Did you know that the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) urges replacing home smoke alarms after 10 years. We at S & S Electric can help you determine the age of the smoke alarms in your home and if they meet code requirements. Aging smoke alarms do not operate efficiently and often are the source for nuisance alarms. Older smoke alarms are estimated to have a 30% probability of failure within the first 10 years. Newer smoke alarms do better, but should be replaced after 10 years. Unless you know that the smoke alarms are new, replacing them when moving into a new residence is also recommended by NFPA.

The NFPA offers the following smoke alarm safety tips:

• Install new batteries in all alarms once a year or when the alarm chirps to warn that the battery is dying.
• Test units at least monthly. Test the units using the test button or an approved smoke substitute.
• Clean the units, in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions.
• Do not use a open-flame device for testing because of the danger the flame poses.
• Smoke alarms should be placed outside of each sleeping area and on each level of the home, including the basement.
• In new homes, smoke alarms are required in all sleeping rooms, according to the National Fire Alarm Code.
• Alarms should be mounted on the wall 4-12 inches from the ceiling ; ceiling-mounted alarms should be positioned 4 inches away from the nearest wall. On a vaulted ceiling, be sure to mount the alarm at the highest point of the ceiling.