Need to  turn off smoke alarm so i can solder - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ocset
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2020, 12:09:27 pm
content: Hi,I need to solder in my room, but the smoke alarm will go off. (i cant risk this as my neighbours will go nuts)Therefore, can i turn the smoke alarm off somehow ?(without exciting some alarm in the main control box)?The smoke alarm has no model number or manufacturer written on it.The smoke alarm does have its own breaker in the room's breaker box.(BTW its a very sensitive smoke alarm and goes off if i cook toast even)

author: Berni
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2020, 12:18:25 pm
content: Use masking tape to attach a plastic bowl over the smoke detector. Just make sure to remove it again afterwards in case there is an actual fire.I assume you are renting the place so you can't mess with it too much.

author: JackJones
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2020, 12:19:32 pm
content: You could cover it with something, like a nitrile glove would probably stretch over it nicely.

author: ocset
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2020, 12:28:10 pm
content: QuoteThanks very much , do you think there is chance an alarm will go off if i do this though?...i mean, maybe i have to turn off the breaker to the alarm first?QuoteThanks, Yes its rental

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 09, 2020, 12:31:23 pm
content: If you manage to trigger smoke alarms, you are destroying your health. Use smoke extractor/filter instead of fighting with symptoms of the problem.

author: Berni
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2020, 12:45:32 pm
content: Quote from: treez on July 09, 2020, 12:28:10 pmIf it is wired into a central fire detection system then yes unplugging it will trip a maintenance alarm on the fire control panel due to a malfunctioning sensor.But if this is a regular house and the wiring is just providing power to it then it should stay quiet. Unless perhaps the battery is low then it might make a short periodic low battery noise every so often until the battery is removed.

author: ocset
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2020, 01:35:41 pm
content: Actually yes, ive just seen the Alarm Panel.......i'm pretty sure if i remove power and batteries to my smoke detector it will trigger something...alarms may go off

author: Jeroen3
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2020, 02:29:27 pm
content: Put a plastic bag on it with a rubber band. Builders do this all the time when making dust.If this is spotted during the regular checkup of the fire detection system you'll probably be evicted though.Anyway, invest in some heat resistant matting since you're either burning the table underneath, or you are using too much flux. Although it's often impossible to use too much flux, in this situation it is.

author: Berni
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2020, 02:36:02 pm
content: Quote from: treez on July 09, 2020, 01:35:41 pmYep that indeed looks like a fire alarm panel. They are smart enough to detect sensors disappearing off the bus. Typically these central fire detection systems are also connected to a remote monitoring location. Here typically only large buildings have these and they will automatically alert security staff to go check the situation or in some cases also escalate it to the fire department. So if that is the case you might not only be annoying your neighbor, but i would guess if this was the case they would have also explained upon renting to you how to clear the alert in the event of a false alarmSo yeah as previously said stick a bowl, glove, bag etc... over the detector.EDIT:Quote from: Jeroen3 on July 09, 2020, 02:29:27 pmNo such thing as too much fluxBut yeah soldering makes smoke and i seen some really sensitive smoke detectors that will go off at just a little squirt of deodorant or hair spray. Luckily the detectors at where i work are not one of those, we make plenty of soldering smoke here and there and they never went off.

author: themadhippy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2020, 03:00:33 pm
content: on the bottom right of the picture,those red things? there not smoke detector covers by any chance?

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2020, 03:11:20 pm
content: treez, please don't sabotage your smoke alarm. You may need it.

author: ocset
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2020, 09:22:48 am
content: QuoteThanks, good point, i'll use my mates garage instead for soldering, its much better ventilated.