Although this is an old question I'm sure you are not alone in asking it. No, not only is it ok to open it and clean it,. You should do so periodically dust, Insects etc accumulate over time and it is recommended to use the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner on it periodically ( twice yearly, like minimum testing and battery replacements where used). While you're about it take a look at the date of manufacture you may find an expiration date too, if you do, DO NOT ignore it. Unlike many other things it isn't just to make you buy a new one for no reason... they expire. If you are using ionization type detectors (general advice) replace or augment them with photoelectric detectors as soon as you can, ionization type detector's Fail to alarm 30% of the time in actual fire conditions. Photoelectric detectors are more likely to wake you in the smoldering stage of a fire when smoke inhalation kills most victim's. (Im a retired Fire Chief)
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Although this is an old question I'm sure you are not alone in asking it. No, not only is it ok to open it and clean it,. You should do so periodically dust, Insects etc accumulate over time and it is recommended to use the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner on it periodically ( twice yearly, like minimum testing and battery replacements where used). While you're about it take a look at the date of manufacture you may find an expiration date too, if you do, DO NOT ignore it. Unlike many other things it isn't just to make you buy a new one for no reason... they expire. If you are using ionization type detectors (general advice) replace or augment them with photoelectric detectors as soon as you can, ionization type detector's Fail to alarm 30% of the time in actual fire conditions. Photoelectric detectors are more likely to wake you in the smoldering stage of a fire when smoke inhalation kills most victim's. (Im a retired Fire Chief) As to why it goes off, dust, wind, strong chemical odors, paint fumes, insects inside it, smoke from burnt toast, etc. steam from a bathroom or sink, fluctuations/ interruption of power, loose electrical connections, all might be causes.
Although this is an old question I'm sure you are not alone in asking it. No, not only is it ok to open it and clean it,. You should do so periodically dust, Insects etc accumulate over time and it is recommended to use the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner on it periodically ( twice yearly). While you're about it take a look at the date of manufacture you may find an expiration date too, if you do, DO NOT ignore it. Unlike many other things it isn't just to make you buy a new one for no reason... they expire. If you are using ionization type detectors (general advice) replace or augment them with photoelectric detectors as soon as you can, ionization type detector's Fail to alarm 30% of the time in actual fire conditions. Photoelectric detectors are more likely to wake you in the smoldering stage of a fire when smoke inhalation kills most victim's. (Im a retired Fire Chief)
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Although this is an old question I'm sure you are not alone in asking it. No, not only is it ok to open it and clean it,. You should do so periodically dust, Insects etc accumulate over time and it is recommended to use the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner on it periodically ( twice yearly, like minimum testing and battery replacements where used). While you're about it take a look at the date of manufacture you may find an expiration date too, if you do, DO NOT ignore it. Unlike many other things it isn't just to make you buy a new one for no reason... they expire. If you are using ionization type detectors (general advice) replace or augment them with photoelectric detectors as soon as you can, ionization type detector's Fail to alarm 30% of the time in actual fire conditions. Photoelectric detectors are more likely to wake you in the smoldering stage of a fire when smoke inhalation kills most victim's. (Im a retired Fire Chief)
Although this is an old question I'm sure you are not alone in asking it. No, not only is it ok to open it and clean it,. You should do so periodically dust, Insects etc accumulate over time and it is recommended to use the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner on it periodically ( twice yearly). While you're about it take a look at the date of manufacture you may find an expiration date too, if you do, DO NOT ignore it. Unlike many other things it isn't just to make you buy a new one for no reason... they expire. If you are using ionization type detectors (general advice) replace or augment them with photoelectric detectors as soon as you can, ionization type detector's Fail to alarm 30% of the time in actual fire conditions. Photoelectric detectors are more likely to wake you in the smoldering stage of a fire when smoke inhalation kills most victim's. (Im a retired Fire Chief)