How to Really Check Your Smoke Detector

Introduction

Properly checking the operation of a smoke detector involves more than just pressing the red test button and getting that ear-piercing sound. That only indicates that the battery is not dead and the horn works properly: it does not check the most important part of the detector, the part that actually detects the presence of smoke. The only way to verify that the "detection" function of your detector is working is to introduce smoke into the detector housing so that the ionization chamber or the photoelectric cell (depending upon your detector type) is working properly. By following these instructions, you can safely, effectively, and efficiently check your smoke detector each month to verify that your family is protected.

By: bobavsec

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Instructions

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Tips & Warnings:

If your detectors are "wired-in", i.e., installed during the construction of your home, with battery back-up, all the detectors in the house should sound when you test one detector.
You have to check each individual detector in the house using the smoke test. Just because a detector sounds as part of the system does not mean the detection chamber for an individual detector is working properly.
Have a Home Escape Plan for your family and practice it, especially with children. A smoke detector only alerts you to the presence of a fire while there's still time to evacuate your home; it's still up you and your family to know how to do it.
Studies have shown that small children can sleep through the sounding of a smoke detector. In your home escape plan, designate a parent or older sibling with the responsibility to ensure that the little ones are awakened and get out of the house.
Be careful climbing and descending your ladder. Never stand above the highest step or rung as listed on the ladder by the manufacturer.
Ensure that the used match is completely extinguished before discarding in any trash can.

Step1

Supplies for properly checking your smoke detector Turn on the lights in the room with the smoke detector you want to check. Make sure you have your matches and the hand fan, magazine, or folded newspaper before you climb the ladder.

Step2

Ladder manufacturer's warning label Properly set up and stabilize your step ladder. Ensure that the ladder is tall enough for you to reach up to your detector without exceeding the manufacturer's recommendations for the ladder, i.e., climbing too far up the ladder and making it unstable.

Step3

Climb the ladder with the wooden kitchen or fireplace matches and the hand fan (or magazine or folded newspaper).

Step4

Smoke from smoldering match enters the detection chamber Strike the match, let it burn for two seconds, then gently blow it out. Hold the now smoking match 2-3 inches below the detector and allow the smoke to enter the detector housing.

Step5

Fan the detector to purge the smoke from the detection chamber Once the detector sounds the audible warning, remove the smoking match from the vicinity of the detector. Use the fan, magazine, or folded newspaper to "fan" the detector so that fresh air clears the smoke detection chamber. Once the detection chamber is clear, the audible alarm should cease to sound.

Step6

Proper disposal of used match Safely descend the ladder and properly dispose of the used match. If your detector sounded after smoke entered the housing you know that your detector is functioning properly. If it did not, promptly replace the detector with a new one.