What happens if smoke detectors are not properly maintained?

If smoke detectors are not properly maintained, they may fail to activate during a fire, which is critically dangerous. Smoke detectors rely on functional components such as sensors and power sources to detect smoke and alert occupants to danger. Regular maintenance involves testing detectors, replacing batteries as needed, cleaning dust and debris from the unit, and checking their expiration dates. Neglecting these maintenance tasks can lead to malfunctions, which result in a lack of response during a fire event when early detection is essential for safety.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the consequences of neglecting maintenance. While it is possible that sensitivity could fluctuate, it is not a reliable outcome of maintenance neglect. Smoke detectors are not likely to continue working normally if maintenance is poor, as their effectiveness deteriorates over time without care. Additionally, while some components may need replacement sooner due to wear, the primary concern remains their failure to activate when needed, which poses the greatest risk to safety.