What Causes Intermittent Beeping or Chirping?

Is your smoke alarm beeping or chirping randomly? Here are some common reasons why this might be happening and how you can stop it.

Loose or Improperly Installed Battery

A loose or improperly installed battery is a common cause of random beeping. Here's a checklist to help you troubleshoot:

• Check the Battery Type: Ensure you have the recommended type of battery securely installed.
• Check the Expiry Date: Use a battery with a use-by date no later than four to five years in the future.
• Secure the Battery: Make sure the battery is snapped in completely so it cannot be shaken loose.
• Reconnect the Battery: If the battery connections aren't making good contact, disconnect and reconnect the battery once or twice.
• Close the Battery Compartment: On units with a front-load battery, ensure the battery compartment door is closed completely.
• Check the White Neutral Wire: A loose white neutral wire can cause an echoing chirp from one unit to the next.

Environmental Conditions

Environmental factors can also cause your alarm to chirp. Consider these conditions:

• Humidity, Steam, and Condensation: These can trigger random chirping.
• Excess Air Flow: Check if there's a cooling/heating register, ceiling fan, or open window within three feet of the alarm. If so, move the alarm away from the source of increased airflow.
• Temperature: Ensure the room temperature is between 40°F and 95°F for smoke alarms, and between 40°F and 100°F for carbon monoxide alarms.
• Condensation Causes: Extreme temperature changes, high ambient humidity, or an insulated electrical box mounted on a ceiling beneath an attic can cause condensation. If this is the case, move the alarm to a better location as per your user's manual.

Resetting the Alarm

Sometimes, the alarm's processor retains error conditions, such as a weak battery, even after the battery is replaced. Here's how to reset it:

For AC Units with Battery Backup:

• Turn off the power to the smoke alarm at the circuit breaker.
• Remove the smoke alarm from the mounting bracket and disconnect the power.
• Remove the battery.
• Press and hold the test button for at least 15 seconds. The unit may chirp or alarm for a few seconds before going silent.
• Reconnect the power and reinstall the battery. The unit will chirp once when the power is restored and should not chirp afterward.

For DC Only Units:

• Remove the battery.
• Press and hold the test button for at least 15 seconds. The unit may chirp or alarm for a few seconds before going silent.
• Reinstall the battery. The unit will chirp when the battery is first connected but should not chirp afterward.

Electrical Condition

Power surges or interruptions can cause the unit to chirp when power is restored. Here's what to check:

• Power Surges: If chirping occurs at the same time each day, it could be due to a power surge when the power company switches electrical grids.
• Other Devices: Check if the chirping occurs when something else in the house is turned on, like an exhaust fan or heater. If so, move the device to another outlet on a different circuit or have an electrician investigate.

Alarm Needs to be Replaced

If none of these conditions apply and the suggestions don't help, it might be time to replace the alarm. Smoke and heat alarms should be replaced every 10 years, and carbon monoxide and combination alarms every 7 years. Check the date code on the label attached to the back of the unit.

• Out of Warranty: Purchase a replacement product immediately.
• Within Warranty: Call Product Support at 1-800-880-6788 for assistance. Refer to your user’s manual for more information about your specific alarm.

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!