How to Replace Smoke Alarms

Inspect your smoke alarms regularly to make sure they're working properly. As soon as you detect a problem with a smoke alarm, replace it. Replacing an alarm is a straightforward task. You can change out most smoke alarms easily in less than 10 minutes with a few basic tools. Rather than risk a life because of a faulty smoke alarm, follow some basic procedures for replacing it. You could save a life.

Things You'll Need

Incense
Stepladder
Smoke alarm

Screwdriver
Utility knife

Instructions

- 1
  
  Determine the workability of your smoke alarms. Test the batteries in the smoke alarm. If the batteries are not the problem, light a piece of burning incense and hold it under the alarm for up to two minutes. The presence of smoke should trigger the alarm. Listen for a sound. If you can't hear anything, replace the alarm.
- 2
  
  Use a stepladder to reach the smoke detector. Uncover the unit using the palm of your hand. Place your hand over its louvered cover and gently turn it to the left. The smoke alarm cover will drop away exposing its inner workings.
- 3
  
  Locate the screws that secure the alarm to the surface of the ceiling or wall. Use a screwdriver to remove each of these screws. Turn them to the left until they fall out. Often a layer of paint will cause the baseplate to stick. If the baseplate remains in position, use a utility knife to score around the perimeter of the alarm.
- 4
  
  Align the screw holes in the baseplate of the replacement alarm with the existing holes in the ceiling or wall. Secure the plate to the surface using the screws that came with the new alarm.
- 5
  
  Activate the smoke alarm. Insert a fresh battery into the battery slot on the baseplate of the replacement alarm. Replace the louvered cover on the alarm.

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Smoke Detectors