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Burned out smoke detector

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  • 01-11-2014 2:53am
    #1
    darragh o meara
    Registered Users Posts: 3,229 ✭✭✭


    Ok, I need some advice here.

    Last night at home one of my wired in smoke detectors at home made a big snap sound and started smoking badly. To stop it I had to flick the mains trip and remove it from the ceiling. On inspection a tall black component ( possibly a large capacitor or a small relay ) seems to have melted.

    Has anyone seen this type of behaviour before and is it common? I was surprised that a device supposed to save you in the event of a fire could also cause one....

    Finally is there a regulation that stops me replacing these myself?


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    #2
    mikeyjames9
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 700 ✭✭✭mikeyjames9


    darragh o meara wrote: »
    Ok, I need some advice here.

    Last night at home one of my wired in smoke detectors at home made a big snap sound and started smoking badly. To stop it I had to flick the mains trip and remove it from the ceiling. On inspection a tall black component ( possibly a large capacitor or a small relay ) seems to have melted.

    Has anyone seen this type of behaviour before and is it common? I was surprised that a device supposed to save you in the event of a fire could also cause one....

    Finally is there a regulation that stops me replacing these myself?

    never seen that
    I would consider replacing all of them after that issue esp. if they are a budget brand of alarm


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    #3
    Par1
    Registered Users Posts: 263 ✭✭Par1


    darragh o meara wrote: »
    Ok, I need some advice here.

    Last night at home one of my wired in smoke detectors at home made a big snap sound and started smoking badly. To stop it I had to flick the mains trip and remove it from the ceiling. On inspection a tall black component ( possibly a large capacitor or a small relay ) seems to have melted.

    Has anyone seen this type of behaviour before and is it common? I was surprised that a device supposed to save you in the event of a fire could also cause one....

    Finally is there a regulation that stops me replacing these myself?

    I seen this a few times before. Once water is eliminated as a cause that leaves wiring and smokie. As mikeyjames9 says..budget brands should be replaced especially if over 10 years old as they are generally inexpensive. Theres no reason why you can not replace them like for like yourself as the wiring is generally universal.


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    #4
    2011
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,595 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    darragh o meara wrote: »
    Finally is there a regulation that stops me replacing these myself?

    A "competent person" would be permitted to do this.


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    #5
    darragh o meara
    Registered Users Posts: 3,229 ✭✭✭darragh o meara


    2011 wrote: »
    A "competent person" would be permitted to do this.

    Competancy is not a problem, just wanted to be sure there was no regulations saying that you have to be certified to fit them ie.

    I'll have a look at the wiring and check for damage, thankfully water wasn't the cause.


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    #6
    Par1
    Registered Users Posts: 263 ✭✭Par1


    2011 wrote: »
    A "competent person" would be permitted to do this.

    Totally Agree :)


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