Safety In the Home: Smoke detectors

With smoke detectors commonplace in most homes, they are a very important safety device requiring regular checks as more people are killed by house fire smoke inhalation every year than burns from a domestic house fire.

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If your home was built after 1992, or has had an extension since then, it should have had a smoke alarm fitted.
However, due to nuisance triggering from cooking or smoking cigarettes it may have been disconnected or it could have even stopped working. If this is the case it's a good idea to test, service or replace your detector and consider whether the protection level of your current detectors are sufficient for you and your home's occupants.

There are a few basic rules to follow for the correct installation and operation of smoke alarms to ensure they perform as required.

Building regulations for new homes or extensions will often specify not only the type of smoke alarm to be fitted - typically mains powered with battery back-up in the event of a power cut - but its position in the home.
Due to smoke and heat rising, detectors should be fitted on or close to the ceiling, ideally between the bedrooms.
Although this is the minimum your home requires, we would recommend that you consider additional alarms immediately outside the kitchen, utility room and lounge.

All alarms should be tested once a week and this can be done by pressing the button on the alarm for 3 to 5 seconds. This should cause the alarm to activate, giving off a loud consistent beeping noise.

If the alarm has not had its battery replaced in the last 12 months or if it makes occasional 'chirps' (especially when the house is cold) then the battery needs replacing.

A smoke alarm is easily replaced, so if you are unsure about the age or condition of yours you may choose to err on the side of caution and replace it.

By following this advice it can help protect all members of your household in the unfortunate event of a fire.

BuySpares Top Tip:: When vacuuming the carpet below a smoke alarm use the hose and extension pipe to clean the detector. Then use the pipe to reach and press the button to test the alarm.

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* All information provided is a guide only. BuySpares accepts no liability for any problems occurred while attempting any advice shown. If in any doubt contact a qualified repair service.