What should be done if smoke detectors are found to have sensitivity outside their specified range?

When smoke detectors exhibit sensitivity outside of their specified range, it is crucial to address the issue to ensure the safety and reliability of the fire alarm system. Cleaning and recalibrating or replacing the detectors helps restore their functionality and ensures that they will respond appropriately to smoke and fire.

Regular maintenance is essential in fire safety, as smoke detectors can accumulate dust, insects, and other contaminants that affect their sensitivity. By cleaning the detectors, one can often restore them to proper working order. If cleaning alone does not resolve the issue, recalibration may be necessary to adjust the sensitivity settings according to manufacturer's specifications. In cases where a detector is unable to be returned to acceptable sensitivity, replacement is the best option to maintain the integrity of the fire alarm system.

Frequent testing of smoke detectors is generally good practice to ensure their operational readiness; however, if sensitivity issues are detected, simply testing them without corrective measures could lead to dangerous situations if the detectors fail to activate during a fire event.