As part of a larger project we are installing a fairly extensive security system. The motion detectors and smoke detectors are white and the customer wants them painted black. DSC doesn't have black in their colour choice. They have already been installed so it means using a lift to pull them all down again and spray painting them black. It can be done but would you charge for this? It was not mentioned in our scope of work so I feel that it is a billable change order.

What about the warning on the smoke detectors "Do Not Paint". It's on everyone I've ever seen.

Of course you should charge for it... that's going to take a lot of time.

Be sure to check the smoke detectors before painting.  Seems like most have stickers on them telling you not to paint them so could become a liability issue.

That is definitely billable. It's pretty black and white from where I'm sitting.

And as noted, smoke detectors should never be painted. Even if it seems "ok", as a life safety device, you don't want that liability in case sometime in the future, something happens, and you've tampered with the detectors.

Yup,
Just looked at one here at the office and there it is. Do Not paint

Yes, billable for what you are able to paint. Worth your time? Doubt it, refer to a painter.

Along with not painting the smokes, you won't be able to paint over the lens on the motions, so that lens is going to REALLY stand out if the rest of the PIR is painted.

Makes me thing of the first time I had a client want white bookshelf speakers (no one made any at the time). I painted the boxes, got some white grill cloth, and had at.

When they were done, they looked really good. Then I installed them, and the client said "I don't like they way they look.".


Clients "think" they know what they want.

I just got off the phone with him and he is willing to sign off on painting them and assume the liability.....Wahhhhhhh!

Might be easier (and cheaper for the client) to buy black smoke detectors

[Link: google.com]

Even if the client gives an OK for painting, I wouldn't risk it.

Google image search also shows a variety of black-colored motions. I'd call DSC to identify compatible brands - maybe someone else knows which ones are compatible.

Edit - sorry, obviously you're looking for LV smokes; call DSC to get a list of compatible LV smokes, and find a black one.

At least look them over thoroughly and try to figure out why they should not be painted. I think it's to be sure air flow is not hampered through any openings. If that's it, then it means take him up on his waiver and paint with a damp sponge or something else that won't push paint into crevices. Don't use that roller with the 3/4" nap!

I called Tri-ed and Burtek. Neither have black smokes

I believe it's so that the cylinder doesn't get clogged up. Taking a closer look at the smoke; the electronics can be separated from the enclosure. PIA but it can be done.

Would not paint smokes! Even motions would probably need their sensor window left white, so now you have a zebra looking bulls eye on the ceiling.

That being said, we have painted motions and cameras at no charge, but knew the requirement before we mounted them.

Big job, future business, references, etc....... Your call, but if there is good margin in the job and not a lot of other requests, I would be willing to give in and to it as good will.

Did no one else catch this incredibly horrible pun!

That one should have a "rim-shot" sound effect.

Smoke Detectors and there location, home owners with more money than god, and Interior decorators that simply can not live with some of there locations.

My response every time : It is there because of code and if YOU want to paint them after inspection ..........go right ahead, but I'm not doing it.
If I'm monitoring your account, and find out there moved, bypassed or painted
your account gets cancelled.