Ask any electrician, building inspector, or firefighter, and they’ll tell you a smoke alarm is one of the most important features to have in your home or office. However, like any electrical device, if it lacks sufficient power or has damaged wiring, it won’t work. It also has a limited life span. To ensure it’s working properly, it needs to be tested regularly. If you haven’t done this before, here’s what you need to know.

When & How to Test Your Smoke Alarm

Frequency

Smoke alarms should be tested at least once a month. Schedule it on your phone, calendar, or planner during the first week of every month. If it’s frequently exposed to smoke because of cooking, candles, incense, or similar sources, test it twice a month as it may wear out sooner.

Method

Testing the alarm is pretty straightforward. There should be a button on the exterior that’s labeled “test.” Press it, and the alarm should go off. Do this for every smoke alarm. If possible, have someone else in different areas and rooms to confirm they are loud enough throughout the property.

Failure

If the test fails and there’s no audible alarm, you’ll need to replace the batteries. Batteries should be replaced every six months anyway, so if it’s been more than half a year, change them. Make a note on your calendar when you last changed the batteries so you can keep track. Always supply fresh batteries; never use old ones.

Old Alarms

Finally, remember that smoke alarms generally last for about 10 years before they need to be replaced. If you’re unsure how old the alarms on your property are, have an electrician examine them.

If you’re in Illinois’ St. Clair, Monroe, or Madison County and need an electrician to help you with your smoke alarms, contact RM Electrical. Based in Belleville, IL, this family-owned and -operated electrical company has served residents and businesses for a decade. Whether you need to replace a single alarm or want a full set of hard-wired alarms installed, their staff of certified electricians can handle it. If you need a basic home inspection before a purchase or want to begin a kitchen remodeling project that includes updating the wiring, their electricians will help with that, too. For a full list of their electrical services, visit their website, and call (618) 939-0422 to schedule a consultation.