How to Test a Smoke Detector

https://www.wikihow.it/Testare-un-Rilevatore-di-Fumo

06-09-2024 |
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Fire and burn deaths are the fifth leading cause of accidental death in the United States, and the third leading cause of fatal home accidents (Runyan 2004).^{[1]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Steps

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First, warn everyone else in your household that you will be testing the alarms, unless you want to take this opportunity to hold a fire drill.
- If your detector is connected to a controlled security system, be sure to tell the surveillance company that you are about to perform a test before doing so.You don't want the fire department showing up at your door!
Have someone go to the part of the house furthest from the detector when you conduct a test of its functions, to determine whether the alarm can be heard clearly even from that distance. Remember, it will need to be loud enough to wake up the deepest sleeper in the house.
The detector should produce a loud sound.
To verify that the unit actually works in a fire, you will need a small can of smoke detector test spray. You can find them in hardware stores or DIY stores.Otherwise, you can find them on the internet.They only cost a few euros, and a small can can last for years.Spray some of the material into the detector, and wait 5-10 seconds for a response.If the alarm sounds, you will know that the unit would work even in the event of a fire.Otherwise, the drive is faulty, although it beeps when you press the test button.Try changing the batteries and cleaning the detector to remove any dust that may be blocking the openings, and then repeat the test.If it still doesn't work after replacement, your unit needs to be replaced.Replace it as soon as possible.
To deactivate the alarm after testing it, you can use a small portable vacuum cleaner under the detector and suck up the material. If you only have a full-sized vacuum cleaner, use the extension cord to suck material out of the unit.More modern detectors may have a specific button for this purpose which can deactivate them until the residue has been removed from the unit.Alternatively, you can wait for it to turn off by itself, but by doing so you will waste battery energy and the sound is very annoying.
If you don't want to do it, do it at least a couple of times a year.Always test detectors after changing batteries to ensure the devices are still functional.

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Tips

Never decorate a smoke detector (including its outer covering) with paints, stickers, hanging objects, etc.You may limit its functionality.
Most manufacturers recommend testing detectors weekly.The button test is sufficient for this check.Use the spray test a couple of times a year to make sure the airflow inside the unit is not obstructed.
'''If you move into a home that contains smoke detectors of unknown age,''' look at the manufacturer's label on the back of the device.It may have the manufacturing date on it, which you can use to calculate the age of the unit.If you can't find the manufacturing date, replace that unit as soon as possible.
Wear earplugs when testing a smoke alarm.It's very loud and you'll be right next to it when it activates.
'''Smoke detectors can be trusted for ten years.''' After this period, you will need to replace them with new models.
'''A couple of times a year, use a vacuum cleaner to gently remove dust from the openings of the unit.Dust in these parts of the device may slow the entry of smoke and interfere with the detection of a fire.

Warnings

Never test a smoke alarm using real smoke (from a flame, cigarette, incense, etc.).In addition to posing a fire hazard, soot, wax and oil particles in smoke can ruin the detection chamber, making the unit less sensitive.
The test button's job is to test the BATTERY.DOES NOT check smoke detectors.
An alarm of any type is a simple signaling device, it does not aim to ward off danger.To survive, you and those who live with you will have to take action.Create an escape plan in case of fire,^{[2]
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Research source} discuss it with everyone who lives with you (including children) and practice putting it into practice.
No smoke detector offers instant warnings.The fire will have started and spread before the alarm sounds.For this reason, '''when an alarm sounds, you MUST leave the house, together with the people who live with you, as quickly as possible'''.In the case of a house fire, the difference between death and life is measured in minutes;in some cases seconds.
Your state's laws probably specify how to throw away old, unreliable smoke alarms.Find out about the laws in your area and dispose of these devices correctly.
It is dangerous to test a smoke detector using a flame.It is safest to do this using a test spray.However, never try to test a smoke detector with a spray other than those specific for this use.Other types of sprays contain materials that will stick to the sensors, making the device less reliable in the future.

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