Fitting Mains Smoke Detectors

rosieprimrose

Hi, Wonder if anyone can advise.

We have mains connected smoke detectors and the one downstairs keeps going off randomly despite having had the battery changed. I had a closer look inside this morning and realised that is says that it needs to be replaced by 2005 (in tiny writing!).

So, I am going to get on the case obviously but am wondering - do you just call an ordinary elctrtician ot do this job and what sort of fee would they charge? Having never had it done, I don't want to pay more than I should but really have no idea as to what that should be!!! Am a sitting duck really!

Any contributions gratefully received.

latecomer

I would have thought it would be a cheap and quick job as it should be a straight replacement. If you are DIY minded then I would do it yourself, making sure the electrics are off before starting etc.

27col

Not quite sure why a mains powered smoke detector needs a battery. Presumably in case of a power failure. It seems rather pointless.
Anyway, if you can physically see the battery, then you can change it. It is not exactly rocket science. Obviously, make sure the power is off before you start. The only possible problem might be if the battery was soldered in, but you should be able to see that as soon as you look at the battery.

sparky883

New smoke alarm fitted should be around £50

TighterThanTwoCoatsOfPain

27col wrote: »

Not quite sure why a mains powered smoke detector needs a battery. Presumably in case of a power failure. It seems rather pointless.
Anyway, if you can physically see the battery, then you can change it. It is not exactly rocket science. Obviously, make sure the power is off before you start. The only possible problem might be if the battery was soldered in, but you should be able to see that as soon as you look at the battery.

err yeah, i would say its reasonably safe (obvious almost?) bet that its backed up with a battery. "Pointless" is the very last thing it is!

Picture if the fire breaks out at the fuse box so the power is the first thing to go... Would be a pretty useless alarm without the battery backup!

Suzy_M

I'm sure you've thought of it but it helps to clean inside the detectors periodically to eliminate any dust interfering with sensors. - Or ruddy thunder flies on the summer!

sooz

if you buy the same model as your current one, then you don't need an electrician. if you are competent enough to change the battery in it, then you should be able to replace it.

the instructions with the new one will tell you how to. Switch the power off to all the alarms first...it should be labelled in your fuse box. If not, or you don't know which one it is, then get a professional.

as the previous poster said, you do need to get the dust out of them every so often, the instructions normally recommend using the upholstery bit of your hoover.

MORPH3US

The OP said he had already changed the battery....

As above OP, it will probably be LOTS cheaper to just go to B&Q and get a replacement and fit it yourself.

As long as it has the right mains connection on the new alarm then it should be quite simple.

jonnysparks

a lot of the newer types can be simply unplugged and then be replaced with an exact match without any problems.
when you get time turn off the electric to the alarms and see if they will twist and unplug
without seeing the alarms i cant really give more advice than that
other than if it looks to difficult to replace yourself then i'm afraid a proffesional is the way to go

Antispam

Just replace it you can get them for under a £5, I dont see them need to a main powered one to be honest

latecomer

i think they are a legal requirement in some cases.