We see this a lot during home inspections: smoke alarms that are removed, disconnected, or disabled in some way. Whether it’s due to that annoying low battery chirping noise, the shrieking “false alarm” caused by the smoke from a burnt pizza, or because the smoke alarm is old, people disable their smoke alarms and then forget about them. That’s a dangerous thing to do. First, even though smoke alarms can be an occasional nuisance, by code, they’re required. Second, the lack of properly functioning smoke alarms is an invitation to potential disaster, putting you and your family at lethal risk in the event of a fire or smoke-related incident.
This fact speaks for itself: in a home where the smoke detectors are broken or not working, your chance of surviving a smoke-related accident is 55% lower than in a home with working smoke alarms installed in the right places.
Research and development continue in the ongoing task of designing smoke alarms that can distinguish between the smoke caused by a cooking source and an actual fire. Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the folks that set consumer safety standards, has recognized these smoke alarm issues. They don’t want to see people disabling their smoke alarms and have been working towards the goal of developing products that can reduce nuisance alarms.
What is the difference between a smoke alarm and a smoke detector?
As with most products these days, choosing the correct smoke alarm for your home can be confusing. Most consumers can become confused by the various types of smoke alarms and their particular terminology. Below are some basic definitions that can help you choose the best product for your home.
• A smoke detector employs a sensor that can monitor for and detect smoke. These smoke detectors are usually connected to a fire alarm system that protects a whole building through a central control system. Smoke detectors are typically found in commercial applications such as schools and larger commercial buildings.
• A smoke alarm also employs a sensor that can monitor for and detect smoke. In addition, it has a built-in speaker that alerts occupants with an audible alarm when it senses smoke. Smoke alarms are what we typically see in our homes. As usual, there is more than one option for smoke alarms in newer homes, including:
o Single-Station: A single-station smoke alarm is a stand-alone device, either battery-operated or hard-wired into the home’s electrical system. It will sound an alarm if smoke is detected.
o Multiple-Station: A multiple-station smoke alarm employs two or more smoke alarms hard-wired into the home’s electrical system. All alarms in this system will sound if smoke is detected at one of the devices. There are also multiple station systems that are interconnected and communicate wirelessly.
Future standards for smoke alarms
The original standards for smoke alarms were put in place back in the mid-1970s. These standards were periodically updated to better protect people as a result of the newer products and materials being used to build furniture and other things commonly found in homes.
For example, back in the day, most products in your home were made of wood, cotton, wool, and other natural fibers. Today, polyurethane and other synthetic products are used in various forms, such as foam padding and in furniture, flooring, and appliances. These synthetic materials burn faster and hotter than the older materials. The smoke from these polyurethane materials is also different from that created by wood, cotton, wool, and other natural fibers.
The newest standards went into effect during the second half of 2022. Smoke alarms produced under these new standards will have specific labeling stating that they “Help Reduce Cooking Nuisance Alarms.” They must also be able to effectively sense the smoke produced when polyurethane is burning.
Regular smoke alarm maintenance
• Refer to and follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations.
• Check your smoke alarms every month by pressing the test button.
• Replace the batteries per the manufacturer’s recommendations, typically annually.
• Replace your smoke alarms at least every 10 years.
Replacing a battery in a smoke alarm
Note that some of the newer smoke alarms are constructed with a built-in, long-life battery that cannot be replaced. The entire unit must be replaced when it starts to chirp, indicating that it is nearing the end of its useful life. Make sure that if you remove an older smoke alarm, it gets replaced in a timely manner.
Smoke alarm placement
It’s important to have smoke alarms in the proper locations throughout your home. Smoke alarms should be in every bedroom as well as the adjacent area. A minimum of one smoke alarm should be on every level of your home. Check out the Minnesota State Requirements if you have any questions.
Summary
Although the new standards will make us safer in the future, now is a good time to check the smoke alarms currently in your home. Take time every month to test and inspect your smoke alarms. If a smoke alarm is chirping, replace the battery as soon as possible. Upgrading to newer smoke alarms can effectively protect you and your family and reduce nuisance alarms.
At HomePro Inspections, our home inspectors are trained to look for and report any potential issues they may come across. Any issues, such as missing or old smoke alarms, are documented in your home inspection report and recommended for resolution by a qualified professional.
Visit our website to learn more or to schedule your home inspection in the Rochester, Owatonna, and Faribault, MN areas. You can contact us today at (507) 202-8942 or utilize our online Schedule Now feature to set up an appointment.