Tip: Before working on a hard-wired smoke detector, turn off the main power at your circuit breaker to avoid electrical shock.
Safety First: When replacing smoke detector batteries, turning off the power at the electrical panel is important to prevent electric shock.
You can unplug it as others have stated. If it is part of a commercial structure like an apartment building it may create a trouble alarm at the main panel.
Perhaps you have a hardwired smoke alarm that is connected to your electrical breaker. If this is the case, you'll need to make your way to the electrical panel and look for a breaker labeled “Smoke Alarms” or “Central Smoke Alarm.” Turn the breaker to the off position and wait a few minutes before turning it back on.
Edit: From experience with similar units releasing the battery does not require disconnecting mains wiring. When you release the base there should be enough slack to let you lift the battery cover lid and take the battery out. If you are unsure just turn the fuse board off completely before you do it.
Smoke detectors are instrumental in fire safety, providing early warnings that can save lives and minimize property damage. While they do not have their own circuit breaker, smoke detectors are connected to the electrical circuit in buildings. Their low power consumption ensures they do not overload the circuit.
If your home was built after 1986, it will have at least one hard wired smoke alarm connected directly to your electrical panel. It is not acceptable to replace a hard wired alarm with one that is battery operated. A home must maintain at least the same level of protection as originally required.
If you have a wired smoke alarm, the chirping can be a sound of a low backup battery. If you remove the battery, it'll still carry on chirping because it thinks the backup battery is completely dead. In many models, a spring-loaded arm will pop out which makes it impossible to get the alarm back on the ceiling.
Clear Residual Charge to Stop the Chirp
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. Insert the new battery and close the battery compartment.
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.
Tip: Before working on a hard-wired smoke detector, turn off the main power at your circuit breaker to avoid electrical shock.
Hardwired smoke detectors can still beep even if there is no battery. Possibly the backup battery might have been activated and that can signal a problem. The backup battery may have run out and that is causing your hardwired smoke detector to chirp.
This chirping happens every 30 to 60 seconds for at least seven days. When you hear this, it means the battery needs replacing.
In most cases, you can find the 'hush' button on the smoke detector's cover.
How do you change the battery of a fire alarm? Turn off the mains power to the alarm.
Hardwired Smoke Alarms
Locate the main breaker panel for your home. Identify which circuit breaker powers your smoke alarms. Each breaker should be labeled, so look for something that says “smoke alarm” or something similar. Turn off the circuit breaker for your smoke alarms.
Can I install a hardwired smoke detector myself? While it is technically possible, it is not recommended. Working with your home's electrical system can be dangerous and complex, best left to a qualified electrician.