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