Smoke alarm problem (non boaty)

[peter2407]

I have 3 smoke alarms that are mains and battery powered. Some 6 months ago #3 went off with no reason so I assumed it was a battery issue and changed it. Yesterday, same thing so same action, however I did notice that there was a red light in the alarm. First thing this morning #3 went off again, so I removed it and the battery from it. Then #2and #1 went off twice which was solved by pressing the reset button. Any advice?

 

[l'escargot]

How old are they? Smoke alarms have a limited lifespan that varies from manufacturer to manufacturer and if they are all the same age, they probably need replacing.

 

[peter2407]

They are about 10 years old from when we renovated and extended the house. Does the fact that they are interconnected (I think) have any effect?

 

[VicS]

They are about 10 years old from when we renovated and extended the house. Does the fact that they are interconnected (I think) have any effect?

The interconnection is so that if one is triggered all the others sound their alarms as well. Useful if you have a large or rambling house. I originally bought inter-connectable ones but never got round to interconnecting them.

I still have two of the original three in use after approx 30 years. The other on became temperamental and was replaced a good few years ago. The replacement failed too and it has been in turn replaced.

They should be tested for correct operation regularly but 10 years is the manufacturer's recommendation for replacement.

 

[l'escargot]

I wouldn't have thought interconnection would be significant, 10 years seems to be about the top end of life expectancy with any of the big named brands.

Sure people will tell you that they have older ones but do you really want to rely on 10 year old, neglected electronics that have worked 24 hrs a day every day for all that time for the safety of your family? I would be replacing them if they were mine and sleeping more soundly.