New smoke detectors!

[Wringing1212]

I must confess that for a couple of months, I've avoided reading posts on this platform, for fear it would bring my attention to my reality I work so hard to deny. Today I felt a responsibility to come out of hiding to warn you about a looming risk.

Due to planned obsolescence, I had to change the smoke detectors in my home. kiddie, the monopolist company that owns all the brands, programmed all of the alarms manufactured in 2011 for North America, to expire at the same exact time. After connecting the new alarm, I pushed the test button and was devastated by the high pitched shrieking that came from not only the new alarm, but the other 6 I was about to replace. My family was having breakfast in the kitchen and were immediately brought to their knees, covering their ears and screeching from the fright of the loud noise. I've written to the Kidde public relations department, detailing my concerns for infants, elders and people with hearing disorders such as tinnitus, hyperacusus or hearing aids. These units are required by law, and are installed in almost every home or building, through North America. Please be careful when you replace your smoke detectors. Wear protection, and if you care to, write to the manufacturer of your smoke detectors, expressing our concerns.

[blackperil]

I have installed the Nest alarms.

Not cheap, but they do warn you when a test is about to be performed.

They also have a pre warning of an issue which is s bong and a spoken warning.

[Wringing1212 in reply to blackperil]

Thank you for the tip. These we're installed seven years ago, before nest was available. I did learn from this experience that it's helpful to know why these things start chirping, and take action ASAP with ear protection. It turns out that the seven alarms in my home, signaled each other to go off. They also signal from the new ones to the old ones, so I had as many as fourteen of them sounding at one time. My tinnitus is still raging but there is a stack of smoke alarms in my back yard with batteries out and problem solved. I bought the 10 year warrentied version this time so I need to remember to change the units before 2029.