Do you know how to properly test your smoke alarm?  Most people will say to press the little red button. If the alarm goes off it's working properly. The fact is that nothing could be further from the truth. Over time the sensing chamber in the alarm may become obstructed by dust and dirt making it malfunction during a fire.

 

MTContracting - Smoke Detector Tester

 



The proper way to test your alarm is by spraying a small amount of a smoke detector test aerosol directly at the alarm. The alarm should sound within 5-10 seconds. If it doesn't clean the unit, change the battery and repeat the test. If it still fails to sound off again the unit is defective and needs to be replaced. 




There are many fire related deaths every year. A simple test can save you and you family. Don't wait until it's too late. Test you smoke alarm properly at least once a year and as Amanda pointed out, don't forget to change the battery as well.

________________________

 

 

 

 

 

We are a full service contracting company, fully insured and registered with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Michael Therriault

MT Contracting
PO Box 357
Blakeslee, Pa 18610

(570) 977-6308

 

 
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28 Comments on Do you know how to properly test your smoke alarm?

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

JAN
08
988,613 Points 82 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Amazing!  I had no idea this product existed Michael, great information.
3:49am • #9
452,243 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I never saw this before, I always use the tester button on the unit, thanks for sharing.

I usually vacume the smoke detector once a year as well.
5:53am • #10
334,602 Points 7 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Michael - It looks like you educated a bunch of people today.  I didn't know about this product either.   Thanks for the info.
1:22pm • #11
1,445,292 Points 26 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Excellent safety tip for all families. Thanks for sharing.
1:45pm • #12
JAN
09
511,432 Points 12 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Reblogged and suggested, Michael.  Thank you for what might be a lifesaver.
1:56pm • #13
JAN
13
Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Great advice, thanks for the heads up.  I always remind my clients to check their smoke detectors twice annually, with my spring ahead, fall back post cards.  Now I will have to add the information you shared and go to Home Depot and get a can for our home.

Thanks for adding value to  us.
5:11am • #14
1,032,482 Points 239 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

5:38am • #15
803,901 Points 20 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Interesting. I can't recall seeing a home inspector use this as a test. Thanks.
6:52am • #16
1,056,241 Points 2 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

I saw this on Kathy's wrap up summary post...glad I stopped by.  Thanks for sharing!
7:25am • #17
1,226,798 Points 79 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Good morning Michael,

Somehow I missed this post! I'm coming over from Kathy's Sunday morning post on her Ah-ha moments for the week! She was certainly right I had no idea this product existed. Thanks for your share.
7:29am • #18
340,607 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I've seen people hold up lighters to test their smoke alarm. Is that any good?
10:02am • #19
1,422,992 Points 41 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Great post to educate all of us in the proper way to test a smoke alarm. .I supposed the little red button only test if teh battery is functioning. .manufactures should say so in the units fro people to know. .
11:06am • #20
144,080 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog

HI Michael, I didn't know there was such a thing. I'm thinking I am going to give one to every client. What a great idea to let people know that they mean a lot to you.
1:11pm • #21
226,784 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Thanks for sharing - have not seen this and will look to buy . . .
9:17pm • #22
JAN
14
625,934 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

You certainly have a wealth of knowlege and great ideas and thanks fo sharing
8:11pm • #23
FEB
09
1,119,962 Points 102 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I had no idea such a product existed.  Of course we occassionally set ours off by accident with smoke from the fireplace and replace one of the 7 in our house every six months with a new one.
5:09pm • #24
FEB
10
1,100,077 Points 94 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Mike,

For what it's worth, in all the home inspections I've attended in the last dozen years...this product has never been used once. I never knew it even existed until today.

Rich
3:50am • #25
1,454,786 Points 46 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master
Thank you for the information. I will bookmark this post and look for the product at lowes.
3:57am • #26

Thanks for the information.  It looks like I am not the only one who learned something new and important with your post.
6:05am • #27
862,369 Points 174 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

This is a really cool tip! I had no idea that fake smoke even existed for testing purposes. This is the perfect way to guarantee that your smoke detectors are working properly.
6:37am • #28

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Michael Therriault

Blakeslee, PA

More about me…

Michael Therriault Contracting - M.T. Contracting

Address: PO Box 357, Blakeslee, Pa, 18610

Cell Phone: (570) 977-6308

Email Me

I want to provide my readers with some idea of who I am, what I do and the services my company has to offer. I will post articles on home repairs and periodic home maintenance. From time to time I will post some articles of personal interest.


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