Shower sets off Smoke alarm

[ngoodson1969]

Hi all,

I have a strange problem. have just installed 2 smokes and a heat alarm in a property. When the shower is turned on it IMMEDIATELY sets off the alarms. The alarms are all RF and talk to one another. The shower is on it's own circuit. Any ideas?

Regards
Nick

 

[dixon9]

Possible wrong answer but...

Is it a humidity alarm fitted and not a smoke?

 

[Tag]

Both ionization and photoelectric detectors are effective smoke sensors. Both types of smoke detectors must pass the same test to be certified as UL smoke detectors. Ionization detectors respond more quickly to flaming fires with smaller combustion particles; photoelectric detectors respond more quickly to smoldering fires. In either type of detector, steam or high humidity can lead to condensation on the circuit board and sensor, causing the alarm to sound.


;How Do Smoke Detectors Work?

 

[The Truth]

its almost certainly steam from the shower ( very similar to smoke as far as a basic ionisation smoke detector is concerned ) and is a very common problem.

solution? the quickest and most effective way is to simply swap the unit for a heat detector.

 

[Doomed]

Immediately as in before any steam can build up and reach the detector head?

 

[Tag]

That is strange... I'm thinking interference.... unless a serge in the shower? Maybe a type c breaker? Not sure...