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Limitations Of Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms have played a key role in reducing
deaths resulting from home fires worldwide. However,
like any warning device, smoke alarms can only work
if they are properly located, installed, and maintained,
and if smoke reaches them. They are not foolproof.
Smoke alarms cannot work without power. Battery
operated units cannot work if the batteries are
missing, disconnected or dead, if the wrong type of
batteries are used, or if the batteries are not installed
correctly. AC units cannot work if the AC power is cut
off for any reason (open fuse or circuit breaker, failure
along a power line or at a power station, electrical fire
that burns the electrical wires, etc.). If you are
concerned about the limitations of battery or AC
power, install both types of units.
Smoke alarms cannot detect fires if the smoke
does not reach them. Smoke from fires in chimneys
or walls, on roofs, or on the other side of closed doors
may not reach the sensing chamber and set off the
alarm. That is why one unit should be installed inside
each bedroom or sleeping area—especially if
bedroom or sleeping area doors are closed at night—
and in the hallway between them.
Smoke alarms may not detect fire on another floor
or area of the dwelling. For example, a stand-alone
unit on the second floor may not detect smoke from a
basement fire until the fire spreads. This may not give
you enough time to escape safely. That is why
recommended minimum protection is at least one unit
in every sleeping area, and every bedroom on every
level of your dwelling. Even with a unit on every floor,
stand-alone units may not provide as much protection
as interconnected units, especially if the fire starts in a
remote area. Some safety experts recommend
installing interconnected AC powered units with
battery back-up (see “Other Features Of Smoke
Alarms”) or professional fire detection systems, so if
one unit senses smoke, all units alarm.
Interconnected units may provide earlier warning than
stand-alone units since all units alarm when one
detects smoke.
Smoke alarms may not be heard.Though the alarm
horn in this unit meets or exceeds current UL
standards, it may not be heard if: 1) the unit is located
outside a closed or partially closed door, 2) residents
recently consumed alcohol or drugs, 3) the alarm is
drowned out by noise from stereo, TV, traffic, air
conditioner or other appliances, 4) residents are
hearing impaired or sound sleepers.
Special purpose units, like those with visual and
audible alarms, should be installed for hearing
impaired residents.
Smoke alarms may not have time to alarm before
the fire itself causes damage, injury, or death, since
smoke from some fires may not reach the unit
immediately. Examples of this include persons
smoking in bed, children playing with matches, or
fires caused by violent explosions resulting from
escaping gas.
Smoke alarms are not foolproof. Like any electronic
device, smoke alarms are made of components that
can wear out or fail at any time. You must test the unit
weekly to ensure your continued protection. Smoke
alarms cannot prevent or extinguish fires. They are not
a substitute for property or life insurance.
Smoke alarms have a limited life.The unit should
be replaced immediately if it is not operating properly.
You should always replace a smoke alarm after
10 years from date of manufacture. See back of
smoke alarm for manufacture date.