DIYbanter - View Single Post - How old is too old for a smoke detector ?

G. Morgan[_9_]

wrote:

I have a condo and it has the original smoke detectors, FireX. Probably about 20 years old. they don't take batteries, that's probably why they have not received much attention. The are hardwired to AC with a signal wire to the other 2 detectors. Don't believe they are on a separate circuit, should they be ?

It would be nice to have them on separate circuits, but not a code
requirement.

Should they be replaced ?

Yes, they *must* be replaced @ 10 years old per NFPA code. Monitored
detectors are exempt because they get inspected at least annually and
usually have replaceable sensing chambers. Stand-alone detectors *must*
be replaced every 10 years.

You'll see two types for sale, photoelectric and ionization. Get
photoelectric types. They will detect smoldering fires faster and reduce
false alarms.

Recommendations !?

Replace them with AC/DC type smokes (a backup battery) or just DC ones.
Also get ones with an "interlock" feature, when one trips - they all
sound. Now is a good time to bring it up to current code.

Place one outside of each sleeping area, for instance if there are 3
bedrooms upstairs and you can place one in the hall 15' (max range from
corners & walls) from one side of the hall and no more than 15' from the
other wall, one in the middle of the hall will suffice (the hall is 30'
long or less). If the hall is longer, place one no less than 15' from
one wall - then go up to 30' to the next one, etc.. For instance if the
hall is 40' long place you need two detectors, placed 10' off each wall
for uniform coverage.

If there is a master bedroom on the 1st floor, one needs to be placed
outside of the MBR door. If there are two bedrooms downstairs on each
side of the condo and they are more than 30' apart you need one outside
EACH bedroom - else place one in between the two bedrooms if the doors
are within 15' of each other.

Also, a detector must be inside of each and every bedroom. Usually
placed 8 inches away from the corner of the wall and ceiling above the
door. NEVER place them IN the corners, as smoke does not always
accumulate there. The detector's instruction manual will show you proper
placement, with a drawing.

I strongly recommend the interlock feature, even though this is not
mandated in all jurisdictions. This will assure everyone sleeping will
wake up if a fire happens at night. Also, have a plan in case of a
detection - make sure kids know to get outside ASAP and have a
pre-designated meeting area outdoors.

Never put smoke detectors in kitchens, use a RoR (Rate of Rise) heat
detector instead. Same goes for attic spaces and garages (near gas H2O
heaters, furnaces).

Now is a good time to install CO detector(s) as well. Follow the
manufacturer's instructions. They usually mount lower than smoke
detectors, carbon monoxide gas is neutrally buoyant in air.

Even better, if you have a monitored security system - consider letting
the alarm company do the work and use monitored detectors. This will
save property (the monitoring company calls the fire dept. if no one is
home to hear the alarms) and lower insurance costs.

Thanks

YW, and thanks for asking. If you have questions, please call the
non-emergency number for the local fire dept. and ask for advice. Most
will be happy to send someone out to help you plan the system. They
would rather come now rather than later taking you or a family member out
in a body bag.

--

I met a guy today who said he was addicted to brake fluid!
But he says he can stop anytime.