BYC Café

[bruceha2000]

Yesterday, the hardwired smoke detectors kept going off for no particular reason other than to terrify the dogs. I had to go down to the electric panel to turn off the circuit to them but the batteries kept them going.
I found a can of compressed air and hit all three of them with and that blew got out some spider webby dust and they haven't gone off since.

How old are they? At about 7 years they hit end of life and put out a different beep spacing to let you know they need to be replaced. I did all of mine over a period of a few months, replaced with 10 year sealed battery units.

Hardwired is just plain stupid since you STILL have to replace the batteries every 6 months or so. At 3 AM of course. Apparently the device tests the batteries until it kills them.

Where is the value in hardwiring them? Even the fact that they all go off together is stupid. Do I run out the door or dive out the window? You have no idea which one actually detected potential danger.

I do use a heat plate, not one of those weird heating pad things LOL!

Not here! MHP all the way (to the broody hen if I have one). What can you do with a heat plate EXCEPT brood chicks and how often do you do that? The heating pad is also useful year round for people with aches and pains

 

[DobieLover]

Where is the value in hardwiring them?

The house wouldn't have passed electric inspection without it. It's code.

 

[ronott1]

Not here! MHP all the way (to the broody hen if I have one). What can you do with a heat plate EXCEPT brood chicks and how often do you do that? The heating pad is also useful year round for people with aches and pains

My thought is that the heating pad can be used in an emergency but a real product made for chickens will be better.

Kind of like incubating in a food dehydrator.

 

[bruceha2000]

My thought is that the heating pad can be used in an emergency

Nope, it is the PLAN! And a X-large Sunbeam XpressHeat is cheaper than the smallest Brinsea heat plate

 

[ronott1]

Nope, it is the PLAN! And a X-large Sunbeam XpressHeat is cheaper than the smallest Brinsea heat plate

I like the premier plates. They did not cost as much when I bought mine.

The brinsea plates were problematic.

 

[bruceha2000]

It's code.

I know, that is why the electricians put them in. I still contend they are a solution looking for a problem when they are, in fact a problem in themselves. It would be different if they didn't drain the batteries that are supposed to be the backup power in case of a power outage.

Two of ours were upstairs with vaulted ceilings. No way to change the batteries without a ladder. One in the crawl space, not exactly easy to get to while it is beeping away. And unlike battery only detectors, the hard wired ones keep screaming at you to replace the batteries while you ARE replacing the batteries. PITA!!!!.

If someone is going to remove batteries from a battery only detector they will just as likely unplug the hardwired ones as well. Better to have the 10 year sealed units. Can't mess with them OR forget to change the batteries resulting in that 3 AM alarm twice a year. Or throwing out batteries that are still good for several more months by changing them on a schedule. Plus, 3 more years of service in a unit that should not be thrown in the trash but taken to a hazardous waste disposal site.

 

[pennyJo1960]

I bought one from a heat plate Rent a coop they sell on Amazon

 

[DobieLover]

Good morning Cafe. Coffee is ready.
Still hot and steamy out there ...

 

[sourland]

Thanks, DL, and good morning, Cafe'. Stay safe.

 

[LaFleche]

Good afternoon everyone!

I brought a fresh pot of coffee for all in need.

After last night's thunderstorm we are having some steady rainfall and a drop of temperature. Very relaxing.

I hope you all are coping well with heat and downpours. Stay safe and have a wonderful Tuesday!