testing smoke detectors

[sappolloni (Steven Appolloni, hi7859)]

Just curious what others do for testing the smoke detectors?

[jjonas (Jeffrey Jonas)]

I press the “Test” button (only)…

1. To insure they have power,

2. They actually “sound”,

3. They are “Inter-connected” (if required)

I remove one unit (oldest looking)…

1. Check for manufacture date,

2. Adivse client of Life expectancy, batteries, etc.

I also perform the same…

1. For CO detectors/alarms.

[cvannest (Clint VanNest, CMI HI5007)]

@jjonas

I press the “Test” button (only)…

1. To insure they have power,

2. They actually “sound”,

3. They are “Inter-connected” (if required)

I remove one unit (oldest looking)…

1. Check for manufacture date,

2. Adivse client of Life expectancy, batteries, etc.

I also perform the same…

1. For CO detectors/alarms.

Hmm, never thought about looking for a manuf. date. Great idea. It actually paid to read the boards today. Thanks.

[sappolloni (Steven Appolloni, hi7859)]

Now what if the home has an alarm system, will pushing the test button cause the fire dept to show up?

[cvannest (Clint VanNest, CMI HI5007)]

@sappolloni

Now what if the home has an alarm system, will pushing the test button cause the fire dept to show up?

I just disclaim those and inform them to have their security/smoke system tested by the hosting company when they sign up.

[jjonas (Jeffrey Jonas)]

@cvannest

I just disclaim those and inform them to have their security/smoke system tested by the hosting company when they sign up.

Ditto… typically by the time I get to testing the smokes (towards the end of the inspection) I have determined if there is an alarm system installed (op’ing or not doesn’t matter) or not. Now… I have heard that the higher quality units will not dispatch the FD if the TEST button is pressed, but I have no evidence of that. Anyone else know?

[jjonas (Jeffrey Jonas)]

@cvannest

Hmm, never thought about looking for a manuf. date. Great idea. It actually paid to read the boards today. Thanks.

There is either a ‘sticker’ or ‘printed date’ on the base of the unit. If there is no date evident, I always call it out as being beyond it’s life expectancy, as it is. They have been dating the units for over 15 years now, so if no date, it’s wayyyyyyy past due!

[sfogarty (Sean Fogarty)]

Smoke detectors in the home were hard wired into the security or mointoring system and couldnot be manually tested for operation. These can be tested when the alarm system is activated by the monitoring comapny. If No alarm system will be used then we recommend having additional smoke alarms installed for safety purposes.

[jburkeson1 (Joseph Burkeson, CMI)]

I have issues with testing and I will not certify smoke detectors… Sure I test them to see if they make noise when the test button is pushed, but that only means the circuit to the horn works, it has nothing to do with detecting smoke. Here in Florida I still see many homes with single station battery-only detectors I refuse to take responsibility for their performance when people’s lives are at stake.

Now, here is a question for you… Is it a defect if the number of, and location of the detectors do not meet current standards?

[jjonas (Jeffrey Jonas)]

@jburkeson1

I have issues with testing and I will not certify smoke detectors… Sure I test them to see if they make noise when the test button is pushed, but that only means the circuit to the horn works, it has nothing to do with detecting smoke. Here in Florida I still see many homes with single station battery-only detectors I refuse to take responsibility for their performance when people’s lives are at stake.

Now, here is a question for you… Is it a defect if the number of, and location of the detectors do not meet current standards?

In Minnesota… yes, along with CO detectors, as “standards” are dictated by MN. law.

Minnesota State Fire Code Requirements:

• In homes built prior to March 31, 2003. Smoke detectors must be installed in hallways or areas which provide access to each separate sleeping area.
• In homes built on or after March 31, 2003. A smoke detector must be installed in each sleeping room in addition to a point centrally located in the corridor or area providing access to each separate sleeping area. Where more than one smoke alarm is required to be installed in a single family home, the smoke alarms must be interconnected so that the activation of one alarm will activate all the alarms in the home.
• In homes constructed prior to August 1, 1989. Smoke detectors may be battery powered only.
• In homes constructed on or after August 1, 1989 and before March 31, 2003. Smoke detectors must hard-wired to the home’s permanent primary wiring, without a disconnecting switch. When new bedrooms are created, the detector in the new bedroom must receive its primary power supply from a centralized power source and be equipped with a battery backup.
• In homes constructed on or after March 31, 2003. Smoke detectors must receive their power from the home’s permanent primary wiring when such wiring is served from a commercial source and be equipped with a battery backup.
  [LIST]
• Smoke detector location and spacing must be as follows, in addition to the manufacturer’s instructions:
  [LIST]
• Smoke detectors must be mounted on the ceiling at least 4 inches from a wall or on a wall with the top of the detector not less than 4 inches, or more than 12 inches, below the ceiling.
• A smoke detector installed in the basement must be located in close proximity to the stairway leading to the floor above.
• Smoke detectors must not be installed within kitchens, garages, or in other spaces where temperatures can fall below 32 degrees F, or exceed 100 degrees F.
• Smoke detectors must not be located within 3 feet of supply registers of a forced air heating or cooling system, and doors to a kitchen or bathroom with a tub or shower.
• For peaked ceilings, the smoke detector must be installed within 3 feet of the peak.

[/LIST]
[/LIST]

Minnesota State Law requires that homes have at least one operational CO alarm within 10 feet of every room legally used for sleeping (see Minnesota Statute, 299F.50). All CO alarms should be certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to conform to the latest Underwriters Laboratory (UL) Standards. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement of your CO alarm and also note the suggested replacement date.

[jshishilla (John Shishilla)]

Here is my comment

This house has only two smoke detectors. Smoke detectors should be installed in all bedrooms, outside all sleeping areas and all rooms except bathrooms and kitchens.

Some manufacturers recommend replacing smoke detectors every ten years.

The smoke detectors should be tested and fresh batteries inserted upon moving in to home.
Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed according to the manufacture’s instructions.

[rhensel (Russell Hensel)]

I use this…

Welcome - Smoke Sabre Smoke Detector Tester 

disclaim nothing and actually test it…easier, safety and pretty easy to do. One can lasts a LONG time…I bought a case and think I still have 10 cans left (12 cans in a case)…after a year

[gfricke (Glenn Fricke)]

You got a cost on those Russ? Nothing on their website and nowhere to order.

[jjonas (Jeffrey Jonas)]

Thanks for posting the link Russell! What an awesome policy at the bottom of the page!!!

http://www.smokesabre.com/

[wcollier (Wayne Collier, HI5099)]

@jburkeson1

I have issues with testing and I will not certify smoke detectors… Sure I test them to see if they make noise when the test button is pushed, but that only means the circuit to the horn works, it has nothing to do with detecting smoke. Here in Florida I still see many homes with single station battery-only detectors I refuse to take responsibility for their performance when people’s lives are at stake.

Now, here is a question for you… Is it a defect if the number of, and location of the detectors do not meet current standards?

I agree and always tell the buyer. When you move in it would be in your best interest to make sure they work. I only advise where they should be located and if a CO detector is needed. With such a critical safety device the life you save may be your own.

[mcramer1 (Mark A. Cramer)]

I don’t test smoke alarms, but you can buy the stuff here:

<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009HOCFIU/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009HOCFIU&linkCode=as2&tag=ledflarev-20”>SDI Smokesabre Aerosol Smoke Detector Tester, Case of 12</a><img src=“http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ledflarev-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B009HOCFIU” width=“1” height=“1” border=“0” alt="" style=“border:none !important; margin:0px !important;” />

[phalstead (Preston Halstead, HI549)]

I use a can of smoke or watever its called. Yellow can and inexpensive. They last forever. I can sell some to you guys if you want as I dont think I will ever finish the case I have

[sappolloni (Steven Appolloni, hi7859)]

How many houses do you think a can will last for, seems like a can must last awhile for you guys.

[rhensel (Russell Hensel)]

Couple hundred houses and it costs about $6 or something a can.

The guys who test smoke alarms (The sprinkler guys) use it…that’s where I got it from. Hell, one of the guys gave me a can.

Funny how people freak out about calling non existent GFCI’s out because of safety and then don’t check the smoke alarms…Interesting.

Hell why not just walk in and tell them to check everything…hey these things may or may not work…check it all before you move in.

Isn’t a purpose of ours to find these defects BEFORE they buy the house? Or have we become a profession of disclaiming?

[fsylvester (Fred Sylvester, HI-278 CB-C025051 MRSA-911 MRSR-1017)]

@rhensel

Isn’t a purpose of ours to find these defects BEFORE they buy the house? Or have we become a profession of disclaiming?

Heck what does a customer expect for a $200.00 check list format home inspection;-)