Idiot fire alarm question

another_casualty

Howdy!
Moved into flat almost a year ago. The fire alarm indicator light is still green . Last night I see the light next to it flashing red. I assume that means I should change the battery. However, while I have been trying unsuccessfully to remove the cover which is a p I t a doing so, I noticed a label saying change by 2020. Surely it is best to change now? Acting like balou the bear on a step ladder trying to keep my hands on the ceiling is no fun on my own .

Alter_ego

There are different types of cover, some twist off, some hinge down, some don't even open. Change by 2020 seems a bit early in 2018.

EssexExile

Mine beeps when the battery needs changing. The constant green & flashing red are normal.

another_casualty

Wow! Thanks a lot for the swift help and replies. It does say to put screwdriver in the groove etc. It looks like you have saved me a job for now . I will do nothing until,I see the warning signs mentioned .
Sounds like it is a decent one . The seller let it out to people before selling ,so she must have been on be ball with the safety aspects.

Risteard

I presume you are referring to smoke alarms rather than a full-blown fire alarm system (with panel). Many detectors e.g. the market leading brand Aico (Ei Electronics) have a self-test feature. (This does NOT replace the weekly user test.) I presume the light is flashing roughly every 30 seconds and may just be verifying that the alarm is not detecting an internal fault.

another_casualty

Risteard wrote: »

I presume you are referring to smoke alarms rather than a full-blown fire alarm system (with panel). Many detectors e.g. the market leading brand Aico (Ei Electronics) have a self-test feature. (This does NOT replace the weekly user test.) I presume the light is flashing roughly every 30 seconds and may just be verifying that the alarm is not detecting an internal fault.

Yes, the light is flashing every 30 seconds. It also has a self test feature. All seems ok .
Thanks

another_casualty

Just thought of something: in 2020, does the fire alarm have to be removed, or is it just the battery? It is on the ceiling , is it difficult to remove and change should I need a different one ?

Risteard

another_casualty wrote: »

Just thought of something: in 2020, does the fire alarm have to be removed, or is it just the battery? It is on the ceiling , is it difficult to remove and change should I need a different one ?

The alarm will be life expired and must be completely replaced.