My Explosive Gas Alarm is Chirping
Learn more about why this could be happening.
What to Do If Your Explosive Gas Alarm is Chirping
If Kidde's Combination Explosive Gas/Carbon Monoxide Alarm is not installed in the proper location, it can affect the sensitive electronic components in the alarm.
Substances That May Affect the Alarm
Below is a list of substances that, at high levels, may damage the alarm sensor or cause temporary carbon monoxide (CO) or gas readings, even though neither is present:
- Alcohol
- Benzene
- Ethylene
- Ethanol
- Ethyl acetate
- Hydrogen
- Hydrogen sulfide
- Iso-propanol
- Toluene
- Sulfur dioxide
Additionally, most aerosol sprays and alcohol-based products, such as paint thinner, solvent, adhesive, hair spray, after shave, perfume, and some cleaning agents, could damage or cause sensitivity to the alarm.
Steps to Ensure Optimum Performance
To provide optimum performance, prevent unnecessary nuisance alarms, and avoid causing damage to the unit, follow these simple steps:
Don'ts:
- Do not install in kitchens, garages, or furnace rooms that may expose the sensor to one of the above substances that could damage or contaminate the unit.
- Do not install in areas where the temperature is colder than 40°F (4.4°C) or hotter than 100°F (37.8°C) such as crawl spaces, attics, porches, and garages.
- Do not install within 5 ft. of heating or cooking appliances. (Kidde recommends 15 ft. to prevent nuisance alarms).
- Do not install near vents, flues, chimneys, or any forced/unforced air ventilation openings.
- Do not install near ceiling fans, doors, windows, or areas directly exposed to the weather.
- Do not install in dead air spaces, such as peaks of vaulted ceilings or gabled roofs, where CO or gas may not reach the sensor in time to provide early warning.
- Do not install this unit near deep-cell large batteries. Large batteries have emissions that can cause the alarm to perform at less than optimum performance.
- Do not obstruct the vents located on the alarm. Do not place the alarm where drapes, furniture, or other objects block the flow of air to the vents.
- Do not install on a switched or dimmer-controlled outlet.
- Do not paint the unit. Paint will seal the vents and interfere with proper sensor operation.
- Do not use detergents or solvents to clean the alarm. Chemicals can permanently damage or temporarily contaminate the sensor.
Be Sure to:
- Test the alarm once a week by pressing the Test/Reset button.
- Vacuum the alarm cover once a month to remove accumulated dust.
- Avoid spraying air fresheners, hair spray, paint, or other aerosols near the alarm.
- Move the Kidde CO/Explosive Gas Alarm to a remote location before staining or stripping floors or furniture, painting, wallpapering, or using aerosols or adhesives. However, be sure to reinstall the CO/Explosive Gas alarm as soon as you complete these tasks to ensure continuous protection.
Need Further Assistance?
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact our customer care team.
They are available to help you with any concerns or inquiries you may have. Reach out to us for support, and we'll be happy to assist you!
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Peak Level Memory & Test Buttons on Your Carbon Monoxide Alarm
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Do Hot or Cold Temperatures Affect My Alarm?
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Learn more about the conditions that could cause your smoke alarm to chirp consistently.
What Causes Intermittent Beeping or Chirping?
Several things could be causing your alarm(s) to alarm briefly or chirp randomly without a regular pattern. Here are some reasons why this could be happening, and how to stop your smoke alarm from beeping.