Both Smoke Detectors and Smoke Alarms expire, but how do you check?

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Although they look alike, a smoke alarm is a stand-alone device with a built-in audible sounder, a control component such as a power supply (typically battery or electric with battery backup), and a sensor. A smoke alarm is not connected to a fire alarm control panel, but it may sound several smoke alarms within the building if it is interconnected with other smoke alarms.

On the other hand, a smoke detector typically has only a built-in sensor and is part of a system. This means that to function, the detector also requires an external sounding audible device (such as a horn/strobe unit) and a control component such as a power source, typically found at the fire alarm panel.

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