The wall mounting instructions for a First Alert P1210E smoke detectors say to put the mounting slots at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions. But that requires using plastic drywall anchors for the mounting screws which I'd rather not do.
With the mounting slots at 12 and 6 o'clock, I can screw right into the wall stud. Any reason not to do it that way?
My first effort was to call their tech support line...and I've been on-hold for 33 minutes now.
I'm thinking I can get a faster answer here!
Does the baseplate have slot-holes for the screws that are oriented in one direction ? ie up / down and would be somewhat less secure in the vertical ? Just a wild ass guess .. John T.
The instructions call them slots so I used their term...but in fact, they're holes, so no that wouldn't ve an issue.
Can you drill new holes in the base at 12 & 6 ??
It's been 61 minutes now!
That, or attach a horizontal piece of lath to the stud and attach the smoke alarm to the lath.
Or just use one screw. It is not exactly a high stress situation. Add a washer to spread out the support if you like.
The instructions may be more concerned with getting it positioned for proper air flow through it.
It is a high stress action. I have that. Skip the levels and the entire instructions. Snap the cockeyed mount onto the detector and use something, even toothpaste on the screw holes. Touch the unit exactly where you want it to transfer the marks onto the wall. Take the bracket off and drill the marks you made. Use the 2 bracket holes to be precise.
FYI, I eventually got through to First Alert and the CSR said no problem orienting the screw holes in the mounting plate vertically.
Next issue: The test/hush button on my model is small and located on the top edge of the unit making it impossible for a short person to reach when the unit is installed at the proper height up close to the ceiling.
So I wanted to mount the detector with the test/hush button on the bottom making it easier to reach...and they said no problem with that install option either.
Too bad they don't use a large center-located hush button like Kidde does-- not that I have any love for their shaggy smoke detectors.
OK so install it button side down, and place a small wood dowel rod nearby for use as needed !
Rod for what?
Push the "silence" button
I've so rarely found a need to use the "silence" button. I keep the oven, toaster, and toaster oven clean and I don't burn food.
I thought it was a test button.
I test mine by overheating a skillet with oil once in a while.
The AC smoke detector that came with the house 44 years ago still works well.
There's no reason that it cannot be both.
Now you're talking liberal stuff. Next you'll be saying it can change from one to another. But I say a button should stay the button it was meant to be.
I have multiple gadgets that perform different functions for long or short pushes.
It is. Fry some bacon too hot and after is is tested you can push the button to silence it.
Turning on the range hood helps too. In this house I set it off only once when I did not use it. My ceilings are 9'4" so hard to reach the button.
That's why they invented the broom.
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