Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector Lifespan
As with pretty much everything, your smoke alarm eventually expires. Sensors can become less sensitive over time, making them less adept at doing their job: detecting smoke, carbon monoxide, or potential fires.
Replacing the equipment in your fire safety system is important both at home and in your business. We have developed a quick guide for home and business owners on when you should replace your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
In Your Home
The date found on the back of the equipment of your fire system is the manufacture date. The life of your smoke or carbon monoxide detectors begins once they are installed in your home, but if you do not know exactly when the equipment was installed use the date as a point of reference.
If you have lived in the same house for a few years and have never replaced your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, it is probably overdue for some new equipment. Check the manufacture dates on your alarms as listed by the manufacturers by removing the detectors from where they are hung and look on the back. The date listed is the manufacture date.
You can double-check with the company that made your specific alarm or detector, but a general rule of thumb is that you should replace smoke detectors every 7-10 years and carbon monoxide/smoke detector combos every 5-7 years. Manufacturers and equipment manuals will list the exact warranty and other important details about the lifespan of the safety equipment.
Smoke alarms and systems require yearly inspections and maintenance. When you replace the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, you can review the manufacturer’s date and test the device itself to ensure it is functioning properly.
A beeping smoke alarm is a highly annoying yet effective signal that something is amiss with your equipment. If your smoke alarm is beeping and you can’t figure out why, it may be that it has met its life expectancy. By reviewing the manufacturer’s date, you can be certain whether your alarm needs more than a simple battery replacement.
In Your Business
Regular Inspections will help to maintain your fire alarm system to clean any dust or debris, do a visual check, and perform necessary testing. The FSS Technologies team conducts fire alarm testing to make sure that equipment is functioning and meets local authority having jurisdiction standards.
Fire alarm systems in a business are more complex than those in a home, and the additional equipment will likely require replacing on a regular basis. Your business probably has multiple fire extinguishers that are accessible to your employees. Your fire extinguisher might also need to be replaced if it’s damaged, has missing components, or has a low PSI gauge reading.
Looking for Help?
Fortunately, you don’t need to keep track of everything on your own. The expert team at FSS Technologies is available to answer any questions you may have about your fire safety system and can help assess your home or business for a system installation.
Explore Our Other Blogs
What Causes False Alarms on Home Security Systems
False alarms on home security systems are not only an annoyance for homeowners, but they take up the valuable time and resources of our local law enforcement officials. In fact, many cities and towns now charge homeowners a fee for false alarms. In order to save you the frustration and potential financial hit, let’s look…
What to Do if Someone Breaks into Your House
Arriving home to find that your home has been burglarized is one of the worst feelings someone can have. You’re left feeling raw, vulnerable, and angry. In this time of high stress, it may be hard to put your thoughts together to remember everything that now needs to be done. We have put together a list…
Is the Use of CCTV Cameras in the Workplace Illegal?
Know the Law Business owners are responsible for the security and well-being of their employees and company property. Many companies use technology such as cameras, motion detectors, and other tools to keep an eye on their building or cash areas. Many new businesses and employees may be wondering: Are CCTV cameras illegal in the workplace? Let’s…
What Is an Area of Refuge?
Area of Refuge Systems An area of refuge, also known as an area of rescue assistance, is a place within a building where people can safely wait for rescue and call emergency responders for help. An area of refuge is part of U.S. federal law, enacted in 1990 as part of the Americans with Disabilities Act….
How to Prepare for a Fire Inspection
Updated May 2023 Most people learn how to react to fire alarms from a young age. The sharp, jarring noise of the sirens instantly notifies everyone within earshot of a possible emergency and the need to evacuate. These fire safety alarm systems are mandated worldwide and need regular inspections and maintenance to promote safety. As…
Should My Business Have a Panic Button?
What Exactly is a Panic Button? As the name implies, a panic button is a button or switch that an individual activates when there is an emergency that needs immediate attention. Panic buttons are often hidden from plain sight so they can be activated subtly or in secret by the correct individuals. How Does a…
Home Insurance Discounts and Security Systems
Home invasions or burglaries are a threat to any household, regardless of where they are located. One of the biggest deterrents for burglars is a home security system that could record evidence of their actions or could notify the authorities at the time of a break-in. This is a huge motivator for homeowners when deciding…
What Matters in a Fire Alarm Inspection?
At FSS Technologies, we understand that safety and reliability are paramount when it comes to fire alarm systems. While installing commercial fire safety systems is a critical first step in protecting your business, your efforts can’t stop there. Fire alarm inspections are just as necessary to ensure your building is prepared for emergencies. Learn about what…
How to Maintain a Commercial Security System
Updated May 2023 With the latest advances in security technology, it’s becoming easier for small businesses to find a security system that works for their needs. Whether your business just installed your commercial security system or has been utilizing security measures for some time, proper maintenance will increase the life of your system and provide…
What are the Different Kinds of Security Video Storage?
Security Video Recordings Storage How much storage does a security camera have? It is a seemingly simple question, with a surprisingly complicated answer. Security and surveillance cameras can use a variety of storage types, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. To choose the right security video storage for you, you will need to consider…