Smoke Detectors & Humidity Problems

Definition

• A smoke detector is an electric or battery-operated device that sounds a loud alarm when smoke enters the unit. Photoelectric units are triggered when the smoke breaks a beam of light while ionic models have a current that gets interrupted by smoke. All smoke detectors are vulnerable to false alarms caused by various things, including humidity, although the Wake County Fire Marshal's office advises that ionic detectors have the most problems.

Humidity

• Humidity is a common trigger of smoke detectors because it condenses on the circuit board and sensor, eventually setting off the alarm when enough condensation collects in the area. Cooking steam causes problems with detectors mounted in the kitchen while humidity from hot showers sets off units placed near bathrooms. Older smoke detectors are more prone to false alarm problems from humidity because they often become more sensitive.

Other Triggers

• Humidity is not the only cause of false alarms with smoke detectors. Other common triggers include dirt, cooking smoke, temperature extremes and close proximity to fluorescent lights. Heavy fumes in freshly painted rooms can set off detectors, the Tucson Fire Department warns, so open windows if possible to air out any enclosed spaces while painting. Construction dust from new home building or remodeling is another culprit because it gets inside smoke detectors even if it not visible.

Prevention

• Mount smoke detectors as far away as possible from false alarm sources. Keep them away from humid areas like laundry rooms and bathrooms, and mount them away from the stove when you locate them in kitchens. Vacuum them out every few months to remove dust and dead insects that might be collecting inside the unit.

Lifespan

• Smoke detectors have a limited lifespan and should be replaced every 10 years, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Write the date you purchase your smoke detectors inside the units, and get new detectors after 10 years even if the old ones still seem to be working. The old models could fail at any time, and they are more prone to problems from humidity and other false alarm triggers as they age.