Routine Maintenance
Routine Maintenance | Smoke Detectors | Electrical | Guild
Every great building tells its story in quiet moments—until a forgotten alarm battery turns silence into chaos. Well-maintained smoke detectors are the unsung narrators of safety, standing guard 24/7, ready to warn at the faintest hint of danger. Regular testing, battery replacement, and sensor calibration are the small rituals that keep those lifesaving seconds on your side.
HEP’s routine electrical maintenance team treats each detector like a first line of defense. Our certified technicians inspect wiring, clean sensors, verify interconnected systems, and document every check so you stay compliant with local fire regulations and insurance requirements. The result? Reliable protection, fewer false alarms, and the reassuring knowledge that your people and property are in expert hands.
FAQs
How often should I test my smoke detectors?
We recommend pressing the test button on each smoke detector once a month. This quick check ensures the alarm sounds properly and confirms the unit still has power. If your detector is hard-wired, a failed test could indicate a tripped breaker or loose connection, so contact our maintenance team right away.
When do the batteries need to be replaced?
For smoke detectors that use replaceable 9-volt or AA batteries, change them at least once every 12 months, even if the low-battery chirp has not started. A good reminder is to replace them when the clocks change for daylight saving time. If your detector is fitted with a sealed 10-year lithium battery, no battery change is required; the entire unit is replaced at the end of its service life.
What is the service life of a smoke detector?
Most manufacturers specify a 10-year lifespan from the date of manufacture, after which the sensor’s sensitivity can decline. Check the date stamped on the back of the unit. If it is older than 10 years, schedule a replacement with Guild Maintenance to stay compliant with current safety standards and UK Building Regulations.
Why is my smoke detector chirping or beeping intermittently?
Intermittent chirps typically indicate a low battery, end-of-life warning, or an electrical fault. First, replace or re-seat the battery. If your detector is mains-powered, ensure the consumer unit breaker is on. Persistent chirps after these checks mean the detector may have reached the end of its life or has a fault—contact us for inspection or replacement.
Do hard-wired (mains-powered) smoke detectors need maintenance too?
Yes. Hard-wired detectors still contain backup batteries that must be changed yearly unless they are sealed lithium types. In addition, dust can collect inside the sensing chamber and reduce sensitivity. Vacuum the exterior vents gently every six months and book a professional inspection every two years to confirm the wiring and interlinking signals are intact.
Are Guild technicians qualified to install and maintain my smoke detection system?
Absolutely. Guild’s electricians are NICEIC-approved contractors trained to BS 5839-6:2019 standards. We install, test, and certify smoke and heat alarms for domestic and small commercial properties, ensuring full compliance with local authority and landlord regulations. All work comes with a detailed maintenance log and certificate for your records.