17 January 2016

Here's what's inside a fire alarm


A toggle switch.

11 comments:

  1. Fair enough. I don't think a fire alarm would benefit from additional mechanical complexity.

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  2. what is inside the closed fire alarm box? the two are different on the outside (key location), so i bet they are different inside as well.

    I-)

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    1. Explained at the link by a fire alarm installer.

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    2. thanks for the installer info!

      it seems kinda dumb to be changing the key location if the fronts looks the same?

      I-)

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  3. I suspect the casing allows for the switch to be thrown into the on position, but replacing the handle doesn't turn it back off, so the key is required. I always believed the middle school myth that there was a dye pack involved. Guess not!

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  4. I just want to know how much enjoyment I've gotten from this. I showed the post to my husband, commenting on the simplicity. He jumps up from his chair and excitedly announces, "Wait. I want to show you something!" He's back in a minute with the "old-fashioned" fire alarm, the kind with the location code, and the wheel with the teeth to match the code. He proceeds to show me the device, all the time explaining the mechanics. Interesting, yes, but I just looked at him and asked, "Why do you have this?" "Because it was only $5 at the flea market and I thinks it's fascinating." I've been afraid to ask what else he's collected downstairs, but I do chuckle now everytime I see one of those red plates...and there are a lot them around!

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  5. Wish I could post pictures...we have a new purchase in hubby's mysterious basement office...and this one only cost $3...

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    Replies
    1. Ummm... you have a blogspot blog. You can post pictures there (it's easy).

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