Smoke alarm dilemma

[AndersonC]

Good Morning

We were awoken today at 0500 by one of the smoke alarms going off. Jumped out of bed and it stopped. Checked the house, no problem.

20 minutes later it does the same. So I have killed the power via the RCD, took the alarm off and removed the battery. But can't go back to sleep.

The alarms are mains powered with battery back up, the circuit comprises 2 smoke alarms in hall/landing and one heat alarm in kitchen. Under normal test conditions they are linked so if one goes off they all do. This did not happen this morning.

The alarms have been fitted nearly 4 years and the one which woke us has a manufacture date of 150506. I recall that when this was first fitted we had some problems with it going off unwantedly, hence it was swapped during 2006.

The alarms have not been cleaned, so could a build up of dust cause this to activate? The house has been very dusty! There was also a small spider on the alarm when I took it down, could this have activated it? Or is it a case of ringing the electrician and getting everything checked out?

Any guidance required, going to be a long day today! Thanks.

 

[joe-90]

Most of us are up at 5 every day.
Dust can be a problem for the ionising sensors.

 

[AndersonC]

Do most of you go to bed at the same time as me?

Anyway, thanks for the comment about dust, I will see if I can vacuum the thing, alternatively I will consider replacing it if vacuuming is deemed to be ineffective.