Comments
***********
Why does System Sensor say that their smoke detector (recommends) that
their smoke detector shall be replaced if it is installed in a residence but says
nothing about the SAME smoke detector being replaced in a different use group?
If I install the SAME smoke detector in a day care with sleeping babies, no
problem. Maybe another solution is to use a different manufacturer's smoke
detector, or if these smoke detectors die after ten years and are so unsafe
that that codes tell us to replace ALL smoke detectors every ten years. Is it
possible that someone at System Sensor saw that smoke ALARMS (not fire alarm
system detectors) are required to be replaced and put in that disclaimer to
protect their own interests without any proof that this is important to do.
For the people who quote the System Sensor instructions, please quote the
whole quote to give the full context. Do not omit words like "recommends" and
"residential" and changing the font from "shall" to "SHALL."
If John Drucker and his associates can not find a requirement for us to
replace the detectors and others insist we do, we are in a very difficult
position. Try this sale: "Mr. Homeowner, I know that your code official does
not require us to replace your working smoke detectors (not even made by
System Sensor) and I can not quote a code saying I must, but I do not want to
risk being sued if they are wrong so please pay me $1,000.00 to replace the
smoke detectors in your house." You are the customer, would you replace the
smoke detectors or your alarm company? We as an industry must come to a
conclusion on this topic or we feel be fighting a lose/lose battle. We need
to do what is in the best interest of our customer for both safety and
financially. They (and we) do not have unlimited income, so what is the truth
in this matter with REAL scientific data showing the true life of the
detector?
John Uhler
*********
There has been a lot of bantering back and forth about the 10 year requirement to replace smoke detectors. The answer to protecting ourselves seems rather simple. NFPA 72 requires fire alarm system be tested on a recurring basis and places the responsibility for this on the owner. If Ken's installation contracts for fire or burg had a statement informing the owner it is their responsibility to ensure the system is maintained properly, all we have to do is provide the owner with the cut sheets for the equipment installed. The same statement should be in the monitoring contracts in case the system was installed by someone else. Am I wrong or would this protect us?
Tony Barlow, Pres/CEO
North Coast Signal Inc.