Hi,

If it was non-battery powered, you could place a resistor local to the detector to pre-heat the surrounding air. The resistor wouldn't have to burn hotc at all, just lightly warm in the confined space of the Smoke Alarm cabinet to add a few degrees of local thermal rise.

Unfortunately, it would also drain your battery.

The safety of such an idea would depend on the individual circumstances and would possibly violate the UL certification of the Smoke Alarm - depending on the flamability rating of the Circuit Board (should be 94V-0 anyway) and the assembly should be 94V-2. I don't know what the plastic is rated. The power source for the resistor, resistor placement, insulation, interconnect wiring as well would have to meet UL and probably an need Alternate Construction Letter approved by UL or the certifying body.

If there was a fire, the modification would come into question, the Insurance Company would freak and deny payment because the Smoke Alarm was tampered with, you never forgive yourself because she's destitute and has to live with you because it was your fault ...

Okay, Okay, STOP!!!! Bad idea, go to your room.
Yes, Master. <grin>


Too bad a manufacturer can sell us a product that is THOROUGHLY CERTIFIED and yet have this basic problem isn't it?


Ross