[Madelaine Amee]

The smoke detector in my kitchen area appears to be very sensitive and yesterday when I was cooking a traditional Turkey Christmas dinner the smoke detector had a field day. To add to the annoyance the detector is located high in a cathedral ceiling where you cannot reach without a step ladder. I would like to have it moved into an open area where it would not be so close to the cooking area.

Has anyone had a smoke detector relocated, if so is it a huge job and does it leave a mess on the walls. Cost, etc.

Any information would be much appreciated.

[looneycat]

my mother used her smoke detector as a cooking timer....I learned to cook young!

[Madelaine Amee]

Originally Posted by looneycat

my mother used her smoke detector as a cooking timer....I learned to cook young!

That is really cute, but I would really like to be able to roast a joint of any kind of meat, with roast potatoes and some roast parsnips and maybe, even, some stuffing, without the damned smoke alarm activating. There has to be a way, there just has to be a way of controlling this necessary, but evil, unit.

[villagetinker]

Smoke detectors are typically located to be able to detect a fire as quickly as possible, so high to the ceiling is an expected location. Also, the detectors (I have seen) are AC powered with battery backup, and designed to trigger the other alarms so that if you are in another room you will hear the alarm and have time to get out.
So to answer your question, you will need a licensed electrician to move the smoke alarm, but remember, the lower you place the alarm, the longer it will take to trigger in the event of a real fire.
We had our go off a few times, we learned that using the vent fan (typically in the microwave or range hood) cut down on false alarms significantly.
Just my humble opinion, hope this helps.

It also occurred to me the Fire Companies are very helpful in this area, you might want to call the NON EMERGENCY number and ask them if they could provide some ideas, as you do not want to compromise the safety of you and your family.

[Walter123]

You can easily disable your existing smoke detector and leave it right where it is then go to Home Depot and buy one that operates off a battery and lasts 10 years then place it anywhere you want.
I have the same problem in my kitchen. The slightest bit of smoke and the alarm would sound.

[JoMar]

Our house didn't have a smoke detector in the kitchen, and neither do our neighbors....they must have made a change. Our neighborhood is 2 years old. Our houses are open space and the detectors are located in other proximity areas but not in the kitchen.

[Madelaine Amee]

Originally Posted by JoMar

Our house didn't have a smoke detector in the kitchen, and neither do our neighbors....they must have made a change. Our neighborhood is 2 years old. Our houses are open space and the detectors are located in other proximity areas but not in the kitchen.

Thanks for your input, I was wondering if the age of my home made a difference to the placement of the detectors. My home is 9 years old and the detector in the kitchen is directly connected (?) to the one in the room behind the kitchen. I have to believe the code changed since my place was built, or enough people complained about the thing going off all the time.

I have been given the name of an electrician who can handle this for me.

Once again, thanks to all of you for taking the time to address my original query.

[TNLAKEPANDA]

Originally Posted by JoMar

Our house didn't have a smoke detector in the kitchen, and neither do our neighbors....they must have made a change. Our neighborhood is 2 years old. Our houses are open space and the detectors are located in other proximity areas but not in the kitchen.

Same here. I would buy a battery detector or two and disconnect the one in the kitchen if it goes off that easily. The problem with Village homes is the hood vent just recycles the smoke. They should be forced to vent to the outside!

[JoMar]

Originally Posted by TNLAKEPANDA

Same here. I would buy a battery detector or two and disconnect the one in the kitchen if it goes off that easily. The problem with Village homes is the hood vent just recycles the smoke. They should be forced to vent to the outside!

I second that.

[Madelaine Amee]

Originally Posted by TNLAKEPANDA

Same here. I would buy a battery detector or two and disconnect the one in the kitchen if it goes off that easily. The problem with Village homes is the hood vent just recycles the smoke. They should be forced to vent to the outside!

Some time ago, we did actually look into venting to the outside, but it was a huge job and we abandoned the idea. Right now going with disconnecting the one in the kitchen and placing one somewhere appropriate.

[villagetinker]

Originally Posted by TNLAKEPANDA

Same here. I would buy a battery detector or two and disconnect the one in the kitchen if it goes off that easily. The problem with Village homes is the hood vent just recycles the smoke. They should be forced to vent to the outside!

Not sure how old your house is or the type of rangehood/microwave you have, but ours does vent outside. You should be able to confirm this by looking on your roof for the vent, or looking in the attic. I thought the same thing when we moved in, and was told that the norm was to vent outside, and when I checked they were correct.

[Madelaine Amee]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

Not sure how old your house is or the type of rangehood/microwave you have, but ours does vent outside. You should be able to confirm this by looking on your roof for the vent, or looking in the attic. I thought the same thing when we moved in, and was told that the norm was to vent outside, and when I checked they were correct.

My range hood is definitely not vented outside. There are vents on the roof, but not for the range hood. It would be great if it was though!