Disposable smoke alarms... Why?

PasturesNew

esuhl wrote: »

So, I cracked it open ....

Gloomendoom wrote: »

Sealing the case helps to prevent people trying.

Obviously not

Robisere

Lorian wrote: »

And did you check the expiry date - they too normally have a 10 year life. There is usually a sticker on them with the date.

Landlord keeps a record and sends people round to check, along with Gas Safety and Fire Checks. I live in Sheltered Accomodation.

Last changed 5 years ago, but thanks for the information.

joeypesci

Seen people come into our office every year with a broom and a hood on the end. Turns out that covers the alarm and releases a bit of smoke to see if the sensor is still working. Quite interesting.

Blackbeard_of_Perranporth

The sensor lasts around 10 years, replace!

peachyprice

esuhl wrote: »

Is it because the radioactive substance has decayed so much in ten years that the sensitivity of the alarm is unsafe? Yes

Do alarms with replaceable batteries also have to be thrown away after ten years? And yes

.....................

peachyprice

grumpycrab wrote: »

Oops! Ours have been going 20 years+. Better check them fast.

I didn't realise they expired until we bought a new 'toast safe' one, when we took the old one down it had an expiry date on it.