How to Disable a Smoke Alarm
Tue, Apr 14, 2020
Beeping is one of the sounds you are likely to hear from a smoke detector however, the loud sound with a very high pitch is the detector’s alarm sound. When you hear this loud smoke alarm, there is likely a fire in the house. In some instances though, fire may not be the cause of an alarm.
There are a number of reasons and conditions that can cause this, but most users are not sure how to turn off the fire alarm. In most cases, battery problems are a common cause, and there are procedures to stop the beeping. Below is a detailed guide and steps on how to disable the alarm.
How to Turn Off Your Smoke Detector
Below is an outline and steps on how to turn off your smoke detectors. This also applies to stopping your smoke alarms from chirping.
1. Standalone (DC) Model
- Remove the batteries
- Press and hold the silence button, approximately 10-15 seconds, until it stops beeping.
- Install new batteries, which will cause a brief beep to indicate the detector is functioning normally.
2. Hardwired (AC) Model
- Turn off the circuit breaker that controls the alarm’s electricity, or remove the device from the power source
- Remove the backup batteries
- Press and hold the silence button for about 20 seconds or until the alarm stops
- Install new batteries, reconnect it to the circuit, and switch on the circuit breaker
3. Try Resetting the Fire Alarm
Below are some approaches you can try to reset your alarm. The previous steps still work, and you should try them before you replace your detector or try a different model.
- Use your circuit breaker to turn off power to your detector
- Disconnect and detach the smoke alarm from its bracket before disassembling it
- In the case of a battery-powered detector, remove the battery
- Press and hold the test button without the battery in place for about 20 seconds
- Put the battery back in and reconnect to the power source.
- Turn the circuit breaker back on to restore the detector’s power supply
- Return your detector to the mounting bracket
Once the detector is back in place, it should beep to confirm it is working properly, otherwise replace the batteries if the false alarm doesn’t stop.
4. Replace the Batteries
If the previous approach didn’t work, try replacing your smoke detector battery. Some detectors will require a change of batteries semiannually. Any period longer than that could be the reason for the false alarms.
While replacing the battery, be sure the new battery is installed correctly and is the same voltage as the old one. If you do either of these wrong, you will not solve the problem.
5. Dust your Smoke Alarm
When the cause of your chirping alarm is not the battery, and you have ruled this out by testing it without a battery, dust could be the cause. Ensure there is no dust in the chambers by using a vacuum cleaner or blower.
Cobwebs and insects may also be the cause, so make sure to get rid of them as well.
6. Try Testing the Silence button
You can try pressing the test button with and without the battery in the device. Doing so will give you a clear indication of what is causing the false alarm. However, it’s important to note the test button could be accidentally pressed, and the alarm may keep beeping from time to time.
If this approach doesn't yield the desired results, you can try the other options of detaching and testing it without its battery.
7. Get a New Fire Alarm
A smoke alarm does not last forever. It has an expiration date, and when the time comes, the whole unit has to be replaced. This normally occurs after ten years of use. If you have tried all the above steps, with no success of silencing your smoke alarm, then it’s time to replace your detector.
How to Deal with False Alarms
Inconsistent beeping sounds from a smoke detector and the noise from a false alarm are distinctly different. Beeping from smoke detectors false alarm can be annoying and require immediate action. The red buttons on the detectors are purposely meant to stop false alarms.
Below are some reasons why you may have a false alarm from time to time:
- Shower steam and burnt particles in the air from the kitchen due to proximity of the detector
- The detector is too close to a vent
- Sudden and significant temperature changes where the detector is located
- Dusty air
FAQs
1. What to Do When Smoke Alarm Keeps Beeping?
Standalone smoke alarms: When dealing with a standalone detector, briefly press the test/silence button if the smoke causing the alarm is not an emergency. After silencing the smoke alarm, the red light will flash every 5 seconds to indicate it’s in silence mode. You can either press the silence button again or leave it and after 9 minutes it will automatically reset to normal function.
Hardwired smoke alarms: For this type of detector, remove it from the mounting bracket and disconnect its power cable. Next, press and hold the test button for at least 15 seconds; it will give a brief sound then go into silence mode.
2. How Often Should I Change the Batteries in My Smoke Detector?
The common cause of false alarms in most detectors is old batteries. This is the case whether it’s a standalone detector or a hardwired type which includes a backup battery. Due to decreased power levels, you will have an alarm sound every few minutes, which would indicate the need for battery replacement. In some states, the law requires battery-powered detectors that last a decade, and when the alarm sounds, the whole detector must be replaced with a new one.
My Fire Alarm Beeps When I Cook, What Should I Do?
It’s not advisable to remove the battery from your smoke detector while you cook. Removing the battery is not an option even though the steam from cooking appliances and showers can cause false alarms. Below are some options you can try:
- Press the Silence button
- Open the door or window
- Clear the air using a towel
- Relocate the detector according to manufacturer guidelines
Removing the batteries is a deadly mistake because you can forget to put them back in afterward. You are welcome to add other tips on how to deal with false alarms in the comments section.
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