Thread: Consider Myself Lucky

Woken up this morning by the sound of all my smoke detectors in alarm. They are hard wired and interconnected, each with a back up battery. Didn't smell smoke on main floor so went into cellar, nothing there either. Live in bungalow so stuck my head into attic, again nothing. Went outside, same. Started removing them one by one, removing batts. When I got to the last one I found the problem. This detector was detecting itself. A distinct burn pattern at the hard wire plug connection. Whole plastic surface underneath a nice burnt brown. Fortunately no fire. Turned out it was my oldest (21 years) and should have been changed long ago. I think the rule of thumb is every 10 years. Bought new and installed. So my advice is check yours and update where needed.