Loud, Continuous Alarming

When the smoke alarm detects combustible products and goes into alarm mode, the pulsating alarm will continue until the air has cleared. For procedures on what to do when your alarm is in active alarm mode, see What to Do When Your Smoke Alarm Sounds.


If a false alarm is activated, one of the following may be the reason:

  • The sensing chamber may be dirty

  • Humidity, steam, or other environmental factors

  • An electrical condition may be causing power to the unit to be interrupted

First, make sure it's not a real alarm. Then, learn how to silence a nuisance or false alarm.

Here's how to do a thorough cleaning of your alarm:

i12060_cleaning


The arrows are showing the areas to clean using compressed air on an ionization alarm. Shown here is an i12060.

p3010_cleaning


The arrows are showing the areas to clean using compressed air on a photoelectric alarm. Shown here is a P3010.


Consistent Chirping

If a smoke alarm is chirping consistently, one of the following may be the reason:

  • The battery may need to be replaced. An alarm will chirp every 30 to 60 seconds for a minimum of seven days

  • With a "low battery" announcement, disconnect the unit and replace the batteries. You can also put a unit into low battery hush for up to 12 hours on newer units by pressing the test/hush button

For ways to troubleshoot the problem, see What Causes Consistent Chirping.

Intermittent Chirping (Without a Regular Pattern)

Typically, an intermittent chirp is an indication that the battery is starting to lose charge. Rarely, it's due to the white wire becoming loose in the wire nut.

 

For ways to troubleshoot the problem, see What Causes Intermittent Beeping or Chirping.

 
 
Replace your smoke alarms today if they are past the end of their lives.


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