If One Smoke Detector Is Bad Will It Set Off the System?

How They Work

• The two basic components of a smoke alarm are a sensor that detects smoke and a noisemaker that alerts residents when smoke is detected. The sensor is either an ionization sensor or a photoelectric one. Ionization sensors contain a small amount of the radioactive element americum-241. The element creates a low electric current that gets disrupted when smoke enters the sensor. This disruption causes alarm activation. Photoelectric alarms use a light beam inside the sensor to detect smoke. When smoke particles break the beam, the alarm activates. Once the alarm activates on either sensor, a signal is sent to the master alarm system. The master system won't know the difference between a real and false activation.

False Alarm Dangers

• Alarm systems are designed to recognize both activations and loss of power. If a smoke alarm is short circuiting or losing power, it usually still causes the master panel to register an alarm to alert you something is wrong. The problem needs fixing immediately for several reasons. First, some systems are programmed to notify the fire department automatically in the event of a fire alarm. You could get fined if the fire department responds to a false signal. False alarms also cause apathy over time so you may not respond quickly to an actual smoke alarm because you suspect it's another system glitch.

Prevention

• Inspect all of your smoke detectors monthly to make sure they are getting adequate power and are functioning properly. Smoke alarms are either battery-operated or are hard-wired into your house's power. Battery-powered units usually start beeping when the power runs low. Each detector has a test button on it. Push the button to see if the alarm turns on for a few seconds. If it does, it is working properly. Have your system professionally inspected in the event of multiple detector problems because the panel itself may be faulty and registering false alarms.

Additional Notes and Statistics

• The United States Fire Administration estimates that the risk of dying in a fire is cut by half with the proper installation of smoke detectors. There should be one detector per floor at the minimum with additional ones places near higher risk areas like the kitchen. One placed near any bedrooms is also recommended. The 12 percent of homes that don't have smoke detectors account for 50 percent of the house fires in the country. A third of the smoke detectors currently installed don't work because they're not properly checked. Replace the battery on any battery-powered detectors at least once a year as a maintenance measure.