Smoke Detector Sensitivity

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Scotttique
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Post by Scotttique » Wed. Jul. 23, 2008 1:55 pm

I have a "house wired" smoke detector system, and the problem is that when I open my stove door to add coal or when the coal is heating up whatever gases that escape set off the detector at the top of my stairs (one floor up) or in the adjacent room, which then in turn sets off the whole house. My solution last year (not a good one) was to disconnect and remove the two offending smoke detectors for the winter.

Does anyone know of a smoke detector that would not be as sensitive, but would still serve its purpose?

 
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coaledsweat
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Post by coaledsweat » Wed. Jul. 23, 2008 2:24 pm

I would say your problem is not the detectors but the smoke that escapes into your home. I think that is the problem you need to address. The first thing that comes to mind would be draft, is it a hand fired? If so, do you ramp up the fire prior to servicing the unit? How high is the chimney? Etc.


 
wfd.lt
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Post by wfd.lt » Wed. Jul. 23, 2008 4:55 pm

Photoelectric will detect smoldering, smoky fires quicker; Ionization will detect a flaming fire faster (hence, the ions produced). You'd have to figure out which you have and swap one out to try it. IIRC, photoelectric were more exoensive.

 
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Freddy
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Post by Freddy » Wed. Jul. 23, 2008 6:23 pm

Assuming you are safe....... The ones that you disconnect for the winter, replace them with new ones that have a temporary automatic pause button. You press the buttom and it shuts off for 15 or 20 min. I'm not sure exactly what they're called, but I've seen them.

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