Can A Power Surge Damage A Smoke Detector?
A smoke alarm system is a powerful tool to ensure that those living in your home or building can escape a hazardous situation. However, power surges caused by severe weather can wreak havoc on such a system. You’ll need to take proactive steps to avoid issues such as an alarm not working or going off absent any smoke or fire. Let’s take a look at what might cause a smoke alarm to falter during a storm and what you can do to protect against storm-related power surges.
Lightning Can Cause a Sudden Surge
In most cases, lightning strikes are what causes surges to happen. When a strike occurs, it can send a significant amount of current that will be picked up by wires or other materials that conduct electricity efficiently.
A smoke alarm sensor may mistake the pulses created by the surge in electricity for smoke or fire. Therefore, it will start to beep, flash or otherwise activate, and it may remain on for several seconds or minutes until the storm passes or you can reset the system.
If you have multiple smoke alarms wired together, they may all go off at the same time. This can annoy, confuse or frighten anyone who lives within your home or apartment complex. Ideally, you’ll know where the reset button or switch is or have other means of quickly shutting down a faulty alarm system.
Install a Surge Protector
It’s possible that a power surge will result in a power outage, which means that your alarm system is temporarily rendered obsolete. One effective way to protect against a surge and the problems it can cause is to install a surge protector.
They are relatively inexpensive and easy to install, and one of our professionals can complete this task for you if you don’t want to do so yourself. Assuming that it is properly installed, it should last for about five years.
Check the Batteries
A hard-wired smoke alarm system doesn’t have to be vulnerable to a power outage if you have a battery backup in place. However, this assumes that you actually check the batteries on a regular basis. Ideally, you’ll do so at least once a year for best results.
You may also hear a beeping noise if the batteries are dying or about to die. The beeping sound is your cue to check and replace old batteries to ensure proper operation of your smoke alarms when you need them.
Have Your Smoke Alarms Inspected Annually
Even if you don’t think that there are any problems that need to be addressed, it’s critical to have your alarm system inspected once a year. An inspection can reveal issues such as a frayed wire, defective batteries or other issues that are easier to fix when they are found early.
Typically, smoke alarm inspections are conducted during the early spring and fall months. However, you can choose to have them done whenever it is convenient to do so. In some cases, failing to conduct regular inspections may void any warranty that came with the product.
Check for Damage Around Your Property
A lighting strike doesn’t have to create a power surges to cause issues with a smoke alarm system. For instance, it could cause damage to the building itself, which might create opportunities for moisture or pests to get inside.
From there, pests could eat away at an exposed wire while moisture could wreak havoc with a nearby sensor. Ideally, you’ll have your property inspected after a storm for possible secondary hazards that might make it difficult or impossible for your smoke alarms to work properly.
If you are in need of electrical service after a storm or for any reason, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Mister Sparky. Remember, when you call Mister Sparky, you won’t deal with any malarky. Instead, you’ll work with trained professionals who will provide timely and affordable service to ensure that you get the most for your time and money.
