Why does my fire alarm keep saying low battery after battery change?

Asked by: Sally Mills  |  Last update: November 19, 2022
Score: 4.9/5 (30 votes)

Newer smoke alarms keep some errors in the processor. The smoke alarm must clear errors after the battery is changed, but it might continue to chirp even after you change the batteries. This usually occurs in electrical powered smoke alarms with a battery backup.

How do you reset fire alarm after changing battery?

Resetting the Alarm
  1. Turn off the power to the smoke alarm at the circuit breaker.
  2. Remove the smoke alarm from the mounting bracket and disconnect the power.
  3. Remove the battery.
  4. Press and hold the test button for at least 15 seconds. ...
  5. Reconnect the power and reinstall the battery.

How do I stop my fire alarm from saying low battery?

Try These Steps When Your Smoke Detector Beeping or Chirping Starts
  1. Replace Old Battery. Replace the old battery, making sure you insert it correctly. ...
  2. Remove Smoke Detector. ...
  3. Remove Battery and Hold Down Test Button. ...
  4. Clean Smoke Detector.

Why does my smoke alarm keep beeping even with a new battery?

If you have changed the batteries and tried the circuit breaker, but the beeping persists, you may need to try resetting the detector(s): Use the reset button: most smoke detectors have a red reset button. Hold the reset button down for approximately 15-20 seconds.

Where is the reset button on my smoke detector?

Press and hold the test/silence button for 20 seconds. You'll find this on the front of your detector. Reconnect all power sources (reconnect the wiring or plug back into the outlet). Your alarm should now be reset.

Replaced Battery/Cleaned smoke detector- Still BEEPING (Must RESET Detector)

39 related questions found

Will taking the battery out of a smoke detector stop the beeping?

Removing the battery will also stop it being a smoke alarm any longer, so your best course of action here would be to just change the battery while you're at it. If you have a wired smoke alarm, the chirping can be a sound of a low backup battery.

What is the hush button on a smoke detector?

The Hush® feature of most alarms provides the capability to temporarily lower the sensitivity of the smoke sensor for up to 10 minutes. This feature should be used only when a known alarm condition, such as smoke or heat from cooking, activates the alarm.

Where is the hush button on a smoke detector?

In most cases, you can find the 'hush' button on the smoke detector's cover. However, if you have trouble finding the button or are not sure if your detector has the feature, check out your user manual. Also, always make sure you seek guidance from an expert at your security company before you tinker with the detector.

Do you need to reset smoke alarm after replacing battery?

The smoke alarm must clear errors after the battery is changed, but it might continue to chirp even after you change the batteries. This usually occurs in electrical powered smoke alarms with a battery backup.

Why is my smoke detector blinking red after changing battery?

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. Check with your manufacturer to make sure. You Need to Run a Test: Regularly testing your smoke alarms helps you spot problems before a fire occurs.

Do I need to reset my fire alarm after it goes off?

If your smoke alarm won't stop going off, reset the alarm after first checking that there is no actual fire in your home. If it is only a case of cooking smoke or steam setting off the alarm, most smoke alarms will stop beeping once you open windows and doors to air out the room.

How long do batteries last in hard wired smoke detectors?

Testing and Changing Your Smoke Alarm Batteries

If your detector is hardwired into your home's electrical system, replace the backup battery at least every 6 months and replace the smoke detector itself at least every 10 years.

How often should you change the batteries in a hard wired smoke detector?

Maintain your alarms

Test smoke alarms every month by pressing their test buttons. If your alarms use regular batteries, swap in fresh batteries at least once a year. A “chirping” sound means that it's time to change batteries. Because alarm sensors wear out, replace each alarm at least every 10 years.

Can you replace a hard wired smoke detector with a battery one?

It is not acceptable to replace a hard wired alarm with one that is battery operated. A home must maintain at least the same level of protection as originally required. It is the law.

What does a solid green light mean on a smoke detector?

Hardwired units will have a steady green LED light to show that it's receiving AC power. Battery-operated units will have a quick flash every 30-45 seconds.

What happens when you press the test button on a smoke detector?

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.

Do all smoke detectors have a hush button?

Most modern smoke detectors offer a HUSH or standby mode, which will stop the alarm from sounding. In most alarm models, you can activate HUSH mode by pressing the test button on your alarm's front cover.

Why do smoke alarms go off without smoke?

The most likely reason smoke detectors go off unexpectedly is that people aren't changing the batteries in them often enough. In most sensors you might think of, the strength of the signal goes up when they detect what they're supposed to.

Why did my fire alarm randomly go off in the middle of the night?

This battery characteristic can cause a smoke alarm to enter the low battery chirp mode when air temperatures drop. Most homes are the coolest between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. That's why the alarm may sound a low-battery chirp in the middle of the night, and then stop when the home warms up a few degrees.

How do I get my smoke detector out of hush mode?

The "HUSH" feature can be used repeatedly until the air has been cleared of the condition causing the alarm. Pushing the Test/Reset button on the alarm will end the hush period.

How do I stop my hardwired smoke detector from beeping?

Hardwired smoke detectors (which typically include a backup battery) are subject to similar issues as those that operate on a battery only. However, hardwired units often require resetting after problems are addressed. On most, simply hold the reset button for 15 to 20 seconds to silence the noise.

How do you know if a hard wired smoke detector is bad?

It's pretty simple to check the age of your smoke detector: Just climb up on a ladder and take a look at the back of the alarm up-close. There will be a manufactured date that tells you when the alarm was made. If that date was 10 years ago or more, it's definitely time to replace it.

Can you use any 9v battery in a smoke alarm?

Most use 9-volt alkaline (you know, those rectangular boxes with two prongs at the end?) but some use AA. It'll be specified in the battery compartments in your smoke alarms, so have a look to be sure.

Why Does My Kidde smoke detector keep saying low battery?

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.