Smoke Alarm Testing

Smoke alarm beep

Beep beep beep.

There is nothing more annoying than the intermittent beep from a smoke alarm. The positive is that you know it is working and by simply testing the device and changing the battery you can resolve the problem and potentially save lives.

How to test a smoke alarm

It is recommended that you  smoke alarm testing is carried out every month to ensure the battery and the alarm sounder are operating. 

Hold down the test button until you hear a loud alert tone, then release. Use a broom handle if you cannot reach, but be careful you do not damage the smoke alarm. You may need to press the button again to turn off the alarm

 

Changing smoke alarm battery

How do I change the battery of the smoke alarm?

If your smoke alarm is emitting that annoying beeping sound here is what you need to do

  • Lift, rotate, or remove the cover. (In some cases, the entire alarm is triggered from a base.)
  • Replace the battery with a brand new one. Most machines use 9 volt batteries.
  • Close the detector and snap it back into place.
  • Press the test button to make sure it works. You should hear a beep or chirp.

 

Also, pay attention to the date of manufacture stated on the device. Smoke detectors lose their effectiveness after 10 years and must be replaced just like carbon monoxide alarms. Upgrade to the newer lithium battery smoke detectors and you don’t have to worry about replacing the batteries for up to a decade.

To keep your home as safe as possible, it is highly recommended you use interconnected smoke alarms, which means that when one sounds, all sound. At a minimum, make sure that smoke detectors are installed in every bedroom, outside every sleeping area and on every level of the house. From January 2007 all existing private homes, townhouses and units in Queensland will require photoelectric interconnected smoke alarms. These must be either a hardwired (eg. 240v) or non-removable 10 year battery powered type alarm. And from January 2022 all homes or units being sold or leased, or existing leases renewed, will require hardwired photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms. 

It is also recommended that you install a smoke alarm in your caravan or recreational vehicle. Remember, there is usually only one exit point in a caravan. 

Smoke alarm testing services.

South East Electrical provide smoke alarm testing services as well as smoke alarm installations. Our testing services include . 

  • Check expiry date (once the detector is ten years old it is required to be replaced
  • Battery change
  • Complete a smoke test
  • Advise if existing location of each detector is correct with current regulations

A working smoke alarm saves lives

Subscribe