Garage Smoke Detector

RobS · Dec 22, 2004

With winter and thoughts of snowplowing I'm reminded of a nuisance I built into our house. I had them put a smoke detector in the garage. It's not required by code but I've read that a high percentage of house fires start in the garage so it made sense.

Trouble is, when I fire up the tractor it will set off the alarm if I don't get it out of the garage quickly. No problem in the summer but in the winter I hate to rush things too much.

Is there a sensitivity setting or a filter of some sort I could put on the smoke detector? I don't want to disable it but I would like to prevent diesel induced accidentals /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Syncro · Dec 22, 2004

Rob- I have the same problem, but there's no way to turn one off. All newer smoke detecters are both hard wired and have a battery backup, they're designed to stay functional. There was an earlier thread on using a flexable pipe to route the exhaust outside, under a door. I'm going to make a similar setup as I see no other solution.

Panache · Dec 22, 2004

If it is part of a hardwire system, consider a heat detector instead of a smoke detector.

keeney · Dec 22, 2004

I would agree that a heat detector is more the right choice for a garage.

The way my wife cooks, I am thinking about swapping out the smoke detector closest to the kitchen with a heat detector as well.

I know that the popular brands have compatible networked/hard-wired units that are heat-detect only. They would probably plug right into the wriing harness and base already installed.

The easiest way to disable a smoke detector on a temporary basis is to tape a plastic bag over it, blocking the flow of air into it. Don't forget to pull the bag off when you are done.

- Rick

MossRoad · Dec 22, 2004

I'd look at venting the exhaust outside along with changing the detector to a heat type. That exhaust is dangerous stuff. If for some freak reason the garage door closes, it'll build up in your house in a hurry.

I have the luxury(OK, our house is cheap /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif) of having detached garages, so the exhaust just vents outdoors with no chance of it coming inside. However, if we build our new house, we will have an attached garage that will most likely have the tractor in one of the bays in winter, rather than having to walk to the outbuilding in the snow. I plan on putting in a vent and a hose to route the exhaust outdoors even with the overhead door open, just to be safe.

RobS · Dec 22, 2004

Thanks for the ideas guys, keep 'em coming. I'll check into the heat detector, that seems to make the most sense. The reason I asked about a filter is that the security alarm system smoke detectors came with a filter on them. It was to keep them clean during construction. The installer told us to take them off when we moved in but assured us that then would quickly melt in relatively low heat if the need arose. Those detectors are a different shape than the basic detectors for the house system so the filters won't fit.

On the exhaust pipe: Is there enough push from the tractor exhaust to flow everything out without a fan of any sort? I certainly like the idea of running the tractor in the garage for a while to get it all toasty warm /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

disk_drive_eng · Dec 22, 2004

A friendly suggestion from a concerned TBNer, if you are going to warm up anything with an engine in a closed garage, PLEASE get a carbon monoxide detector for the garage (and also the house if you don't already). Even with a hose on the exhaust, things happen, hoses leak, they fall off, etc.

Prefereably get the kind with a digital readout so you can see the levels.

PineRidge · Dec 22, 2004

On the exhaust pipe: Is there enough push from the tractor exhaust to flow everything out without a fan of any sort? I certainly like the idea of running the tractor in the garage for a while to get it all toasty warm 

Ron if you use one of the flexible exhaust kits it won't present a problem for your tractor and you won't need an additional fan. Just don't forget about it and drive off before you remove it.

The suggestion for a co detector makes good sense.

Cliff_Johns · Dec 22, 2004

( The easiest way to disable a smoke detector on a temporary basis is to tape a plastic bag over it, blocking the flow of air into it. )

Shower cap. Already has the elastic on it. They are just the right size.

( Don't forget to pull the bag off when you are done. )

Bright orange shower cap.

That said, when I had the tractor in the attached garage, I used the exaust hose technique. Worked quite well. Blew the smoke and exaust around the corner.

Cliff

NY_Yankees_Fan · Dec 22, 2004

flexible exhaust kits

Any idea where to get one?

KirkMcD · Dec 22, 2004

( flexible exhaust kits

Any idea where to get one? )

Where ever fine duct works are sold. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Try a home improvement store or use a flexible metal dryer vent.

beenthere · Dec 22, 2004

I on occasion get the diesel smoke lingering in the garage (normally don't store my tractor in the garage) and have thought about having an exhaust fan that has an exhaust pipe plumbed to it, that only comes on when the garage door is open and exhausts to the outside. Could be switched to a timer that could be manually started when the diesel smoke is a problem as an alternative. the exhaust fan could keep clean air coming across the smoke detector that way, and not interfere with its performance when the garage door was closed. Also, wouldn't be something that would have to be "hooked up" every time exhausting fumes is needed.

About the fumes of the diesel being real deadly. Not too sure they are quite as deadly as one might think, or that some have been telling, because;
I tried to kill a racoon in a trap (wanted to preserve the hide) and put the trap in a 55 gal. drum, and piped the exhaust directly into the drum. At best, after more than a couple hours, the racoon was a bit lethargic, but in no way was it dead. I decided it was taking too long and getting expensive, although the racoon probably was becoming comatose, so I used the cheap .22 method.
I'm not recommending being in an unvented garage with diesel smoke, but dangerous? not very under 'normal' operating conditions, in my opinion.

PineRidge · Dec 22, 2004

Tom the exhaust kits are available from Myers Tire click here

We used them years ago for gasoline service station use.

KENSFM · Dec 22, 2004

Try a smoke alarm that is designed for kitchen use. These have what is called a Quick-Quiet feature with a large center button to temporarily silence the alarm. Very easy to use, Firex is one brand that offers this feature. And as others have suggested also get a CO alarm for the garage.
Ken /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

GerardC · Dec 22, 2004

The door is usually only opened about a foot or so. For photo sake, it was opened all the way. Gerard

GerardC · Dec 22, 2004

And another. Works great. Gerard

Steve_Miller · Dec 22, 2004

I just replaced all the smoke detectors in my house and garage. The new ones I bought have a nuisance feature, if you've burnt something on the stove, steam, etc (diesel smoke) you just press the hush button on the detector and it will ignore for 7 minutes and then go back to its regular mode. They are made by Kidde. The one I put in the hallway is a combination smoke/carbon monoxide detector as I have a forced air furnace. If anyone wants model no's I will post as I still have the boxes. When I have my tractor in the garage I will just start it and pull it outside right away and let it warm up.

Happy Holidays
Steve

dliston · Dec 22, 2004

As one who has (in the past) installed such, the correct term for the animal you want is a "Rate of Rise" detector. It is set to send an alarm signal (actually its contacts close) when the rate of temperature rise in an area exceeds so many degrees per minute.

Make sure you don't get a "combo" unit - one that does both smoke and RoR, otherwise you're back in the same boat.

Doug

NY_Yankees_Fan · Dec 22, 2004

Below is a past thread on smoke detection. The type of smoke detector you really want in your house are duel sensor type with ionization and photoelectric sensors.

The best detector near a kitchen to control false alarms is a photoelectric type NOT ionization which most detectors are.

See this thread for more info.

web page

Garages, attics, etc. or any other unheated space, smoke detectors should not be used because most are designed to operate in a range of 40F-100F and up to 85% relative humidity. A heat detector would be a good application, a cobo fixed temperature and rate of rise is the best of both worlds. Rate of rise activates if the heat inceaes more then 15 degrees in one minute, fixed temperature activate when it reaches its operating temp. Just make sure you do not install a 135 F detector in an attic that can reach 150F in the summer. Most fixed temp detectors are used once and then you need to replace them.

RobS · Dec 22, 2004

You guys are great. Thanks for all the good info. Now the big question... When I head out to shop for the replacement detector, can I hit the big box (we have all varieties) or will I need to go to an electical supply house (which we also have). The electrical supply house doesn't like average Joe's like me, probably explains some of the success of the big box /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Thanks again guys /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif