Why is a red light flashing every 13 seconds on my smoke detector?

Asked by: Adella Trantow  |  Last update: September 19, 2022
Score: 4.3/5 (13 votes)

The Batteries are Low: Usually accompanied by a loud beep, a blinking red light could mean the batteries in the unit are low. Consider adding fresh batteries and running a test to make sure it's working. It Needs to Be Replaced: Smoke detectors don't last forever.

Why is my smoke alarm blinking red every 10 seconds?

If your smoke detector has a blinking red light that flashes every 10 seconds, it means that it is reacting from the after-effects of smoke and is in a temporary desensitized state. When the smoke is no longer heavy in the air, the smoke detector should silence its alarm and the red light will start blinking.

Why is my smoke detector blinking red every 16 seconds?

Alarm Memory: This smoke alarm is equipped with an alarm memory, which provides a visual indication when an alarm has been activated. The red LED will illuminate for about 1.5 seconds every 16 seconds to indicate the memory condition. The memory will remain activated until pushing the Test/Hush Button resets it.

Is it normal for my smoke detector to flash red?

A blinking red light on a smoke detector is rarely cause for alarm. Instead, it usually means that the battery is low, or the detector is in need of a minor repair. If you notice a blinking red light, replace the battery first – but only if you're sure that it's still good.

How often should red light flash on smoke detector?

What happens if your smoke alarm is flashing red? If it flashes every 40-60 seconds, this means that it is functioning properly. However, some models it may be that it is not working.

Why Is My Smoke Detector Blinking - Ace Hardware

30 related questions found

Why is my smoke detector blinking red but no sound?

If your detector or alarm has a blinking or steady light with no audible alarm sound, this typically indicates that the unit is receiving power.

How do I know if my smoke detector needs a new battery?

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. Also, alarms have labels showing when they were made.

How do you reset the red light on a smoke detector?

Tip. Press the “Test,” “Silence” or “Hush” button to reset the smoke detector if it has a blinking red light. Press "*72" (star, seven, two) to reset a smoke detector on an alarm system with a keypad.

Do I need to reset my smoke detector after changing battery?

For battery-only detectors, you will need to remove the detector's batteries, then hold the reset button down for 15-20 seconds. Replace the batteries and reconnect the detector. It will probably beep one time to show that it is connected, but it should not continue to beep after that.

Why is my smoke detector blinking red every 35 seconds?

If your smoke detector is blinking red, it usually indicates that the battery needs to be replaced. Though occasionally, it could also mean that there's a short circuit somewhere in the device.

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

A smoke alarm that needs attention will chirp for a long time, sometimes indefinitely, if it is hardwired to your electricity. But you'll want to make sure you take action ASAP once you hear that sound because it means the batteries in the smoke detector are going bad and need to be replaced.

How do you tell if your smoke detector has a hidden camera?

Lens Detection

After locating the smoke detectors that are candidates for a camera, visually inspect the smoke detector and look for a small black dot and pinhole openings that provide the lens with perspective and a visual window. Like any camera lens, it will reflect and have a distinct visual appearance.

Can dust make a smoke detector go off?

Dust, Dirt and Environmental Smoke

Dust and dirt that comes from activities like remodeling may set off your smoke alarms. To clean your smoke alarm, open it up carefully, and look inside for dust or dirt. Use a vacuum attachment or electronic aerosol cleaner to remove dust particles.

What to do if smoke detector keeps beeping after replacing battery?

Clear Residual Charge to Stop the Chirp

Press and hold the test button for 15-30 seconds. This will fully reset the smoke alarm and drain any charge left inside. Insert the new battery and close the battery compartment. Clean the unit with a microfiber cloth or a can of compressed air.

What does a blinking light on a smoke detector mean?

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.

How long does a 9 volt battery last in a smoke detector?

Testing and Changing Your Fire Alarm Battery

If your smoke alarms are powered by a nine-volt battery, the battery should be replaced every 6 months, while the alarm itself should be replaced once every 10 years. For 10-year lithium-powered fire detectors, you won't need to replace the battery.

Will a smoke detector go off if the battery is low?

But most smoke detectors are instead designed to go off when their electrical current goes down. That's because smoke in the air will reduce the current. If your battery is dying, the current that's flowing through your sensor also goes down. And so you can get a false positive.

What can trigger a smoke detector into creating a false alarm?

Here are seven of the most common causes of smoke alarm malfunction.
  • Smoke detector placement. It doesn't take a lot of smoke to trigger the alarm. ...
  • Overcooked food. ...
  • Steam or high humidity. ...
  • Pesky insects. ...
  • A buildup of dust. ...
  • Strong chemicals nearby. ...
  • The batteries need to be changed.

What would make smoke detectors go off for no reason?

If the reset button doesn't do the trick, take the alarm down and remove the batteries. If your smoke detector has a long-life lithium battery that can't be removed, wrap it in a blanket or stick it in the freezer until it stops beeping.

Why did my smoke alarm go off in the middle of the night for no reason?

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.

Can a cell phone detect a hidden camera?

Yes, your cell phone can detect a hidden camera. All you need to do is download a hidden camera detector app. Once you have the app installed, simply open it and scan the area for any hidden cameras.

How can I find hidden cameras in my house?

Most Common Places to Find Hidden Cameras Indoors
  1. Smoke detectors.
  2. Air filter equipment.
  3. Books.
  4. Wall décor.
  5. Electrical outlets.
  6. Desk plants.
  7. Tissue boxes.
  8. Stuffed teddy bears.

Do smoke detectors have cameras in them?

They are usually hollow shells designed to look like functioning smoke detectors, and they contain small, covert cameras inside. Depending on the style you choose, you will be able to achieve different surveillance results.