House fires are a serious hazard. Every year there are many cases of house fires that not only cause property losses, but also claim lives, especially if the fire occurs at night when the victim is sleeping. Smoke detectors are the best way to prevent this catastrophe. Of course it is important to make sure the smoke detector is functioning properly. For that reason, check the condition of the battery or connection regularly. Maybe this is what will save your life and that of your loved ones. Learn how to maintain an existing smoke detector at home to protect your life and property.
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Part 1 of 3: Replacing the Battery for a Wireless Smoke Detector
Step 1. Check the battery type
The smoke detector will not function properly if you do not install a new battery properly, or use the wrong type of battery. Therefore, make sure you use the right type of battery and install it properly so that the smoke detector can work effectively.
- Lithium batteries are theoretically designed to last 10 years. Generally, lithium batteries cannot be replaced just like that. You must replace all smoke detectors with new ones after ten years of validity.
- Many smoke detectors use 9V rectangular batteries, some may require a different type of battery.
- Buy high-quality, long-lasting batteries. Rechargeable batteries or cheap batteries can cause the smoke detector to not work optimally. Don't buy it.
Step 2. Remove the smoke detector
To replace the battery, you must remove the ceiling-mounted smoke detector. If the smoke detector is connected to the electrical grid at home, you must first turn off all electrical power from the fuse box.
- The method used to remove the smoke detector will depend on the model of the detector.
- For most detectors, you simply rotate or slide the detector from its holder.
- Some detectors do not require you to remove the entire device. To handle this model, you only need to remove the part that houses the internal components and the battery.
- Not all detectors connected to the power grid have backup batteries.
Step 3. Open the battery compartment and install a new battery
To access the battery, you need to remove the battery cover. The exact location of the battery, and how to remove the detector cover will vary from model to model. Usually, once the detector cover is removed, you will be able to see where the battery is.
- The location of the cover will vary depending on the model, and some may be secured with screws or other security systems.
- Most of the cover will slide off and off the smoke detector body.
- Once the cover is opened, you can remove the old battery.
- Make sure you install the new battery correctly. Check that the negative and positive connections match the label on the smoke detector.
- Close the battery cover.
- Check the user guide if you have trouble finding or removing the battery. If you don't have a physical copy of the guide, try looking it up on the internet, on the manufacturer's website.
Step 4. Try the battery
Before reinstalling the smoke detector, make sure the battery is functioning properly. Locate and use the test button on the smoke detector to test the battery.
- The location of the test button may vary on each detector.
- Most test buttons require you to press the button for a few seconds to activate the battery.
- If there are no problems, the alarm will sound.
Step 5. Double check if you don't hear anything
If the alarm does not sound during the battery test, you will need to check again. Never reinstall the smoke detector until the battery test has been successful and the device has been proven to be functioning properly.
- Check if the battery is installed properly. Make sure the positive and negative poles of the battery match the correct poles on the smoke detector.
- If the battery is installed properly, but the test fails, try replacing the battery and testing again with a new battery.
- If replacing the battery doesn't work, you may need to replace the smoke detector with a new one. Contact the manufacturer to request a replacement if the warranty is still valid.
- Some detectors are equipped with LED lights that will indicate whether the alarm is functioning properly or not. A green light usually indicates the alarm is working properly and a red light indicates a problem.
Step 6. Read the instructions given in the user manual
If you still have the manual, read the information it contains to help you understand the smoke detector model better and provide proper maintenance to keep the device working.
- Locating the battery and how to access it may vary depending on the detector model.
- The manual may indicate the type of battery required for your smoke detector model.
- Don't throw away the guide. Store it in a safe and easily accessible place so you don't have to worry if you need it at any time.
Part 2 of 3: Installing New Batteries for Electric-Powered Smoke Detectors
Step 1. Turn off the electricity connected to the Smoke detector
Electric smoke detectors are connected directly to the home's electrical grid, which is sometimes called a master panel. The battery in this detector is expected to activate an alarm in the event of a disturbance in the electrical power. To cut off the electricity connected to the detector, you must press the switch on the fuse box. This step will change the system from “ON” to “OFF”.
- Many homes with electrical breakers have switches labeled specifically for smoke detectors. However, if you don't have a labeled switch and can't determine which switch the detector is connected to, you can press the main button to turn off all electrical power in the house, including the power supplying the smoke detector.
- Generally, electric smoke detectors have a small green light indicating that the device is receiving power from the master panel. When this light goes out, you will notice that the power supply to the smoke detector has been cut off.
- Disconnecting the electricity supplying the smoke detector may seem overwhelming, but this added precaution can protect you from possible electrocution. This is especially important if you are working with old or very dirty detectors.
Step 2. Remove the smoke detector cover
There are different ways to remove the detector cover, depending on the type of device you have installed. This cover is usually relatively simple. You should be able to let it go within a few minutes of trying it. If you have a guide, you can do it much faster. Some common covers include:
- Cover with push lock. These covers usually have a small plastic lock that can only be opened by pressing a specific point indicated on the smoke detector. Look for an arrow that indicates the point to press, and use a thin screwdriver or ballpoint pen to remove the push lock.
- Cover with swivel lock. To loosen this cover, you'll need to turn the cover (usually counterclockwise), or in some cases, you'll have to push up and twist. Hold the detector when you try to remove the cover of this model. Once the lock is open, the cover will come off.
- Cover with swipe lock. This cover is held in place by a friction locking mechanism made of plastic inside the detector. The cover of this model can often be opened by lifting the cover with a finger applying steady, moderate pressure.
Step 3. Replace the battery
Generally, most smoke detectors use a 9V battery as power. However, you should always follow the instructions listed in the smoke detector manual. Make sure the battery is completely new so it can last up to 10 years for most household smoke detectors.
You can use a marker to write the battery replacement date on the inside of the cover. This way, if you forget the last time you changed the battery, you can find the information easily. You just see the inside of the cover
Step 4. Replace the cover and test the smoke detector
Use the opposite procedure to the one you used to open the detector cover to snap the cover back into position. You may have to turn the cover clockwise or press it until the friction/push lock snaps into place. Then, you have to re-enable the electrical panel by pressing the same switch you used to disable it. After the power returns to normal, follow the instructions in the user manual to test the battery.
- Most smoke detectors have a button in the center of the cover. In most cases, to test the smoke detector, you only need to press this button for five seconds. You will hear a chirping sound if the battery is in good condition and installed properly.
- If you find that, even though you have properly installed the battery, the detector does not make a chirping sound, try another battery. If other batteries don't work either, you may need to install a new smoke detector.
Part 3 of 3: Learn Why Smoke Detectors Are Needed
Step 1. Install a smoke detector to protect your home and life
Installing a smoke detector and keeping it in good working order will increase your chances of saving property and life in the event of a fire. If the smoke detector is not working properly, you are risking unnecessary risks.
- You increase your risk of losing your home by 57% if you don't install a properly working smoke detector.
- The chance of injury increases by 26% if the smoke detector is not functioning properly.
- By not installing a smoke detector, you are 4 times more likely to die in a fire.
- Smoke alarms were not installed in three of the five homes where fire deaths occurred.
- A properly functioning smoke alarm reduces the risk of death by 50% in the event of a house fire.
Step 2. Learn more about the different types of smoke detectors
There are two main types of smoke detectors, and they detect fires by different methods. We recommend that you install both types of smoke detectors at home or look for a model that has both functions.
- The two types of smoke detectors are photoelectric and ionization based detectors.
- Photoelectric detectors use light to detect smoke, while ionization detectors use radiation sensors to identify smoke.
- Some models combine photoelectric and ionization functions in one detector.
- There are special smoke alarms for those with hearing problems. These detectors usually use a bright, flashing strobe light instead of an audible alarm.
- Certain detectors can communicate with each other. If one detector detects smoke, the other will also sound the alarm.
Step 3. Find out the price of a smoke detector
Smoke detectors are a great investment, and many smoke detectors are sold at affordable prices. If you need to replace an old detector, or install a new one, you can budget accordingly by knowing the price in advance.
- Ionization or photoelectric based detectors are usually sold at a price range of Rp. 100,000-Rp. 300,000.
- Models that use dual detectors (ionization and photoelectric) usually start at Rp. 500,000.
- Some detectors are equipped with a microprocessor for better and faster detection capabilities, and sell for as low as IDR 100,000.
- Wireless smoke detectors can be obtained with prices starting from Rp. 200,000.
Step 4. Know the exact location to install the smoke detector
You may have installed a smoke detector in your home, but it's not in the right location. Strategically installing smoke detectors will increase their effectiveness, and allow them to give faster warnings in the event of a fire.
- Install at least one smoke detector on every floor of the house.
- Rooms must have their own smoke detectors.
- The corridor leading to the room must also be fitted with a separate detector.
- Most smoke detectors must be ceiling-mounted because smoke tends to rise. If this is not possible, install the detector at the highest point on the wall.
- Electrically powered smoke detectors must be installed by a professional electrician to prevent improper installation.
Step 5. Maintain the smoke detector properly
Installing a smoke detector is the first step to preventing a fire hazard. You must perform proper maintenance to ensure the detector will protect you when needed. Carry out regular checks and replace batteries to ensure your protection.
- For each detector that is operated on a standard 9V battery, perform the test monthly, replace the battery annually, and replace the detector with a new one every 10 years.
- For detectors equipped with long-lasting batteries, perform the test monthly and replace the detector with a new one according to the manufacturer's instructions. Most detectors like this are designed to last for 10 years.
- For detectors that are directly connected to the home grid, test them every month and replace them with new ones every 10 years. Replace the spare battery at least once a year.
- Clean the dust manually or use a vacuum cleaner to keep the detector working at its best.
Tips
- Although smoke detectors are connected directly to a power source, most also come with a spare battery that must be replaced annually.
- Some smoke detectors will alert you when the battery needs to be replaced by sounding an alarm. If the smoke detector beeps and there is no smoke, you may need to replace the battery.
- Maybe you can set a certain time to replace the battery so you don't forget it, for example every your birthday, or every new year.
Warning
- Never forget to replace an old battery that is no longer working.
- Do not remove the battery or turn off the smoke alarm. If the alarm sounds due to something harmless, such as cooking, improve ventilation in the kitchen area or move the detector to another location.
- Do not test the smoke detector by holding a flame or cigarette near it! You could accidentally start a house fire. You can simply use the “test” button to test the smoke detector.
