Can a Smoke Detector with a 10-Year Nominal Lifespan Actually Last a Decade?
Imagine this: a middle-of-the-night fire breaks out in your home, but the smoke detector you installed years ago—advertised to last a decade—fails to sound. This terrifying scenario isn’t just hypothetical; it raises a critical question for every homeowner and property manager: When a smoke detector claims a 10-year lifespan, can you truly rely on it to protect you for that long? The answer, as with many safety devices, lies in understanding the science behind the claim, the factors that erode performance over time, and how to choose a product that lives up to its promise. The Science of “10-Year Lifespan”: What It Really Means First, it’s essential to clarify what “nominal lifespan” denotes. Manufacturers determine this figure through accelerated aging...
