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When To Replace Your Smoke Detectors?

When To Replace Your Smoke Detectors?

By Daniyal AfzalPublished 4 years ago 3 min read

Smoke alarms are essential for early detection of a fire at your place and they are more often the difference between life and death. You must know that fires can occur due to several reasons and any of your rooms can catch it. But regardless of when and how the fire erupts, you must have a smoke detector as the first key thing to ensure your family’s safety.

These smoke alarms can save your life. However, in order for them to remain perfectly functional, you need to make sure they are kept in a good working order. For that, you don’t just have to replace the batteries after every few months or a year, but also get the gadget inspected to see if you only need smoke detector repair or get it replaced.

How Long Do Smoke Detectors Last?

According to Electrical Terminology, smoke detectors have the ability to sense even the slightest amounts of smoke in the air. Whether it’s smoldering or burning fires, the detector will be able to inform you that something’s wrong in the house. This is why it’s extremely important to have at least one smoke detector installed on every level of the building you’re in.

Generally, smoke detectors last for around 10 years from the date of manufacture. You’ll find this date on the back of the alarm or on the box. That said, if you’re unable to read the date written on the gadget, it’s best to get in touch with a professional electrician and avail their smoke alarm service so that you remain aware in the event of a fire.

When Should You Replace Your Smoke Alarms?

The general rule of thumb states that 10 years are good enough for the smoke detector to remain functional. However, even if your gadget hasn’t served whole 10 years, there can be situations when you’d need to get them replaced. Since these alarms are critical for your home’s safety, you should ideally check them once a month. Know that if the alarm does not produces a sound when you push the button to test it, the unit is faulty, and you must get it replaced immediately.

These small alarms make a chirping sound when their batteries get weak. So, if this chirping sound continues even after you’ve changed the batteries, this is another clear sign that you need to get smoke detector replacement service right away.

Whatever is the case, never resolve to overlook the noise or just change the position of the detector. You must always take the right necessary actions to ensure you family’s safety.

The Hardwired Smoke Detectors

In terms of longevity, the hardwired smoke detectors offer almost the same duration as you’d get with the non-wired ones. However, the hardwired smoke alarms are easily replaceable. Ever changed a light fixture? This smoke alarm is not any different. If you have the slightest of technical skills, you’ll be able to do it yourself. But, if you have any doubts in your ability to do the task, make sure you get a professional electrician to get it fixed and remove all sorts of risks.

While you’re in a search for a reputable and experienced electric contractor, we suggest you get in touch with Bright Electric. Here we have the right expertise and skills to provide excellent smoke alarm services at the most affordable prices. Apart from fixing and installing your smoke detectors, our professional electricians are licensed to perform all electric works at your place or workspace, whether it’s simple electric wiring, circuit breaker repair, outdoor and indoor lighting installation, or complicated tasks like installing smart home services, electric vehicle charging unit, repairing or replacing electrical panels, and much more.

Check Your Smoke Detectors Today

According to the NFPA, more than 60% of home fires that result in severe consequences, occur in homes that do not have functional smoke detector systems. The risk of suffering from fires and smoke can be halved, according to research, if your smoke alarm system is working properly.

Therefore, you must never ignore checking your smoke detectors. Check the manufacturing date of your detector, and if you see they are older than 10 years, or you’re noticing some sort of dysfunction, have them replaced right away!

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