Smoke alarm ?

[Karl E. Gerhauser]

On my inspection yesterday i had trouble finding the test button on this unit. Any suggestions? I have not seen this type of unit before. There must be a way to test it. It was the only one in the home. Does this count as "destructive discovery"?

[pcanter]

Some Inspection tool companies sell "smoke" in a can for testing smoke detectors. Pushing the test button only tests for power.

[GARY L. RUSK]

An insufficient number of smoke alarms are installed. Additional smoke alarms should be installed as necessary so a functioning one exists in each hallway leading to bedrooms, and in each bedroom. For more information, visit http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5077.html
NFPA urges replacing home smoke alarms after 10 years.



Gary

http://www.hsspropertyinspection.com

[Karl E. Gerhauser]

Sorry guys, I wasn't expecting any serious answers. Did you look at the pics?

[Rick Maday]

Originally Posted by kgerhauser

Sorry guys, I want expecting any serious answers. Did you look at the pics?

Glad, I did look at the pics closely!

Guess that was easier than properly terminating the wires and the hole!

[pcanter]

OOPs. Didn't even look at pic? Just answered the question.

[relliott]

what was holding it up?
is that attic insulation I see?

[Karl E. Gerhauser]

Robert,

A piece of string that I cut. Does this count as "destructive discovery"?

This has been up this way for years, the empty cover and the string are stained brown from smoking.

[Rick Maday]

Originally Posted by kgerhauser

This has been up this way for years, the empty cover and the string are stained brown from smoking.

Ironic, no?

[Thomas H. Dietrich]

Funny how many people take the bait to show off what they know.

[William J. Decker]

Good point to remember:

I inform my clients that the ionization type detectors have a small radioactive source in them. After 5 years, or so, the detector doesn't work anymore (the source runs down).

I advise them to write a month and year, 5 years in the future, on the detector and change it out when that time runs out.

Many reports, from fellow HIs who are also firemen, of houses that burned and the detectors never went off. Good battery, but 10 to 12 year old detectors.

Put it in your standard maintenance verbiage. It also amazes the heck out of Realtors (which impresses them and gets you referrals )

Hope this helps;

[Thomas H. Dietrich]

I was taught, the NFPA stance on residential smoke detectors is 10 years or until the manufactures warranty runs out. So if you buy cheap ones, expect to change them every 2 years. As for the radio active source idea, the stance is for both ionization and photoelectric POC detectors.

imho,

tom

[Robert A. Jack]

Are you sure it is a smoke detector? I've seen many home alarm systems with a siren installed in the home to ward off intruders after they enter the home. Usually a very loud pizzo type horn device, it looks very much like your picture

[Karl E. Gerhauser]

Positive, that is an empty smoke alarm cover tied to the ceiling.