Reply to: CUK Insomnia Club

[DoctorStrangelove]

I recall the quite satisfying squeals as a shedload of smoke alarms met the crusher at Wolsey Comcare.

Pretty dumb really since they probably contained Americium 241 but there you go and there they went.

[northernladuk]

It's not just the batteries, it's the false alarms. They have to be the most annoying gadgets ever. They're ugly, mess up the appearance of the ceiling and have annoying flashing lights to encourage insomnia.

It's particularly bad in hotels, where it's difficult enough to get a decent night's sleep anyway.

When they retire they really like hanging out together; there's always a big pile of them in one corner of a container at the local dump.

I'd assumed the false alarms I was getting was because the battery was getting low but could be wrong but yes, correct on all points there

[Protagoras]

I switched our smoke alarms from Alkaline to Lithium batteries which have a really long shelf life and seem to keep going forever.

Mine are mains powered and wired interconnected with backup batteries which are non-replaceable and supposed to last 10 years. Will be interesting to see whether they last that long.

[woody1]

I switched our smoke alarms from Alkaline to Lithium batteries which have a really long shelf life and seem to keep going forever.

[Protagoras]

OMG this is so true! I can't remember the number of times I've had to get out of bed to turn them off. Can't remember them going off during the day.

It's not just the batteries, it's the false alarms. They have to be the most annoying gadgets ever. They're ugly, mess up the appearance of the ceiling and have annoying flashing lights to encourage insomnia.

It's particularly bad in hotels, where it's difficult enough to get a decent night's sleep anyway.

When they retire they really like hanging out together; there's always a big pile of them in one corner of a container at the local dump.

[northernladuk]

They feel neglected and unloved and want attention.

There are fewer gadgets for them to compete with in the early hours so it's an ideal time to get your attention.

I'm sure there is some immature comment to be made about battery operated articles here but LM is indeed a lady and probably wont understand or appreciate it so I'll not say anything.

[northernladuk]

Why do smoke alarms choose the witching hour to tell you the batteries need changing?

OMG this is so true! I can't remember the number of times I've had to get out of bed to turn them off. Can't remember them going off during the day.

Only last month after the lastest 3am event I threw a hissy fit and changed both of them. One was out of date and the other had a year or two left but I'm pretty sure swapping the batteries at the right(ish) time but still happened so junked them and got new ones. Noted when I put the battery in under the alarm and put a calendar entry in for next year to swap it so touch wood it won't happen again for a long time.

[Protagoras]

Why do smoke alarms choose the witching hour to tell you the batteries need changing?

They feel neglected and unloved and want attention.

There are fewer gadgets for them to compete with in the early hours so it's an ideal time to get your attention.

[sadkingbilly]

Why do smoke alarms choose the witching hour to tell you the batteries need changing?

temp is lowest around 03:00 perhaps?
batterys are heat sensitive

[ladymuck]

Why do smoke alarms choose the witching hour to tell you the batteries need changing?

[DoctorStrangelove]

Watch "Joy of Painting".

Works like a charm for me.

[jamesbrown]

Meh.

[DoctorStrangelove]

There must be something in the air.

<hiatus during which DSTOM & Doremifahsollatidoh got played>

I like a nice doze.

[AtW]

[ladymuck]

Rubbish night's sleep so far