Consumer Product Safety Council

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September Maintenance Tip – Smoke Detectors

Do you know how old your smoke detector is? Your home’s smoke detectors should be ten years old or newer. At ten years the detectors may become desensitized and need to be replaced. When possible, Above All recommends upgrading your existing detectors with interconnected alarms. These types of alarms are linked together, so if one alarm is activated all alarms will sound.

Most fatal fires occur in residential buildings between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. when occupants are more likely to be asleep. More than 90 percent of fire deaths in buildings occur in residential dwellings.

A Johns Hopkins University study, funded by the United States Fire Administration, found that 75 percent of residential fire deaths and 84 percent of residential fire injuries could have been prevented by smoke detectors.

Smoke detectors generally come in two designs; “photo-electric” sensors or “ionization” sensors. A photo-electric detector uses a tiny light source that shines on a light-sensitive sensor. The alarm is triggered when smoke particles from a fire breaks the beam of light. An ionization detector uses an extremely small quantity of radioactive material to make the air inside the smoke detector conduct electricity. Smoke particles from a fire interfere with the electrical current, and therefore trigger the alarm.

There are three easy maintenance tasks recommended for smoke detectors (smoke alarms).

#1 Clean and test smoke detectors

Cleaning helps ensure better operations, and testing helps to ensure that the unit is operating properly.

Clean and test smoke detectors twice a year. For example: March and September.

Clean smoke detectors using a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and cobwebs. If possible, carefully vacuum inside the unit as well. Press the test button on the smoke detector to see if the alarm goes off. Depending on the manufacture of your unit, the button may only test the warning sound, but may not check the internal smoke detection circuitry. Some units, however, have more sophisticated test systems that simulate the presence of smoke in the chamber. Check the instructions of the detector to see if it has this feature. Avoid lighting matches or candles under the detector to see is the alarm goes off, as repeated use of smoke to activate the detector can cause them to fail and not be available to operate during a real fire.

The benefits of this task are high, in that it helps to ensure the safe operation of your smoke detectors for protecting you and your home.

#2 Replace Batteries

Check your manufacturer’s recommendations, but the battery in most smoke detectors should be replaced once per year, even where the smoke detector is wired in and the battery acts only as a back-up power supply. Batteries deteriorate over time and need to be replaced to ensure proper operation of the smoke detector.
The benefits of this task are high, in that it helps to ensure the safe operation of your smoke detectors for protecting you and your home.

Set a schedule, for example every September install new batteries, clean and test your smoke detector.

#3 Replace smoke detector

Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years, according to the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the National Fire Protection Association, and the US Fire Administrator. Why is it important to replace smoke detectors? The units will accumulate significant levels of dust, dirt, and debris and cannot be safely serviced by you.
The benefits of this task are high, in that it helps to ensure the safe operation of your smoke detectors for protecting you and your home.

Set up reminders in your calendar for example; Replace smoke detector September 2010, September 2020.

Review:

Clean.Test.Batteries.Replace.

Clean – Test September & March

Replace Batteries – Every September

Replace Smoke Detector – Every Ten Years

Locations

If you have recently moved into a home this is a great time to start fresh with new smoke detectors. When practical it is best to install the interconnecting smoke alarms. Check with your local Building Enforcement Municipality for smoke detector requirements and locations.

The National Fire Alarm code requires a smoke detector in each sleeping room, in the hallway adjacent to the sleeping rooms (if hallway is longer then 30 feet it is recommended to install one at each end), one on every floor including basements, On floors without bedrooms, detectors should be installed in or near living areas, such as dens, living rooms or family rooms. Smoke detectors are not recommended for kitchens. Place smoke detectors at least one foot away from corners and place them on areas that have a constant temperature like a ceiling or high wall.

Smoke detectors can be a great gift for someone. Its unique, funny and saves lives!

Another safety tip brought to you by your Home Inspector Sarasota.

Can a house fail an inspection?

Q: Can a house fail an inspection?

A: No, a professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of your prospective home. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value, or a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what may need repair, replacement or safety enhancement.

Colleague Home Inspector….

Tim Beavers,

“Tim is a very dependable and Honest Inspector. He will always tell it like it is, which is what serious buyers want from an Inspector. Tim is also a natural leader, works well with others and motivator to those around him.“

Rick Sailors, home inspector

How do I open and navigate through my inspection report?

Q: How do I open and navigate through my inspection report?

A: Your inspection report will be delivered via email with directions explaining exactly how to open it. At the bottom of your email there will be a link to click on. Simply click the link, and allow a minute or so for the report to open in your internet browser. Once the document has opened, you have the choice to scroll through the report, click on different sections of the report and save the report. Simply click on the “save as” button and save the report to your desired location, such as your desktop.

If you are still having difficulties reading and/or navigating through the report view the video below for detailed directions.

Of course, you may contact our office, we will be happy to assist you!

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