arf, wonder why the same respected outfit also run a campaign about checking the batteries in these smoke alarms? I know your feelings but as usual im completly the opposite. For example it was 9 months after the battery went flat in one of mine and i pulled it at 3am. Only found it when i took it down to put the 12v Menvier M12's onto my intruder alarm. Now there are no batteries and i use my alarm dialy.

Wired smokes =

1 make a louder noise

2 fewer false alarms

3 no battery to be removed

4 can`t be disconected

5 signal outside the premises

but just on the odd chance it might be an engineer doing a service test lets all stick to a

A diyer who forgets to change smoke alarm batteries may also forget to change the battery in the alarm panel when it needs replacing. If they dont set the panel up to tell alert them on a low / flat battery condition then they could be left without smokes in a powercut.

Batteries are always the problem if its not on a contract or has a owner that is very aware of their importance....

And the sky might fall down too

agreed but alarms SHOULD be serviced by someone and as with everything if you dont follow the manufactures guidance then it wont work when you need it.