TOT smoke detectors

[Bill Wright]

Does anyone have any hard information about the cleaning of dust from
ceiling-mounted ionisation smoke detectors?

Bill

[Stephen]

When I bought my smoke detectors, they came with a dust cover on them.

The idea was that if you're sanding/sawing etc or any other dust creating
activity, you covered up the detectors with the dust cover. These covers
were then only removed after either installation was complete or the dust
creating activity had finished.

Given the presence of Americium 241 material in them (radioactive) and that
they are fairly cheap, you might actiually be better off replacing the smoke
detector than trying to clean it.

Stephen.


"Bill Wright" <bi...@invalid.com> wrote in message
news:jak384$hku$1...@speranza.aioe.org...

[J G Miller]

On Thursday, November 24th, 2011, at 00:30:53h +0000, Bill Wright wrote:

> Does anyone have any hard information about the cleaning of dust from
> ceiling-mounted ionisation smoke detectors?

How about some advice from Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center?

From <http://www.kiprc.uky.EDU/Fire/satips.htm>

QUOTE

Cleaning your smoke alarms is also important. If the alarm vents or
sensor become clogged with dirt and dust the alarm will not work.

You should follow the manufacturer’s directions for cleaning each alarm.

In most cases you can use a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt and dust.

If you will be doing work near a smoke alarm that will produce a lot
of dust, such as sanding or installing drywall, cover the alarm with
a plastic bag.

Remove the bag as soon as you are finished with the work.

Never paint a smoke alarm - the paint can clog the vents.

UNQUOTE

And remember

"Photoelectric alarms are also less sensitive to steam from showers
and cooking food so they are the best choice for alarms that will
be installed near kitchens or bathrooms."

[J G Miller]

On Thursday, November 24th, 2011, at 02:04:09h +0000, J G Miller wrote:

> In most cases you can use a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt and dust.

Other sources do support the practice of cleaning with a vacuum cleaner.

<http://www.sdfirealarms.co.UK/cleaning-smoke-and-heat-alarms/>

QUOTE

Household Smoke Alarms (optical and ionisation alarms)

Vacuum the outside of the smoke alarm with a vacuum cleaner,
a brush attachment might help in removing accumulated dust
on the cover of the alarm.

If recommended by the manufacturer, open the battery cover on
battery operated smoke alarms and gently vacuum the circuit board.

UNQUOTE

<http://www.ehow.com/how_5179921_clean-smoke-detectors.html>

QUOTE

Vacuum any dust particles in the smoke detector.

UNQUOTE

You should read that HOW TO thoroughly because it also suggests
cleaning with a dry rag and then a rag with some Pledge in
addition to vacuuming.

[Brian Gaff]

I gather the optical ones use more current though don't they. The
radioactive ones seem more prone to muck from what I can tell.
Brian

--
Brian Gaff....Note, this account does not accept Bcc: email.
graphics are great, but the blind can't hear them
Email: bri...@blueyonder.co.uk
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________


"J G Miller" <mil...@yoyo.ORG> wrote in message
news:jak92v$bl0$2...@dont-email.me...

[R. Mark Clayton]

"Bill Wright" <bi...@invalid.com> wrote in message
news:jak384$hku$1...@speranza.aioe.org...

> Does anyone have any hard information about the cleaning of dust from
> ceiling-mounted ionisation smoke detectors?
>
> Bill

Just use a vacuum cleaner, but DON'T mess with the Americium - should be
plenty of warning signs.