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dnlplmb's profile

Sunday, August 18th, 2024 2:31 PM

false smoke alarms

Anyone else dusting their smoke alarms in order to prevent false alarms?

TIA

Captain

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6.2K Messages

3 months ago

@dnlplmb I have six of the original SS3 smoke alarms and one of the new combo smoke/co sensors. (SS states the new model is much more resistant to false alarms).

On the original six, I had a false alarm when I first got them in 2017 but then my wife insisted I read the manual. Dun. Purchased a case of compressed air cans at Costco and clean them every other month. (Manual says every month but in my case has shown over time this is not necessary). No false alarms since the initial one with bi-monthly cleaning. One can lasts almost 3 rounds of cleaning and takes under 5-6 minutes.  Also, make sure to keep them out of bath rooms, kitchen and near your furnace. 

2 Messages

I just had my first false alarm experience after 12 years with SS.  2 false alarms within two weeks with the same unit in the garage. I went ahead and ordered a new unit since I can't risk this type of malfunction when I'm traveling.

(edited)

Community Admin

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5.7K Messages

@dnlplmb​ did you have the same Smoke Detector units all those same years? The Smoke Detector (similar to other non-SimpliSafe units) has a lifetime of about 10 years. So if you've had the same one for 12 years, then it's definitely time for a replacement!

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742 Messages

3 months ago

Yes because their smoke detectors are photoelectric which means that they're more prone to nuisance alarms than ionization smoke detectors. (It uses a bean of light that, when deflected by particulate, hits the sensor and sets off the alarm.) This means dust, small insects, water vapor, very high humidity, etc. can set them off.

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