Smoke Detector testing..Question

[David Nasser]

Who is responible for testing that a smoke detector works ?

My Home inspector school advised that we only note and inform

that they are in the correct areas.....

What is the a Home Inspectors responsibility in this area ?


David

[James H. Bushart]

It is prudent to note the number and location, but unwise to officially record their working status unless you intend to back that up if they fail during a fire.

[James F. McKee]

I like to tell people that moving into a new home is a great time to replace smoke detectors to make sure they have all new and properly functioning units...a very small price for a very important item...jmo....jim

[ROBERT W. NEWLAND, JR.]

Originally Posted by jbushart

It is prudent to note the number and location, but unwise to officially record their working status unless you intend to back that up if they fail during a fire.

Agree, and I always put a statement in my reports, in BOLD and included in the Summary, that all fire detectors should be tested for proper operation immediately upon moving into home.

[Mark Thorman]

I note the locations, test the accessible units installed using the test button and recommend upgrading to current required locations when needed.

www.mauihomeinspections.com

[Joseph Hagarty, CMI]

My General Comment...

Smoke Detectors
- Detectors are noted as present but not sounded or inspected.
- Recommend the installation of smoke detectors at each level and bedroom of the home.
Placement should be in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Recommend the installation of Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors in homes with Gas / Oil fired
appliances. Placement should be in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Recommend the installation of Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors in homes with attached
Garages. Placement should be in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Recommend the replacement of smoke detectors at 10 year intervals per the manufacturer's recommendations.

[cmcdonald]

As a general rule, I also note if the location is at least 4 inches from the wall (for ceiling mounted detectors) and if the detector is at least 4 inches from the ceiling but not more than 12 inches from the ceiling for wall mounted detectors.

Just my two cents.

[Bob Elliott]

Remember using the test button , only tests the energy source to the unit,and not function.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Check your state's SOP, if you are in a licensing state. Or, check the SOP of whatever certifying association you are a member of. Here's what NC says:

"C. Report on presence or absence of smoke detectors, and operate their test function, if accessible, except when detectors are part of a central system."

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Check your state's SOP, if you are in a licensing state. Or, check the SOP of whatever certifying association you are a member of. Here's what NC says:

"C. Report on presence or absence of smoke detectors, and operate their test function, if accessible, except when detectors are part of a central system."

[Mark Thorman]

"C. Report on presence or absence of smoke detectors, and operate their test function, if accessible, except when detectors are part of a central system."[/quote]


I accidentally tested a central system once so I was able to verify the response time of the police and fire department (which was actually pretty good.

www.mauihomeinspections.com

[mjones6]

The smoke and co2 meters I bought for my house recommended they be replaced every 5 years. I'm not gonna guess how old detectors are in a house. I recommend they be replaced and the client checks with the local fire dept. for recommendations.

[Dale Duffy]

Originally Posted by jbushart

It is prudent to note the number and location, but unwise to officially record their working status unless you intend to back that up if they fail during a fire.

I agree also Jim, explain it makes noise, but I'll be damned if I know whether it detects smoke.

I recommend they replace them, who knows what somebody might have done to one of them, or all of them, their cheap, and save lives, buy new ones.

[Douglas Cossar]

Originally Posted by Mark Thorman

"C. Report on presence or absence of smoke detectors, and operate their test function, if accessible, except when detectors are part of a central system."

I accidentally tested a central system once so I was able to verify the response time of the police and fire department (which was actually pretty good.

www.mauihomeinspections.com[/quote]

The fire department in my neck of the woods charges $800.00/truck for false alarms. I never test if there is an alarm system installed.
I always suggest replacement as well.

Cheers

[jkogel]

Originally Posted by dcossar

alarms. I never test if there is an alarm system installed.
I always suggest replacement as well.

Cheers

If you trigger an alarm system during an inspection, you can sometimes demonstrate your superior knowledge to the buyers and the realtor and disable the beepbeep by taking the cover off and clipping one of the speaker wires. Don't ask how I know this.

John Kogel
www.allsafehome.ca