Smoke detector

CBRBlackbird replied on 05/03/2017 16:33

Posted on 05/03/2017 16:33

On going to the van on Friday the smoke detector (Fire Angel) was chirping for flat battery.

Bought a new battery but on fitting the detector continued to chirp and would not test when the button was pressed.

Phoned the customer services and the first thing they wanted to know was had I vacuumed the device? Apparently (its in the instructions) the device should be vacummed every three months. Now I don't even vacuum the one at home let alone the van one (the van is 22 months old)

The vacuuming didn't cure the problem and a second call to customer services resulted in a new one being sent out. Whilst the device has a 5 year warranty, the replacement will only be covered for the remaining part of the original 5 years,

Do you vacuum your smoke detector?

SteveDSD replied on 06/03/2017 11:18

Posted on 06/03/2017 11:18

I vacuum my smoke and CO detectors at home and in my van, usually once a month or so  

I also check the house ones are working every week by pressing the test button.  I change the batteries when the clocks go back or forward (every 6 months) so that I make sure I've remembered. 

They are very sensitive to cold and damp conditions and so it's possible that might have contributed. Also, the batteries might not have good output under certain temperatures. 

My CO detector beeps intermittently when it's below -3'C because the battery can't maintain the voltage and the detector thinks it's discharged.  As soon as I get the heating on and the battery warms up then it stops chirping. 

near Malvern Hills Club Campsite Member photo by Andrew Cole

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