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      12-08-2007, 04:04 PM   #1
Snooky
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Smoke Detectors

Very OT but one of our smoke detectors has started beeping constantly today to 'tell' us that the back-up battery is low/dead. Driving us nuts but we cannot get the battery drawer out to replace it - there is a Key Slot above the battery drawer but we never got a key (we have had the house from new). I have tried screwdrivers etc and there is no manufacturer's details on the detector to try and get a key

Anyone else got detectors needing a 'key' to unlock the battery drawer? If so what do they look like etc

Next step is sledgehammer to knock it off the ceiling as the beeping isdoing my nut!!!
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      12-08-2007, 04:44 PM   #2
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Can you unclip it from the mounting plate ?
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      12-08-2007, 04:50 PM   #3
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Is the key not located on the inside of the detector (the cover bit perhaps)?
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      12-08-2007, 08:35 PM   #4
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yeh I'd be tempted to simply break in or smash it they only cost like a 5er or something for a new one...
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      12-09-2007, 03:09 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Serjames View Post
yeh I'd be tempted to simply break in or smash it they only cost like a 5er or something for a new one...
Trouble is I suspect it is mains powered, with a battery back up. We have a similar problem in that our mains powered one bleeps constantly when the battery is inserted into the unit. Therefore, we just don't put a battery in it. Not clever and I wished I had the builder put it right (new house) but its too late now.

Does the cover unscrew from the body ?
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      12-09-2007, 03:39 AM   #6
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Thanks all - it is a mains powered unit and you cannot dismantle the unit without taking the battery drawer out first (serious design fault in my opinion). I am nervous about just breaking it off the ceiling as it is wired in.

Thanks for the help - I will continue to try the elbow grease route!!
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      12-09-2007, 05:15 AM   #7
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Call the fire brigade (non-emergency number) and ask them to come take a look. I know they fit smoke detectors for a small fee. Once you get it resolved, replace the unit with one that doesn't require a key (what a screwed up design).

In the meantime, what does the keyhole look like? Maybe if we knew that we could brainstorm some solution to get your sanity back.

Is the unit mounted on a wall or ceiling with a baseplate? Most smoke detectors do and you normally insert it into the plate and twist. There will be a latch to keep it from easily being removed. The mains connection will normally be a socket (female) so that the unit can be removed and the electric remain safe. Some are designed where you have to remove the mains connection before you can gain access to the battery compartment.
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      12-09-2007, 09:20 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Snooky View Post
Thanks all - it is a mains powered unit and you cannot dismantle the unit without taking the battery drawer out first (serious design fault in my opinion). I am nervous about just breaking it off the ceiling as it is wired in.

Thanks for the help - I will continue to try the elbow grease route!!
Who is the manufacturer?

Does this help:

http://www.diconsafety.co.uk/downloads/2502_A0033.pdf
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      12-09-2007, 09:38 AM   #9
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Try using a lump hammer!
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      12-09-2007, 09:46 AM   #10
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Do these mains powered smoke devices have 240volts going to them, or is it some sort of low voltage 12v setup?
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      12-09-2007, 09:52 AM   #11
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Good test would be, lick your fingers and touch the wires. The difference between 240 & 12 V must be about 6'......ie. where you end up on the floor

Seriously, if you can't isolate it off the ring main, then attack the bugger & make sure you've got a pair of rubber gloves on (marigolds should do it). That bleeping noise would drive me insane. Hope you haven't got a dog or cat as well.
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      12-09-2007, 09:59 AM   #12
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I had exactly the same problem, drove me nuts and was mains powered. In the end I cut the power to the house and took a screwdriver and hammer to it in order to get it off the mounting plate. The silence afterwards was wonderful!
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      12-09-2007, 10:09 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by beemerbird View Post
Seriously, if you can't isolate it off the ring main, then attack the bugger
Quote:
Originally Posted by scotw View Post
I had exactly the same problem, drove me nuts and was mains powered. In the end I cut the power to the house and took a screwdriver and hammer to it in order to get it off the mounting plate. The silence afterwards was wonderful!
What are you guys like... sledgehammer and nut spring to mind
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      12-09-2007, 10:46 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SoYank View Post
Is the unit mounted on a wall or ceiling with a baseplate? Most smoke detectors do and you normally insert it into the plate and twist. There will be a latch to keep it from easily being removed. The mains connection will normally be a socket (female) so that the unit can be removed and the electric remain safe. Some are designed where you have to remove the mains connection before you can gain access to the battery compartment.
Some genius designed it so you could only unscrew the unit from the baseplate once you have removed the battery drawer...

Quote:
Originally Posted by needforspeed View Post
Who is the manufacturer?

Does this help:

http://www.diconsafety.co.uk/downloads/2502_A0033.pdf
Searched everywhere and no logo or manufacturer name

Quote:
Originally Posted by OliH View Post
Try using a lump hammer!
Seriously considered it Oli

Quote:
Originally Posted by beemerbird View Post
Good test would be, lick your fingers and touch the wires. The difference between 240 & 12 V must be about 6'......ie. where you end up on the floor
Eeeeeek


Well (cue drum-roll) I finally got the b*gger out!!! One broken knife and forced lock later the little battery drawer relented. Popped new super duper (extra long life) Duracell in and waited... me on the step ladder, miswah and sprogwah standing just below waiting..... and silence, GLORIOUS SILENCE (so good I feel the need to shout!!!)

Thanks to all the support/advice and attempted murder (you know who you are....*cough* BeemerBird *cough*)
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      12-09-2007, 11:04 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Snooky View Post
Well (cue drum-roll) I finally got the b*gger out!!! One broken knife and forced lock later the little battery drawer relented. Popped new super duper (extra long life) Duracell in and waited... me on the step ladder, miswah and sprogwah standing just below waiting..... and silence, GLORIOUS SILENCE (so good I feel the need to shout!!!)

Thanks to all the support/advice and attempted murder (you know who you are....*cough* BeemerBird *cough*)
Bit late now, but having looked on the net a bit - I don't think this had a separate 'key'.

There is usually a locking pin, which prevents idle hands opening the battery drawer and filching the battery.

The pin (or key) would have to be removed before the drawer could be opened.

Or alternatively you could try a knife.
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      12-09-2007, 11:36 AM   #16
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i would not spend 5 quid on a safety device.

Thats like buying a 70 pound crash helmet, sod that..

My Arai GP3k was 400 squid in 2000. Proper helmet!!!

Some are far more expensive tho. Mine is safe enough to use in f1
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      12-09-2007, 11:41 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dxb335d View Post
i would not spend 5 quid on a safety device.

Thats like buying a 70 pound crash helmet, sod that..

My Arai GP3k was 400 squid in 2000. Proper helmet!!!

Some are far more expensive tho. Mine is safe enough to use in f1
You thinking of applying for the 2nd seat at McLaren next year.

Alonso is replaced by 'Fandango' BMW 3 Series Diesel Test Pilot.
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Last edited by Gibbo; 12-09-2007 at 11:58 AM..
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      12-09-2007, 11:48 AM   #18
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Quote:
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i would not spend 5 quid on a safety device.
Absolutely Carlos - smoke detectors are a waste of money and will not save your life. I have one of these expensive devices parked on my driveway to deal with any fires in my home.
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      12-09-2007, 11:54 AM   #19
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You thinking of applying for the 2nd seat at McLaren next year.

Alonso is replaced by 'Fandango' BMW 3 Series Diesel Test Pilot.
Would be nice mate



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      12-09-2007, 11:55 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Snooky View Post
Some genius designed it so you could only unscrew the unit from the baseplate once you have removed the battery drawer...

Well (cue drum-roll) I finally got the b*gger out!!! One broken knife and forced lock later the little battery drawer relented. Popped new super duper (extra long life) Duracell in and waited... me on the step ladder, miswah and sprogwah standing just below waiting..... and silence, GLORIOUS SILENCE (so good I feel the need to shout!!!)

Thanks to all the support/advice and attempted murder (you know who you are....*cough* BeemerBird *cough*)
Attempted murder Snooky lol, it's the amps you need to worry about - honest

Silence is golden though eh. Glad you're sorted.
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      12-09-2007, 12:19 PM   #21
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Quote:
Snooky Quote:
Well (cue drum-roll) I finally got the b*gger out!!! One broken knife and forced lock later the little battery drawer relented. Popped new super duper (extra long life) Duracell in and waited... me on the step ladder, miswah and sprogwah standing just below waiting..... and silence, GLORIOUS SILENCE (so good I feel the need to shout!!!)

Thanks to all the support/advice and attempted murder (you know who you are....*cough* BeemerBird *cough*)
So it's silent,but how do you know it's actually working?

You need to light a bonfire underneath the detector to check it out,dining room table and chairs is a good test.
Make sure the lacquer is not toxic as the fumes might kill you,Helen has already failed!
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      12-09-2007, 12:29 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Z4 Beemer View Post
Absolutely Carlos - smoke detectors are a waste of money and will not save your life. I have one of these expensive devices parked on my driveway to deal with any fires in my home.
Actually, I think Carlos is meaning he would not buy a safety device that cost a mere £5 but would invest in a more stable, quality unit. I'm with him on that score.



BTW, that big red and yellow machine wouldn't fit in my driveway. Heaven help me if I needed them to pay a visit. Love the wheels on it though.
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