Rantings of an old man: Smoke detector brackets

Platapus · 10-03-21, 09:22 AM

I decided to replace all the smoke detectors in my house. They were 10 years old and the manufacturer suggests replacement.

I admit that I made an error in assuming that the mountings for smoke detectors was standardized across manufacturers. My bad.

I purchased some nice ones but found out that they were incompatible with the existing mounting brackets. I did not want to go through the hassle of having to change all the mountings. I returned these detectors.

So I researched the manufacturer and ordered the exact same model smoke detector that I already had. My intention was to keep the existing mountings and just change the detector.

It turned out that the mountings of the EXACT same model were almost identical... almost, but not quite. So in the end I had to do what I wanted to avoid in the first place -- having to remove the old brackets and install new brackets.

If I knew that I would have to change the brackets, I would have preferred using the first set of detectors as they had more features.

I kinda understand how each manufacturer has product specific brackets. But why would the EXACT same model have a mounting bracket that is almost the same (so that you think you can just reuse it) but when it comes time to secure it, find out that it is not compatible?

If a model is different, then it is not the same model and should have a different model number!

I examined both of the mounting brackets and I really could not find any differences but when doing the final assembly, it was just different enough not to work.

Why???

So I ended up paying more for a model with less features and still ended up having to remove and replace every mounting bracket.

Jimbuna · 10-03-21, 10:10 AM

I don't encounter those problems. I use double sided sticky pads to mount them on the ceiling but having said that, mine are battery operated.

Skybird · 10-03-21, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimbuna

I use double sided sticky pads to mount them

Those sticky pad mounts last until they no longer last. And drop.

Platapus · 10-03-21, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimbuna

I don't encounter those problems. I use double sided sticky pads to mount them on the ceiling but having said that, mine are battery operated.

Mine are AC powered with Battery back up.

I do have to confess that I had one smoke detector just hanging from the AC power connection for way too long.

Platapus · 10-03-21, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimbuna

. I use double sided sticky pads to mount them on the ceiling

Have you considered using some industrial Velcro? Some of the ones you can order from industrial supply companies hold very firmly but will release when a screwdriver type tool is used to pry them apart while the adhesive ain't goin no where!

Fun fact about Velcro type products: Velcro grips harder when the materials are vibrated. This is different than many other fasteners. At least one US car manufacturer was using very special velcro type fasteners to attach bumper components as they found it better, cheaper, and more secure than more traditional fasteners.

(maybe I should put this in the Useless Facts thread.

)

Jimbuna · 10-03-21, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skybird

Those sticky pad mounts last until they no longer last. And drop.

My experience is that they give up one side at a time so as soon as you notice the first faulty one that is the ideal time to change them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Platapus

Have you considered using some industrial Velcro? Some of the ones you can order from industrial supply companies hold very firmly but will release when a screwdriver type tool is used to pry them apart while the adhesive ain't goin no where!

Fun fact about Velcro type products: Velcro grips harder when the materials are vibrated. This is different than many other fasteners. At least one US car manufacturer was using very special velcro type fasteners to attach bumper components as they found it better, cheaper, and more secure than more traditional fasteners.

(maybe I should put this in the Useless Facts thread.

)

Far too posh for me.

Jeff-Groves · 10-03-21, 12:31 PM

The easy way to prevent the sticky tape smoke alarms from coming loose.

Get the round cover plates from a junction box and use screws to attach it.
Then mount the box with sticky tape to it. It will hold nearly forever!

To remove the alarm plate?
A thin wire like a piano wire will cut through the sticky tape. Then scrape with a razor knife if needed.

Now those of us in the Construction trades use a self made Hot knife to remove that tape.

MaDef · 10-05-21, 08:54 AM

I have to deal with 116 smoke detectors on a yearly basis, 2 things I've found, Use the sealed battery type (smoke detectors need to be changed out every 10 years due to sensor life, and tenants can't remove the battery). And use the plastic screw-in drywall anchors to mount them (most detectors have mounting plates with universal mounting holes to accommodate different anchor widths). so it becomes a simple matter of loosening the screws, replacing the mounting plate, and tightening the screws.

If you use double sided tape, use the 1" tape by 3m (not the double sided mounting squares) it's rated for 30 lbs per inch and will be good for years.

You can also use pure silicone, it's adhesive (on everything from glass to brick), stays flexible, and removal is easy when heated with a heat gun or hair dryer.

AVGWarhawk · 10-05-21, 09:48 AM

Glad you got them. They work! Do these also detect CO? If so, great. CO detectors are a lifesaver.

Platapus · 10-05-21, 03:54 PM

I also have dedicated CO detectors for the critical areas.

CO ain't COol.

August · 10-06-21, 08:47 AM

Just don't put Co2 detectors on the ceiling. By the time that the heavier than air Co2 gets up to them you'll already be swimming in it.

Best place is near the top of the basement stairs.

Arlo · 10-06-21, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff-Groves

... self made Hot knife to remove that tape.

Oh! Oh! Describe that process.

Jeff-Groves · 10-06-21, 03:44 PM

Here's something that is real close to what I have made.
https://www.amazon.com/HORUSDY-Cutte...921TY9H6&psc=1

What I do is put a small groove in the top of the spreader bars so the wire is much closer to the top so there's almost no space left to scrape the tape.

Onkel Neal · 10-07-21, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by August

Just don't put Co2 detectors on the ceiling. By the time that the heavier than air Co2 gets up to them you'll already be swimming in it.

Best place is near the top of the basement stairs.

Thanks, good point.

MaDef · 10-07-21, 04:28 PM

Carbon monoxide is actually slightly lighter than air, so placing them on a ceiling should be ok.

10-03-21, 09:22 AM	#1
Platapus Fleet Admiral Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 19,360 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 0	Rantings of an old man: Smoke detector brackets I decided to replace all the smoke detectors in my house. They were 10 years old and the manufacturer suggests replacement. I admit that I made an error in assuming that the mountings for smoke detectors was standardized across manufacturers. My bad. I purchased some nice ones but found out that they were incompatible with the existing mounting brackets. I did not want to go through the hassle of having to change all the mountings. I returned these detectors. So I researched the manufacturer and ordered the exact same model smoke detector that I already had. My intention was to keep the existing mountings and just change the detector. It turned out that the mountings of the EXACT same model were almost identical... almost, but not quite. So in the end I had to do what I wanted to avoid in the first place -- having to remove the old brackets and install new brackets. If I knew that I would have to change the brackets, I would have preferred using the first set of detectors as they had more features. I kinda understand how each manufacturer has product specific brackets. But why would the EXACT same model have a mounting bracket that is almost the same (so that you think you can just reuse it) but when it comes time to secure it, find out that it is not compatible? If a model is different, then it is not the same model and should have a different model number! I examined both of the mounting brackets and I really could not find any differences but when doing the final assembly, it was just different enough not to work. Why??? So I ended up paying more for a model with less features and still ended up having to remove and replace every mounting bracket. __________________ abusus non tollit usum - A right should NOT be withheld from people on the basis that some tend to abuse that right.

10-03-21, 10:10 AM	#2
Jimbuna Chief of the Boat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 250 metres below the surface Posts: 190,473 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 13	I don't encounter those problems. I use double sided sticky pads to mount them on the ceiling but having said that, mine are battery operated. __________________ Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Oh my God, not again!!

10-05-21, 09:48 AM	#9
AVGWarhawk Lucky Jack Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a 1954 Buick. Posts: 28,253 Downloads: 90 Uploads: 0	Glad you got them. They work! Do these also detect CO? If so, great. CO detectors are a lifesaver. __________________ “You're painfully alive in a drugged and dying culture.” ― Richard Yates, Revolutionary Road

10-05-21, 03:54 PM	#10
Platapus Fleet Admiral Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 19,360 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 0	I also have dedicated CO detectors for the critical areas. CO ain't COol. __________________ abusus non tollit usum - A right should NOT be withheld from people on the basis that some tend to abuse that right.

10-06-21, 08:47 AM	#11
August Wayfaring Stranger Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 23,197 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Just don't put Co2 detectors on the ceiling. By the time that the heavier than air Co2 gets up to them you'll already be swimming in it. Best place is near the top of the basement stairs. __________________ Flanked by life and the funeral pyre. Putting on a show for you to see.

10-03-21, 12:31 PM	#7
Jeff-Groves GLOBAL MODDING TERRORIST Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 5,649 Downloads: 137 Uploads: 0	The easy way to prevent the sticky tape smoke alarms from coming loose. Get the round cover plates from a junction box and use screws to attach it. Then mount the box with sticky tape to it. It will hold nearly forever! To remove the alarm plate? A thin wire like a piano wire will cut through the sticky tape. Then scrape with a razor knife if needed. Now those of us in the Construction trades use a self made Hot knife to remove that tape.

10-05-21, 08:54 AM	#8
MaDef Ace of the Deep Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,194 Downloads: 5 Uploads: 0	I have to deal with 116 smoke detectors on a yearly basis, 2 things I've found, Use the sealed battery type (smoke detectors need to be changed out every 10 years due to sensor life, and tenants can't remove the battery). And use the plastic screw-in drywall anchors to mount them (most detectors have mounting plates with universal mounting holes to accommodate different anchor widths). so it becomes a simple matter of loosening the screws, replacing the mounting plate, and tightening the screws. If you use double sided tape, use the 1" tape by 3m (not the double sided mounting squares) it's rated for 30 lbs per inch and will be good for years. You can also use pure silicone, it's adhesive (on everything from glass to brick), stays flexible, and removal is easy when heated with a heat gun or hair dryer.

10-06-21, 03:44 PM	#13
Jeff-Groves GLOBAL MODDING TERRORIST Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 5,649 Downloads: 137 Uploads: 0	Here's something that is real close to what I have made. https://www.amazon.com/HORUSDY-Cutte...921TY9H6&psc=1 What I do is put a small groove in the top of the spreader bars so the wire is much closer to the top so there's almost no space left to scrape the tape.

10-07-21, 04:28 PM	#15
MaDef Ace of the Deep Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,194 Downloads: 5 Uploads: 0	Carbon monoxide is actually slightly lighter than air, so placing them on a ceiling should be ok.