Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
The detector itself should be replaced at least every ten years. For 10-year lithium-powered smoke alarms, you won't need to replace the battery. Instead, replace the entire alarm after 10 years from the manufacture date on the back of the alarm.
All alarms have a shelf life and may chirp when they've reached their end-of-life. If your alarm is older than 10+ years, it's time for a replacement. Chirping in newer alarms is most commonly caused by a low 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.
You can recycle smoke alarms and batteries at your local Household Waste Recycling Centre. If possible please remove the battery from the alarm. HOUSEHOLD WASTE FACTS: Most household waste types can be recycled or disposed of at local Household Waste Recycling Centres.
Why do they expire? Smoke alarm sensors will become less sensitive over time and the build-up of dust, insects and other contaminants can affect the operation of the smoke alarm over it's 10 year life. Corrosion of the electrical components can also cause the alarm to deteriorate.
On average, a 9V battery in a smoke detector will last between six months to a year, depending on several factors.
If your fire alarm is a sealed unit with no replaceable battery, then either organise a replacement with the manufacturer (if within guarantee) or alternatively purchase a new one.
The US National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) have issued NFPA Standard 72, National Fire Alarm and Signalling Code, which states that all smoke alarms (including alarms that use 10 year batteries, and those that are hard wired) should be replaced when they are ten years old, or sooner if they don't respond ...
After smoke levels drop below alarm levels, the “Smoke” Red LED will begin to flash On for 2 seconds/Off for 2 seconds. It will continue to flash or “latch” for about 15 minutes, to give you time to determine which unit initiated the alarm.
Taking the battery out of a smoke alarm will not make it stop beeping. Even after the battery has died, the detector maintains a residual charge that will keep the chirp going for at least seven days.
Common reasons a fire alarms keeps going off are: Dead or dying batteries. Poor placement, like in kitchens, bathrooms or garages. Interference from airborne chemical compounds, like those released from wet paint.
Tip: Before working on a hard-wired smoke detector, turn off the main power at your circuit breaker to avoid electrical shock.
Clear Residual Charge to Stop the Chirp
Remove the alarm from your ceiling or wall. Open the cover and take out the battery. Press and hold the test button for 15-30 seconds. This will fully reset the smoke alarm and drain any charge left inside.
If you replaced the battery and it's still beeping, the smoke detector might have expired like milk. Smoke detectors have an expiration date. The sensitive equipment inside can only work reliably for so long, so if yours is beeping and its expiration date has passed (or will in a year or two), it's time to replace it.
A: Remove the alarm from the mounting plate by rotating it counterclockwise (as indicated by the arrows on the cover of the alarm). Next, on the back side of the alarm, locate the area marked with a long arrow on the product label. Break through the label with a screw driver and turn the screw to the “OFF” position.
Several common causes can explain why your hard-wired smoke detector is beeping: Low battery: Even hard-wired smoke alarms have backup batteries that need replacing periodically. A low battery can cause that annoying beeping sound. Dust buildup: Dust and debris inside the smoke detector can trigger false alarms.
Hard wired smoke alarms are mains-powered and include a battery as a backup in case of a power failure. As it's unlikely that both the power and battery will fail at the same time, hard wired smoke alarms offer an extremely reliable form of protection.
Lithium batteries (non-rechargeable): Lithium batteries typically last 10-15 years if stored correctly, with minimal self-discharge.
Since no one can predict what type of fire might start in their home, the U.S. Fire Administration recommends that every home and place where people sleep have: Both ionization AND photoelectric smoke alarms, OR. Dual-sensor smoke alarms, which contain both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors.
Why did my fire alarm randomly go off in the middle of the night? This is likely due to one of the common causes like low battery, dirt buildup, humidity, or insects interfering with the sensor. Test the alarm and clean it thoroughly to try and resolve the issue. Make sure batteries are fresh and secure.
If you have a battery-operated smoke detector, your local fire department can change the batteries or help you replace the detector—just make sure you call the non-emergency number. In any case, do not let this project go unresolved, as it could turn into a huge safety issue.