Technical questions

Q: How to test and take care of a smoke detector?

A well-maintained smoke detector can be the difference between life and death. Use the following guidelines always be as safe as possible: Test the smoke detector at least once a month. Most smoke detectors have a test button for this purpose. It's a good idea to do this on a fixed date, for example the first Monday of each month. Remove dust from the smoke detector once a month . This can be done with a dust cloth or with your vacuum cleaner. This ensures that the detection chamber is always easily accessible and that smoke is detected more quickly. It also reduces the risk of false alarms due to dust piling up in the detection chamber. Never remove the battery from the smoke detector unless it needs to be replaced. It's a good idea to replace the batteries on a fixed date, especially if the battery needs to replaced annually, like a 9V battery, for example at the beginning of winter. Some smoke detectors have built-in, non-replaceable batteries, but those usually last for 10 years. Never paint your smoke detector or put tape over it . You could damage the smoke detector. Completely replace a detector after 10 years . Every smoke detector needs to be replaced after 10 years, because that's the only way to guarantee the device will remain reliable.

Q: What to take into consideration when purchasing a smoke detector?

There are approximately 10 000 fires a year. Not only does the heat of the fire cause casualties, but the smoke in particular is deadly ! Especially if the fire breaks out at night. Therefore, it's crucial you invest in a good smoke detector , hang it in the right place and test it regularly . That way you can go to bed with an easy mind. A few guidelines: Buy an optical smoke detector . An ionization smoke alarm contains a radioactive source that continuously emits alpha particles. Under current legislation, it is no longer permitted to install ionisation smoke detectors in your home. Purchase a smoke alarm with the required CE label and EN14604 certificate (European Standard). Certain smoke alarms have a (non-replaceable) battery with a life span of 5 or 10 years . They cost more, but you don't have to replace the batteries for a few years. Be sure to buy a smoke alarm that has a test button. This way you can test monthly whether your smoke detector is functioning properly. All smoke detectors need to be replaced after 10 years . This ensures that you always have sensors that work optimally.

Q: How long does a smoke detector last (smoke detector lifespan)?

The maximum lifespan of a smoke detector is 10 years. After 10 years, you will have to replace each fire detector completely. This is the only way to guarantee the quality of the sensor. That's why all smoke alarms with a 10-year lithium battery have a built-in, non-replaceable battery. After all, you have to replace the entire detector after 10 years.

Q: Why is the expiration date on my smoke alarm shorter than my warranty period?

Smoke detectors with a 10-year lithium battery must have an expiry date on the detector. This is laid down in the European Standards (EN Standards). Every brands has to comply to this rule and thus you will always find an expiration date on that kind of detector. The expiration date is always the production year plus 10 years. But a smoke detector almost never reaches the customer in a short time after production, so the expiration date will never actually be the full 10 years later. This expiry date is therefore a "soft date" that you can ignore. The warranty is only valid from the date of invoice and the battery can be used for 10 years after you active it.

Q: Can a smoke detector damage your hearing?

It is very unlikely that your hearing can be damaged by a smoke detector. A smoke detector gives a signal of around 85 decibels.Even if we assume the detector emits a sound of 90 decibels, even then you're only at risk after an hour. The sound of a smoke detector seems much louder than it is, and that's of course its purpose. These are the rules of thumb for exposure to noise: Noises below 75 dB are safe . With stronger sounds, make sure you don't expose your ears for too long . For example, with sounds of 85 dB , you reach the safety limit after eight hours. For every 3 dB added, the sound pressure approximately doubles on your eardrum. So you can be exposed to that noise for only half as long without risk, e.g. 88 dB is only safe for four hours, 91 dB for two hours.

Q: Why does the low battery signal go off, even though it's a new battery?

There are several possible explanations as to why the low battery warning signal goes off if the battery is new. Does your smoke detector have a pause button? If so, you may have pressed this button accidentally. This means that the alarm will beep once every minute while in pause mode for the next 15 minutes (max). Wait a moment and see if the detector keeps beeping. Are you sure it's your smoke detector? There are other devices that give off similar beeps or warning signals. Even "new" batteries are not always really new If batteries are stored away somewhere, especially in cold rooms, they can run out more quickly. Always check the expiration date on the package when purchasing new batteries. The batteries included with your detector can also be affected by this. An included battery may not last as long as expected, which is normal for those kind of batteries. If this happens, replace the battery and check to see if the problem continues.

Q: How to clean and take care of a smoke alarm?

Most appliances are maintenance free, so don't open them, except to replace the batteries. Opening the device will invalidate the warranty. Only clean the outside of the appliance with a soft, dry cloth or brush. Before cleaning, disconnect the units from all power sources. The detector must never come into contact with any liquid. A slightly damp cloth is allowed. Cleaning the detector with the soft brush of a vacuum cleaner is also permitted. Do not use carboxylic cleaning products or gasoline, alcohol, or similar products. They have a corrosive effect on the surface of the devices. Besides, the vapors flammable and are dangerous for your health. Do not use sharp instruments, screwdrivers, metal brushes or similar items to clean. Never paint or cover the detector with tape. In order to be sure, consult the manual of your smoke detector.

Q: Why doesn't the smoke detector go off when I press the test button?

Does your smoke detector give no signal when you press the test button? The suggestions below may help and solve your problem. Press and hold the test key longer Press and hold the test button for 20 seconds. With most detectors, you need to press and hold the test button for long enough before the test alarm will sound. Check the power supply Make sure the battery is properly inserted and firmly pushed into the compartment. Even if the alarm goes of for a short while, you still need to check whether the battery(s) have clicked into place properly. If the battery is loose, there won't be enough power for the smoke detector to work as flawlessly as it should. Also check that the battery has been installed correctly according to the polarisation (minus and plus poles). Replace the battery Your detector's battery may be almost empty. Replace the battery and see if the problem continues.

Q: Why does my smoke detector go off when there's no smoke?

Your smoke detector can go off even if there's no smoke. The question then is: why does my smoke alarm go off when there's no smoke? We will help you by offering you a few possible explanations. The smoke detector is standing/hanging in a bad place Install the smoke alarm at least 6 meters away from appliances such as boilers/heaters and ovens, because they produce combustion particles. The smoke alarm should be positioned at least 3 metres away from damp areas such as bathrooms and laundry rooms, at least 1 metre away from heaters, 0.50 metres away from lamps and 1.5 metres away from fluorescent lamps. Air flows from fans, doors and windows should also be avoided. Water vapour and gases can cause a smoke detector to give off a false alarm signal, because smoke detectors can't differentiate between those particles and smoke particles since they have approximately the same diameter. The sensor chamber is dusty or dirty Your smoke detector may look clean, but dust can build up on the inside of the device making the detector more 'sensitive'. Clean the detector at least once a month by gently going over the smoke detector with the dusting brush attachment of the vacuum cleaner. Insects cover or clog the sensing chamber Clean the smoke detector with the dusting brush attachment on the vacuum cleaner. Use insect repellent to treat the room. Careful: do not spray it on the smoke alarm itself. Battery is low Are you sure that it's really a false alarm, and that it's not a "low battery" signal? Check the manual to see what how this signal should sound. Detector is malfunctioning Detectors also give an alarm if there's a technical fault. In that case, your detector needs to be repaired or replaced.