Not all smoke detectors are the same. They come in several different styles and some also function as carbon monoxide detectors. Some are battery powered, some are powered through the home’s electrical system, these are sometimes referred to as “hard wired”.
Smoke detectors first became required in residential buildings in 1973 in certain parts of the country. In 1976 the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) passed the Life Safety Code (NFPA 101). This safety code stated that smoke alarms are required to be in every home. By 1980 it was estimated that nearly 50% of homes in the US had working smoke detectors.
On July 1, 2009, Colorado House Bill 1091 went into effect in Colorado. This law stated that all residential properties must be equipped with Carbon Monoxide detectors. If you hear anyone tell you that their home does not have to have them because it was “grandfathered in”, well, they don’t know Colorado history….
Modern day smoke and carbon monoxide detectors made for residential use are constructed with a special type of plastic. This plastic is usually white and will begin to change colors as it ages. The lifespan of a smoke detector is about 10 years give or take. If you see a smoke detector in a residential building that appears to be yellowish in color, it’s most likely old and in need of replacement.
Hard wired detectors all have a compartment inside for a backup battery. Since the detector operates using power supplied by the home’s electrical system, it will not operate as intended if there is a power outage, hence the need for a backup battery. If you hear a detector randomly chirping, it’s one of two things, there is a fault with the detector, or the backup battery is dead or dying. An individual should never just unplug one of these units if it is faulty and the battery is good. There just might be a day, or night, when you need that loud obnoxious chirping thing on the ceiling to be working. Many of these units come with a sticker on them that indicates the date of manufacture and has a line where an installation date can be written, by hand, on the side or back of the unit. If you replace a smoke detector, be sure to find and fill out this sticker.
Test them annually. All detectors now a days have a test function and/or button on them. I know this might sound crazy, but once a year, get a ladder, put on a pair of earmuffs, and push that little button. If it starts screaming at you, it’s working. If it doesn’t, you have a faulty detector.
If you don’t have good hearing protection, and fear ladders, you can always call Pandion Property Inspections LLC to conduct an Annual Home Maintenance Inspection, and I will risk the hearing loss for you.
