Mains smoke detector false alarms

[tally100]

Hi I have 2 mains alarms 8 years old Dicon's. They have both started to go off in the middle of the night, batterys have been replaced and cleaned out. Is it time to change them and any reccomendations please.

Thanks

Tally

 

[Alarm]

Connections checked?
Any new fridges freezers been fitted?

10 yrs is the time suggested before changing.
Dicon for direct replacement if not Aico. Remember if interconnected they must all be the same for guaranteed reactions.

 

[riveralt]

Hi I have 2 mains alarms 8 years old Dicon's. They have both started to go off in the middle of the night, batterys have been replaced and cleaned out. Is it time to change them and any reccomendations please.

Thanks

Tally

In addition to Alarm's comments, this is from Dicons installers faq.

As electronic devices, smoke alarms are subject to random failures. In 10 years there is roughly a 30% probability of failure before replacement. After 15 years, the chances are better than 50/50 that your alarm has failed. That is too big a risk to take. Replacing alarms after 10 years protects against the accumulated chance of failure, but monthly testing is still your first, best means of making sure your alarm will work.
So there is a good chance its just down to age.

 

[Alarm]

I agree, I was just taking a general rule that 10 yrs is the norm to replace without question.
Also for CO detectors 5 years is the time when you change for new.