Important News....

[Marcel R. Cyr]

Most inspections show that battery smoke detectors are always disabled due to a dead battery, and the 120 volt hard wired ones seem to be more reliable due the fact, when the battery is dead, it will cherp for ever., I think.

Russel, at $500 dollars an hour for your consultation, would you have a job for me to do the same, I only have 40 years of building construction experience. For that rate, I might consider to move to California. ha. ha.

Hope your bet to raise the money works and helps the Association.

[gporter]

Fireman save also

[Russel Ray]

Originally Posted by mcyr

Russel, at $500 dollars an hour for your consultation, would you have a job for me to do the same, I only have 40 years of building construction experience. For that rate, I might consider to move to California. ha. ha.

I don't think you would survive our brutal winters.

[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?

[Jay Moge]

it all depends on how that little button works. in some (newer Photo Electric) smokes the button activates a resistor which simulate a smoke situation electronicly. in this type, yes it does not tell us if the device will work in a smokey room. the other type simulate a lack of return signal from the eye, off the black reflector, and into the sensor, by actualy pushing on the black reflector, messing up the signal (as smoke would) and setting off the siren. using a "can of smoke" or other test will work better for the first type, just remember the those products are usualy a base of cooking spray or something similar and can build up over time on sensitive sensors, so don't tell you client to go out and buy a can to test theres twice a year.

[Russel Ray]

Originally Posted by 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.

[Jay Jackson]

Originally Posted by dvalley

and parachutes...

unless at first you don't succeed??

[Timothy J. Gardner]

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