Smoke detectors are designed to make a chirping noise once the battery needs to be changed. 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 electrically powered smoke alarms with a battery backup. When this happens, the way to stop the chirping noise is to reset the smoke alarm to manually clear the error from the processor.
Reasons for Smoke Alarms Chirping
1) The Battery Pull Tab is Still in the Alarm
The battery pull-tab needs to be removed after AC power is provided to the device.
The drawer for battery should be totally closed for the battery to make contact with the terminals.
2) Low Battery
When 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.
3) The Battery is There but Part of the Terminal is Obstructed
The battery may not be completely making contact with the terminals in the alarm. Check to ensure the battery pull tab or any other obstruction is completely removed.
4) Another Device or Appliance
Security systems, monitors, carbon monoxide alarms, and other devices have comparable low battery or alert sounds.
5) Its Life has Ended
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.
How to Reset a Smoke Detector to Stop Chirping after Installing a New Battery
Electric Smoke Detectors with Battery Backup
- Shut off the main breaker in your home’s breaker box to turn off the electrical current running to the smoke detector.
- Take the smoke detector off its mounting bracket on the ceiling and disconnect the power cable plugged into the smoke detector.
- Take out its battery, then press the “Test” button holding it down for 15 seconds. An alarm will sound for a short time, then the alarm will silence.
- Install the battery in the smoke detector, reconnect the power cable, and mount the smoke detector back on its mounting bracket. Turn the breaker on. The smoke alarm will chirp one time to indicate power has been restored to the unit.
Battery-Powered Smoke Detectors
- Remove the battery from the smoke detector.
- Press the “Test” button holding it down for 15 seconds. An alarm will sound for a short time then the alarm will stop.
- Install the battery back in the smoke detector. The smoke alarm will chirp once to indicate the battery is connected.
Is Your Smoke Alarm Installed Correctly?
A smoke alarm is necessary to ensure that you and your family are alerted in case of a fire at home. Since this is an indispensable means of protection, make sure that your home has an adequate number of smoke alarms installed. This will depend on the size of your house. You can call WireChief Electric and an experienced electrician can provide you with advice on the best locations for smoke alarms in your house.
A professional electrician will help you install the smoke alarms properly and ensure that they do not chirp unnecessarily. A correctly installed and working smoke alarm can save lives and properties by alerting you to the risk of a fire.
