rray
January 7, 2006, 4:34pm
21
ddelaney:
Russell,
Just because you push the little button doesn’t mean the detector work, right? I’ve always thought that the little button was to check the proficiency of the audible device. Without using smoke-check, or something similar, how do you know the device will actually detect smoke?
We test things the way the manufacturer’s recommend testing them. And they recommend pushing the little button monthly. They even labeled the little button “TEST” or “Push here to test.”
Here’s what’s in my reports:
Smoke alarms were tested by pushing the built-in test button. Such testing does not ensure that the smoke sensor is functional. It only establishes that the electrical circuit and audible alarm are functional. Smoke alarms were not tested with smoke of any type.
The National Fire Prevention Association recommends replacing smoke alarms every 10 years to ensure that the alarm is functional in all respects. Batteries should be changed every six months; a good time to do this is when you reset your clocks in October and April.
HOMETEAM recommends adding smoke alarms to bedrooms and any other areas where people are likely to fall asleep (such as a family room with a cozy fireplace, television, and stereo). HOMETEAM recommends that at least two smoke alarms be installed in all residences. This provides backup protection if a dead battery is present in one or if a smoke alarm is defective or fails. Some jurisdictions might require working smoke alarms in hallways and/or all bedrooms at the time real estate is transferred. Consult with your Realtor for any legal requirements in the jurisdiction overseeing your property.
Smoke alarms sometimes are placed too high for easy replacement of batteries. Such placement is common and is allowed by many authorities having jurisdiction. However, when units are too high for easy battery replacement, the batteries typically are not replaced when necessary, creating periods of non-protection and a personal injury, safety, and fire hazard.
Recommend testing smoke alarms at move-in, installing fresh batteries, and testing all alarms monthly. If smoke alarms are not present in the residence, recommend having at least two installed.
dvalley:
and parachutes…
unless at first you don’t succeed??
tgardner
January 12, 2006, 4:27pm
23
I tested a system once and even after I notified the alarm company prior to testing, the FD showed up.
I explained that I had prearranged the test - why did they show up? " We had nothing else to do - it’s good practice."
IKYK.
tg