smoke alarm going off for no reason?
radioguy4ever
16 years ago
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its me lms
7 years agoctsnicholas
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Smoke/Fire Alarm recommendations
Comments (6)I have the Kidde model PI 2000 which I believe is the best smoke detector. The reason for that is that smoke alarms come in two types of detectors--those that detect slow, smoldering fires (photoelectric sensors), and those that detect fast flaming fires (ionization sensors). Most smoke alarms just detect one or the other, so if you have the other kind of fire, your smoke detector will not go off, or go off too late. The Kidde PI 2000 combines both detectors in one alarm. I wish everyone had these, and I don't know why other manufacturers don't make them this way. Kidde is a top-quality manufacturer which provides a 5-year warranty on the PI 2000. So the OP's issue of the detector going on a false alarm means a faulty alarm, and Kidde would replace if that happened in the first 5 years. And yes, the alarms should be interconnected. That way, if the alarm goes off in e.g. your basement, and you are asleep upstairs, the upstairs alarm will go off too so you'll be awakened. I understand the interconnectivity is strictly required by Code countrywide. While you're buying smoke detectors, buy the "Ultralife" batteries. They claim to last 10 years, but more realistically, 5 or 6. Still, that's better than having to climb up and change batteries every 6 months, and you'll have peace of mind that the batteries are working. Kidde PI 2000 (if you are buying multiple alarms, some websites offer a discount on a multiple order, so call various websites to find out) Smoke Alarm Ultralife Batteries To the OP - you can also post your question on the Gardenweb's Electric Wiring Forum . They could advise you on any wiring issues, and on smoke alarms in general....See MoreReplacing an Home Sentry Smoke Alarm
Comments (7)While installing your new smoke alarm it must be install on or near the ceiling with care taken to avoid dead air spaces. Hope it will be useful for you....See Moresmoke alarm and fireplace
Comments (17)Vent-free gas fireplaces have proven themselves safe...and actually MORE safe than all other types of fuel fired fireplaces, furnances, and burners combined because of the safety features required to be in them. So says US Consumer Product Saftey Commision data compiled over the last 30+ years. Fewer deaths, fires, and personal injuries occur from unvented gas fireplace and other unvented gas heating appliances than all other fuel type heating appliances, furnaces, burners, stoves etc.. combined. While 'some' jurisdications, indeed have banned their use, such jurisdictions are in the extreme MINORITY and very RARE indeed. Unvented gas heaters, logs and inserts remain one of the SAFEST type of fuel type appliances and been used for decades with fewer problems than most other types of supplemental fuel burning units. ------------ That said: Excess water vapor in the atmosphere can cause smoke detectors to go off. That is why smoke detectors are not usually installed in bathrooms. Unvented heaters CAN cause a lot of water vapor to enter the room air, and if not properly exhausted or diluted with other room air, can cause your smoke detectors to harmlessly respond. Make sure the unvented gas log units are properly sized for the room, or provide make-up air from other rooms or the exterior environment. ------------ Otherwise, have the logs themselves checked for damage. Damaged logs can release fumes into the atmosphere that can set off smoke detectors, and while the fumes can largely be harmless, can pose a potential fire threat to the building....See MoreSmoke alarms
Comments (11)In Dallas, every bedroom and the hallways leading to the bedrooms must have smoke alarms. They must all be wired together using 14/3 and must be on a seperate circuit with nothing else. In this scheme, if one goes off they all go off. All direct wired alarms have battery backups so the wired to light so you know if the are working is foolish.We never install smoke alarms where cooking fumes might set them off. The main purpose of the alarms is to wake you during sleep times in the event of smoke/fire. Presumably, if you are cooking during waking hours, you are able to see visualy what is going on....See MorePenny Dean
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