Smoke Detector Checkup Time
June 28, 2007
As we enter the summer fire season and with fires breaking out all around us, it is time to check smoke detectors. Battery operated smoke detectors usually emit a beeping sound as the batteries become low. The smoke detectors that are hard wired into a house electrical system do not seem to give a warning if they have somehow failed. It is possible that they will start screeching for no reason. This drives a homeowner crazy and is probably the reason why we see wires hanging from the ceiling with no smoke detector attached.
Both systems can be tested by using a candle or a butane lighter or a match that emits heat. Putting the heat source next to the smoke detector should cause the detector to squeal. If it issues its warning noise, it can be considered operative.
Inoperable smoke detectors are a common discovery at the time of a home inspection. I suspect that homeowners who have never experienced a fire are rather casual about the maintenance of these early warning devices. Since it is a simple matter to keep the battery operated ones operable, it would be a good idea to put a regularly scheduled check up on the to-do list.
In the early 1970s, it became mandatory for builders to include smoke detectors in new construction. At that time the requirement was for one in the hall outside all sleeping areas. The statute has been updated several times. First calling for the detectors to be hardwired into the electrical system and then to interconnect all the smoke detectors so smoke in one part of the house would set off all the detectors. The problem with hard wiring was that in a fire the electricl system would fail therby making the detectors useless. So all hard wired detectors are now requred to have back up battery systems.
While homeowners are not required to upgrade their smoke detectors, it is prudent to make certain that what you have is operable. Battery powered dectectors are readily available had home supply stores and are easily installed. The hard wired systems could require an electrician.
Don't let this simple protective device become unuseable.
As we enter the summer fire season and with fires breaking out all around us, it is time to check smoke detectors. Battery operated smoke detectors usually emit a beeping sound as the batteries become low. The smoke detectors that are hard wired into a house electrical system do not seem to give a warning if they have somehow failed. It is possible that they will start screeching for no reason. This drives a homeowner crazy and is probably the reason why we see wires hanging from the ceiling with no smoke detector attached.
Both systems can be tested by using a candle or a butane lighter or a match that emits heat. Putting the heat source next to the smoke detector should cause the detector to squeal. If it issues its warning noise, it can be considered operative.
Inoperable smoke detectors are a common discovery at the time of a home inspection. I suspect that homeowners who have never experienced a fire are rather casual about the maintenance of these early warning devices. Since it is a simple matter to keep the battery operated ones operable, it would be a good idea to put a regularly scheduled check up on the to-do list.
In the early 1970s, it became mandatory for builders to include smoke detectors in new construction. At that time the requirement was for one in the hall outside all sleeping areas. The statute has been updated several times. First calling for the detectors to be hardwired into the electrical system and then to interconnect all the smoke detectors so smoke in one part of the house would set off all the detectors. The problem with hard wiring was that in a fire the electricl system would fail therby making the detectors useless. So all hard wired detectors are now requred to have back up battery systems.
While homeowners are not required to upgrade their smoke detectors, it is prudent to make certain that what you have is operable. Battery powered dectectors are readily available had home supply stores and are easily installed. The hard wired systems could require an electrician.
Don't let this simple protective device become unuseable.
posted by shirley harry at 8:23 AM
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