I installed two new smoke detectors in my house a few months ago and have been testing them using the 'test' buttons.
Today I decided to give them a more realistic test by placing a burning and then extinguished match underneath them. To my surprise neither was activated.
Thinking this may not have been enough to trigger a modern smoke detector I then removed them from the wall and placed them above a large saucepan of burning paper for around 3 minutes. There was lots of smoke and the flames were only inches below the smoke detectors. Yet again, neither detector sounded an alarm.
I contacted the manufacturer, and they say that this is 'normal' and that their smoke detectors are 'burned toast proof'.
To me this sounds like BS. If 3 minutes sitting directly above flames and plumes of smoke is not considered enough to set the alarm off then just how alight would my house have to be before I was alerted?
So, how should I properly test these smoke detectors in a way that the manufacturer cannot simply brush off?
Best Answer
Proper test methods depend on type, as there are different technologies employed depending on model. Some use a photo-sensitive element to "see" smoke, others use a radioactive element to detect products of combustion (even invisible ones), others "see" flames with an infrared detector and others detect heat.
You should test them exactly according to manufacturer's instructions and if they do not perform then replace them immediately. Like any other consumer product, you should deal with the seller and/or supplier and manufacturer for grievances related to defective products.
Exercise your right not to buy crap products and you will end up with reliable smoke/fire/CO detectors.