How to Test Monitored Smoke Detectors

The sole purpose of a smoke detector is to provide a jarringly loud noise to alert anyone within hearing range to the existence of a fire or imminent fire. A smoke detector that is wired into a monitored security system will further protect the homeowner by alerting the remote monitoring station to the hazard. You can test whether a smoke detector is functioning by pressing its "Test" button. The procedure is similar for any smoke detector and will not damage it in any way.

Ladder
Headphones/Earbuds

Instructions

- 1
  Call the monitoring station of the security company that monitors your home security system. Inform them that you will be testing your smoke detector and they should not respond to the alarm until they are notified the testing is finished.
- 2
  Place a ladder against the wall within reach of the smoke detector. Typically, the smoke detector will be at the top edge of the wall just below the ceiling. In some cases, it may be attached to the ceiling.
- 3
  Put on a pair of ear protectors to guard your ears against the piercing shriek the alarm will make if it responds as it should when you test it.
- 4
  Find the red button that is at a corner edge of the smoke alarm. Press and hold it for 2 seconds. Release the button.
- 5
  Repeat the procedure after several seconds if the alarm does not sound off; the absence of the shrieking noise indicates the smoke detector is not functioning. Inspect the alarm for damage or a bad battery, and repair the problem.
- 6
  Repeat this procedure with the other smoke detectors in your home. Call the monitoring station of the security company when you are finished to tell them you have finished testing and they should respond as normal to any further alarms.

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