Domestic Smoke Alarms and Heat Alarms

[JeffL]

When we moved in to our bungalow 10 years ago we had new smoke alarms fitted in the Hall and the Utility areas. We also had Heat Alarms fitted in the Kitchen and Garage. These are all Mains connected with internal back-up batteries. I replaced the back-up batteries 5 years ago. All the alarms are tested once per year and all work fine. I have a diary note saying that the Smoke alarms have a sticker saying they should be replaced after 10 years, probably the same for the Heat alarms. My question is, is this really necessary when they test okay every 12 months?

[GMB]

They will probably tell you when they are failing, so I would just leave them alone and wait for the beeps.

[Scotlex]

Probably a good idea to replace them after 10 years. I'm not sure if the detectors might deteriorate but they will get covered in dust etc..

I better check mine 😅 

[Malc1]

Have you a Carbon Monoxide Alarm too …… in the kitchen.  That has I think a 10 year life Battery but not hard wired in my case 🤔

I notice when the batteries start to wane, they beep and tell me …… they are just back-up to being hard wired too with the heat/smoke alarms 

Everythings in my diary to replace as and when …… 

Malc 

[Duggie B]

Replace them with Aico detectors arguably the best on the market, non replaceable lithium batteries, also can be radio linked with Battery stand alone detectors of the same brand so no need for cabling etc

Most local authorities use them in there social housing homes, they are the only ones I'd fit (I am a sparks)

[RONNIE W HODGEKINSON]

19 hours ago, JeffL said:

When we moved in to our bungalow 10 years ago we had new smoke alarms fitted in the Hall and the Utility areas. We also had Heat Alarms fitted in the Kitchen and Garage. These are all Mains connected with internal back-up batteries. I replaced the back-up batteries 5 years ago. All the alarms are tested once per year and all work fine. I have a diary note saying that the Smoke alarms have a sticker saying they should be replaced after 10 years, probably the same for the Heat alarms. My question is, is this really necessary when they test okay every 12 months?

Jeff.. Just Watch your House insurance Relative to Smoke alarms being checked Regularly By A Professional as Opposed to you Just Writing it in your Diary....If not Recorded Properly that could be a Get- Out for your Insurance Company..Best to Check..!!!

[JeffL]

2 hours ago, Duggie B said:

Replace them with Aico detectors arguably the best on the market, non replaceable lithium batteries, also can be radio linked with battery stand alone detectors of the same brand so no need for cabling etc

Most local authorities use them in there social housing homes, they are the only ones I'd fit (I am a sparks)

Yes that's the brand we have now and I will replace with the same as the new ones will simply slide into the existing bases which are hardwired. No need for an electrician.

[Duggie B]

8 hours ago, RONNIE W HODGEKINSON said:

Jeff.. Just Watch your House insurance Relative to Smoke alarms being checked Regularly By A Professional as Opposed to you Just Writing it in your Diary....If not Recorded Properly that could be a Get- Out for your Insurance Company..Best to Check..!!!

There isn't really any need for a professional (electrician) to check them as they have a self test button and besides the only maintenance is really a quick hoover out where the optical detection sits plus record expiry dates

I work on social housing and the only form there is (niceic smoke  inspection form) is for recording type of system and keeping track of expiry date.

[GMB]

12 hours ago, Duggie B said:

There isn't really any need for a professional (electrician) to check them as they have a self test button and besides the only maintenance is really a quick hoover out where the optical detection sits plus record expiry dates

Well said.  My simple approach ( my wife keeps telling me that I am simple, so....) :

Step 1 replace Battery.

Step 2 Does it work now?

Step 3 If Yes, go for a cup of tea.

Step 4 If No, chuck it in the bin and get another one.

Works for me.