When To Replace A Smoke Detector

You need to perform a series of tests to know when to replace a smoke detector. For the most part, fire detectors are fairly inexpensive devices that perform an important task. The need to replace one may not present a financial burden, but there are certain tests to make before you actually throw it away and replace it with a new smoke alarm.

Test the Detector

Use a screwdriver and a candle to perform detector tests. First, press the test button to check on battery power. The battery should be replaced once a year. Pick a certain date that can be remembered, like when switching to or from Daylight Savings time, to replace all smoke alarm batteries. If the battery turns out to be good, place a lighted candle 6 inches below the detector, allowing the candle to heat the air rising to the unit. If no alarm sounds within 15 seconds, blow the candle out and let the smoke rise to the detector. If the alarm still doesn’t sound, remove the cover and clean out the interior using either a vacuum or can or compressed air. Check all electrical connections to make sure they are secure. If after this test the unit still does not work, replace it.

Alarm Scenarios

If you hear no sound when smoke is present, test the unit and replace the battery. If the battery is good and smoke is present and no sound is emitted, you need to replace the unit. It would not be financially prudent to replace either a sensor or a sounding device. If the detector sounds an alarm and no smoke is present, for example, in a hallway off of a  kitchen, make sure the alarm is more than 20 feet away from your stove and oven. If not, relocate it and check to see if it continues to go off. Try replacing the battery first, though. If it continues to sound with a good battery and no smoke present, you more than likely have a bad sensor and you need to replace the unit. If it is near a furnace, bathroom or utility room, you also should relocate it at least 10 feet away. If these suggestions do not work, you need to replace the unit.

Voltage Check

If you have purchased a home with built-in smoke detector alarm system wired into the house and one unit in one room does not work, remove the cover to the wiring connections. BE CAREFUL working around live wires. You need to check the voltage coming into the unit from the house wiring by placing the red wire from the meter to the terminal screw for the red wire coming from the house power source. If you get a reading, then you have power to the unit and the unit may be faulty.

If you see any signs of melted wires or singed insulation, you more than likely have either have a bad unit or faulty wiring. Call a professional for help.