David Hansen wrote:
On Fri, 13 Jan 2006 10:29:17 -0000 someone who may be "Christian
McArdle" wrote this:-


Battery smoke detectors help, but are
significantly less reliable, as less than half have a functional installed
battery at any time.


That is a matter of how seriously one takes such things. Those who
take such things seriously make sure the batteries are functional.

Mains powered smoke alarms on their own circuit can have their fuse
withdrawn, or circuit breaker turned off, should one be so inclined.

Indeed. The ones our FB install are FireX 4830 "DC Powered Ionisation
Smoke Alarm Non Removable Long Life Lithium Battery" (from the box) with
a 6 year warranty. Tails are provided to link the alarms though the FB
wouldn't do the linking (for me; I suppose they might have done for
someone not obviously able-bodied and competent). At the end of the
alarm's life, the FB comes and replaces it (or them, in our case; they
fitted 3).

I'm sorry if other brigades don't do this; I don't know what the capital
outlay would be but I'd guess it makes their job much easier. And the
cost of losing a fireman from trauma after a failed rescue is probably
pretty great...

Douglas de Lacey.