand/model is fine as long as the backup battery is the standard
9V type. I've seen smoke detectors that required exotic, $12+
batteries.
Bob (...!hplabs!piety)
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I believe that I have seen them sold (on sale) at Sears for roughly
$20. That is about the lowest, and they actually work!
Larry (...!umcp-cs!koved)
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Consumer Report writes about this topic in August '80.
Some quotes from the '83 BUYING GUIDE ISSUE:
Two kinds are generally sold for homes: ionization and photoelectric
ionization are quicker - by 20 to 30 seconds - to detect FAST
fires such as paper or flammable liquids
photoelectric respond earlier - by 20 minutes or more - to
detect slow, smoldering fires, which are more
common and cause more deaths.
Buying the two top models of either type was cheaper and more
effective than buying one of the two combination-models.
All models work with a single 9-VOLT battery, which last about 1 year
and signal you with a gentle, periodic beep when the battery runs
down. Test buttons and testing with cigarette and other smoke is
recommended at regular intervals (once a week).
Installation of two detectors (one of each kind) is recommended for
each level of your dwelling. Smokers should have additional
photoelectric devices in bedroom and living-room and other likely
places of forgotten cigarettes.
The two top models in 1980 were:
photo-electric: ADT 7535, $25 list-price
ionizing: Archer 49454, $17
Shopping around for a better price is recommended.
werner@ut-ngp { .ARPA or .UUCP }
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If you're renting, check with your local fire department. In the three
states in which I've lived, landlords are required by law to fit the
house with smoke alarms, just as they're required to provide hot
water. If this is so in your case, you can get good protection without
the expense.
-- Andrew Klossner (decvax!tektronix!orca!andrew) [UUCP]
(orca!andrew.tektronix@rand-relay) [ARPA]
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If you're really concerned about affordability, consider getting a
GOOD unit. In the long run, you'll save money, because the thing will
last. In addition, many units use expensive batteries available only
from the manufacturer.
I own two smoke detectors marketed by Amway (yes, the same Amway as
soap and cleaning products). It comes with:
- lifetime satisfaction guarantee
- uses 4 AA cells (I think now they use one 9-volt battery;
my batteries have lasted nearly three years!)
- power indicater
- self-test
- low-voltage "chirp" (with ability to silence it for ~1 week)
- low-voltage detecter test
- 100% tested
- cost: ~$50 or so.
If you want more information, contact a local distributor (you can't
buy one in a store, unfortunately).
The way I figure it, my life is worth a few extra bucks here or there.
Alan M. Marcum Fortune Systems, Redwood City, California
...!hplabs!hpda!fortune!rhino!marcum
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--- Prentiss Riddle
--- ("Aprendiz de todo, maestro de nada.")
--- {ihnp4,seismo,ctvax}!ut-sally!riddle