Another reason for a smoke alarm beeping is that it has reached the end of its lifetime. Smoke alarms usually last for between eight and ten years. Take the smoke alarm off and check the date of manufacturing on the back. If it is more than eight years old, you would need to replace the smoke alarm as soon as possible.
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.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends changing the batteries in your smoke alarm every 6 months. At First Alert, we offer 10-year smoke alarms that have a built-in 10-year battery, which eliminates the need for battery replacements for the life of the detectors.
Ten-year sealed battery smoke alarms are powered by sealed lithium batteries that have a life span of ten years. These alarms provide 10 years of continuous protection with no need to replace the battery for the life of the alarm.
If your smoke alarm uses a lithium battery, it is inbuilt into the alarm and cannot be replaced. The entire unit needs to be replaced every 10 years. Every 10 years: Replace your smoke alarm.
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.
If chirping persists, remove residual charge from the old battery. Ensure that your alarm is not expired and in need of replacement. Note: removing the battery or unplugging the alarm will not stop a low-battery chirp.
Try a manual reset.
Remove the batteries and hold down the reset button for 15 to 20 seconds. Reconnect the batteries and alarm. It will most likely beep once as evidence it is working, then it should stop.
Your alarm manufacturer may have included a blinking red light to let you know it's time to test the alarm again. 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.
Most battery powered smoke detectors will beep for a minimum of 30 days before the battery dies. You'll know the battery is losing charge if you hear consistent beeping every 30 to 60 seconds.
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.
Chirping every 30-40 seconds is generally an indication that the battery is running low. If your smoke or heat alarm has a replaceable battery, try replacing the battery with a brand new one. It is recommended to change the batteries in your smoke and heat alarms every 12 months.
A solid green light on your smoke detector indicates that the device is on and operating normally.
The smoke alarm will automatically reset after approximately 7 minutes and sound the alarm if particles of combustion are still present. 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.
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.
Reset Your Smoke Alarm
Unmount the alarm and disconnect the power cable connected to it. Remove the battery, press the test button for 15 seconds. An alarm will sound briefly, then the alarm will silence. Reinsert the battery, reconnect the power cable and put the smoke detector back on its mounting bracket.
It's time to change the battery
Low batteries are the most common reason smoke detectors beep or send a trouble signal to your security panel, when there is no smoke or fire. As the battery weakens, the device will beep regularly to let you know it's time to replace it.
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.
A: You don't. These smoke detectors are designed for the battery to last 10 years, then you replace the detector. All smoke detectors should be replaced after 10 years. Helpful?
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends changing the batteries in your smoke detectors every 6 months.