Re: How do I block a (mains) smoke alarm (so my steam cleaner doesn't trigger it)

[Frank Olson <Use_the_email_links@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Peter Taylor wrote:
>
> "Frank Olson" <Use_the_email_links@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in
> message news:F5Zof.133344$Gd6.76652@xxxxxxxxxxx
>
>> Chris.Holland16@xxxxxxxxx wrote:
>>
>>> ron wrote:
>>>
>>>> <Chris.Holland16@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
>>>> news:1134831151.987435.308480@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>>>>
>>>>> Hi. I live in a large student complex, which is filthy
>>>>>
>>>>> i want to buy a steam cleaner
>>>>>
>>>>> Can I just cover the smoker alarm (using a plastic bag?)
>>>>>
>>>>> Advice/ideas anyone?
>>>>>
>>>>> thanks
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I thought you said you were buying a steam cleaner not a smoke machine!
>>>> I can't believe as a person who might one day have a degree that you
>>>> can't
>>>> work it out for yourself
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Steam triggers the smoke alarms where I live - people have showered
>>> with the bathroom door open. this has resulted in the fire brigade
>>> being called out on numerous ocassions, resulting in massive fines
>>>
>>> the smoke alarms are hard wired into the ceilings - we cannot remove
>>> them
>>>
>>
>>
>> Upgrade to photo-electric units.  The ionization ones typically false
>> in the presence of steam.  Photo-electrics won't.
>
>
> This is a ridiculous answer!  Students living in digs aren't responsible
> for replacing smoke detectors FFS!  I can't imagine the mess the Fire
> Prevention Officer would have to sort out if they were.  In any case,
> thanks to tax-payers' meanness, most students haven't got two
> halfpennies to rub together let alone buy anything photo-electric!
>
> Chris, good on you for taking the trouble to clean up and I'm sorry
> you've had such ridiculous replies from what normally tries to be a
> helpful and sensible newsgroup.  The person who lectured you on
> steam/smoke is an ar**hole.  Smoke detector technology basically detects
> anything that isn't the usual mix of gases we call Air, so burning the
> toast, taking the lid off a saucepan, opening a gas oven door, having a
> steamy shower or even a good old fart can all set off a "smoke"
> detector.  :)
>
> My best advice is you should tell the person in charge of the fire alarm
> (the facilities manager?) what you are planning to do and that you're
> worried you might set off the alarm.  He should be thankful you have the
> common sense to ask first.  That would be much better than him finding
> you've been mucking about with the system yourself, or for the Fire
> Brigade to turn up to find you in your Mrs Mop outfit.

That's actually the *best* advice I've seen.  If the OP has time, he
should post a picture of himself in the "Mrs. Mop outfit".  I could use
a good laugh.  :-)


>
> Usually individual heads (if it's a modern digital system) or a
> particular zone can be temporarily disabled at the alarm panel.  The
> heads can be unplugged (usually like a bayonet-type light bulb) to clean
> or replace them, but DON'T try doing this with the system still active
> as it will set off the alarm.  The FM won't be too happy while part of
> the premises is unprotected, so this needs to be for a very short period
> and he may want to get someone to supervise you.
>
> If you want to risk it, you can certainly cover the detector heads with
> a plastic bag to exclude the water vapour, or even better, use a plastic
> glove (I thought that was a great idea) but remember the alarm is still
> active and covering up the heads doesn't guarantee you won't set it
> off.  Then you'll be in hot water as well as steam!
>
> Peter


Well excuse me.  It's been my experience that tenants aren't responsible
for false fire alarms, the landlords are.  If the falses are frequent
enough, the OP might wish to advise the landlord that upgrading the
smoke detectors to photo-electrics will aleviate the problem.