How to maintain and replace your smoke alarm
Smoke alarms are effective life-saving devices only when they are properly maintained in good working condition. Find out more on how to maintain, and when to replace your smoke alarms.
How to maintain your smoke alarms:
Monthly, test your smoke alarm by pressing the test button. If it's out of reach, use a broom handle.
Regularly clean your smoke alarm to prevent interference from dust and debris. Use a vacuum around and over the alarm.
Replace removable batteries annually. If the alarm emits a short 'BEEP' every minute, it's a signal to replace the battery or check dust, battery connections, or possibly replace the entire unit.
Avoid painting smoke alarms to maintain their effectiveness.
Neglecting maintenance may lead to unwarranted activations.
Tips for Dealing with Cooking-Related Activations:
If cooking smoke triggers the alarm, don't disable it. Use the range fan, open a window, or wave a towel near the alarm until it stops. Alternatively, use the hush button if available.
If cooking-related activations persist, consider relocating the smoke alarm or redirecting the range fan externally.
When to replace your smoke alarms (every 10 years):
Smoke alarms may malfunction after 10 years due to accumulated dust, insects, airborne contaminants, and circuitry corrosion.
Replace alarms older than 10 years, or those that fail during tests with the latest models, preferably hard-wired and interconnected.
Over a decade, a smoke alarm undergoes millions of monitoring cycles, leading to potential reliability issues.
Check for an expiry or replace-by date inside the alarm cover.
You can replace a battery powered smoke detector yourself. Simply disconnect the old alarm and reconnect the new one. Note: Licensed electricians must handle the installation and repair of hardwired 240V smoke alarms.
Contact Andrew from Bladz Electrical (Sunshine Coast) for further advice and assistance Ph 0488 161 844 bladzelectrical@gmail.com
