To assure the safety of your household, it is important that any detectors in your property are regularly checked. BMS Electrical have compiled a few tips on how to care for the detectors in your property.
Firstly, it is important to ensure that the detectors are routinely cleaned as recommended in the manual provided by the manufacturer. To ensure that your smoke, heat and carbon detectors are working sufficiently, most manufacturers recommend that they are cleaned on a monthly basis. This will decrease the likelihood of dust and debris building up, which could cause the detector to sound seemingly without cause.
It is important to isolate the detector at the mains before cleaning to ensure there is no power to it. Then use a hoover with a soft brush to vacuum the vents and covers of the detector; this should be done at all sides to remove the debris. Next, use a damp cloth to clean the covers before turning the electrical supply to the detector back on.
Following the cleaning process, test the detector by holding the test button until it sounds, if multiple detectors are installed in the property, test each one to ensure they are all working.
If the detectors are making a beeping or chirping sound, this is likely a sign that the batteries are low and need replacing. It is important that you only use the batteries specified by the manufacturer, any use of different batteries may have a detrimental effect on the detector itself. It is recommended that the battery is replaced when its voltage is low, so it is important to turn off the electrical supply to the detectors at the consumer unit/fuse box before replacing the battery.
If the detector is sounding and there is no evidence of a fire, your smoke detector could be faulty. In this instance it is important to consult a qualified electrician as soon as possible to ensure your safety. BMS Electrical have been operating for over 30 years and have a wealth of industry knowledge to meet all your electrical needs across Kent, Sussex and Surrey.
