For most residential smoke detectors, blinks are common; you need to be conversant with the colors showing. Different smoke alarms use the green and red LED to indicate the device's power status such that a flashing green means low battery while a constant blink means AC power is connected.
The green light on my smoke alarm has gone out, what does this mean? The AC power has been interrupted. Check the circuit breaker and AC wiring to correct the problem.
A smoke detector blinking red could mean: It's Working Properly: Some brands use an occasional red blinking light to indicate the unit is working properly.
The mains powered smoke alarms have a green indicator. Smoke Alarms have a red light that goes off every 40 to 60 seconds to tell you if they're working. When the smoke alarm is activated, the red light flashes continuously.
What does it mean? This is the power indicator light: First Alert and BRK alarms have a power indicator light to show you that your alarm is receiving power. Some alarms have a red or green light that blinks every few minutes, while other models blink rapidly or shine a solid light.
Press and hold the test button on the smoke detector. It can take a few seconds to begin, but a loud, ear-piercing siren should emanate from the smoke detector while the button is pressed. If the sound is weak or nonexistent, replace your batteries.
Low Battery
As the battery in a smoke alarm gets weak, the smoke alarm will “chirp” about once a minute to let you know that the battery needs to be replaced. Note: Only the device with a low battery will chirp. The other interconnected alarms should be silent.
LIMITATIONS OF CO ALARMS
(1) The CO Alarm will not work without good batteries - the green power light must flash every 45 seconds. If the battery has been drained the alarm will not give protection. Button test the alarm on return from holidays and other long absences.
Here's a simple guide: Smoke alarms alert you with three beeps in a row. Carbon monoxide alarms alert you with four beeps. A single chirp means the battery is low or the detector should be replaced.
Mains powered smoke alarms are required to have a green “Power ON” LED indicator. This will light up when the alarm is connected to mains power. All smoke Alarms also have a red light that flashes momentarily every 40-60 seconds to visually indicate they are operating.
In others, a steady or blinking green light on a carbon monoxide detector can mean it's detected a** low-level presence of carbon monoxide**. If the presence increased, it would cause the alarm to sound. It could also mean it's time to replace the battery, especially if it's also chirping.
On First Alert carbon monoxide alarms, the red light flashes to show the CO alarm is properly receiving battery power. If you do not see the red light flashing, change the batteries in the alarm immediately.
A carbon monoxide detector is a must for any home and just as important as a smoke detector. CO detectors should be placed near all bedrooms; they're the only way you will know if carbon monoxide is affecting the air quality in your home, and can help prevent serious illness and even death.
If your alarm is hardwired into your home's electrical system, replace the backup battery at least every 6 months and replace the smoke alarm itself once every 10 years.
You can also use real smoke to test the smoke sensor. To do this, light two or three matches, and hold them together a few feet underneath the detector. The smoke from the matches should cause the alarm to sound if the detector is functioning properly. If it doesn't sound, replace the detector immediately.
Battery smoke detectors run solely on batteries. Hardwired smoke detectors run on electricity, but they also have a backup battery for power outages. When you hear a hard-wired smoke detector beeping, it means you need to replace its battery.
If the carbon monoxide concentration in the air is much higher, signs of poisoning may occur within 1-2 hours. A very high carbon monoxide concentration can even kill an exposed individual within 5 minutes.
While smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are a critical part of protecting your home and family, they will not detect a natural gas leak; you'll need a natural gas detector for that. However, carbon monoxide detectors can alert you when your appliances improperly burn natural gas.
Carbon monoxide is a gas that has no odor, color or taste. You wouldn't be able to see or smell it, but it can be very dangerous to your health and even fatal.
Carbon Monoxide Sources in the Home
Clothes dryers. Water heaters. Furnaces or boilers. Fireplaces, both gas and wood burning.