Fire Prevention: How to Troubleshoot Smoke Detector Issues at Home?
When you get your smoke detector, it is important to read your owner’s manual. This will tell you how your smoke detector will properly function, and what each alert and light means.
Recommended Products
When your smoke detector goes off, this could indicate a few things:
Why does my smoke detector chirp?
This usually indicates that you have a low battery. You should replace it with a brand new 9-volt battery, and press the test button. If the smoke detector still goes off, this may indicate that there is dirt or dust in and around your smoke detector.
How often should I change the battery in my smoke detector?
Generally, you should change the battery in your smoke detector twice a year. The rule of thumb is when you change the batteries in your clocks, you should change the batteries in your smoke detectors.
I just bought a new smoke detector and the battery drawer won’t close…
Most smoke detectors have a security feature that does not allow you to close the “battery drawer,” without a battery inside. For safety reasons, a smoke detector must have a battery in it before you can install it, to protect you from smoke or a fire in the event of a power outage.
How do I clean a smoke detector?
The best way to clean it is to take a dry rag and wipe off any dust, dirt, or debris. Water, chemicals, or cleaning solvents should NOT be used on your smoke detector. A can of compressed air can also be used to blow any dirt or debris that is inside of the smoke detector. If your smoke detector can be removed from the wall, be sure to wipe around the back of the detector as well.
What happens when I have tried everything, and my smoke detector is still going off?
This means that it’s time to purchase a new smoke detector, and replace your old one. If it is a hard-wired alarm, you can normally twist the alarm to remove it from its base. After that, you can remove the hard wire bracket, and plug in your new smoke detector.
* DO NOT TRY TO TAKE THE SMOKE DETECTOR APART OR FIX IT YOURSELF *
“Remember, the best way to survive a fire, is to prevent one from happening by making sure you have a properly functioning smoke detector.”
Recommended Reading
The USI MDSCN111 alarm detects and protects your home from smoke, fire, carbon monoxide, and natural gas. This 4-in-1 alarm works well in both residential and commercial applications.
Prevent house fires by investing in a proper smoke detector. USI smoke detector use an ionic sensor or a photoelectric sensor to keep your building extra safe.
When installing an electrical device, make sure you know the voltage of the product and the amount of power your circuit can handle. See how much voltage your circuit can handle.
Follow the owner’s manual instruction provided with any detection device, but, in general, you should perform a functional test of the smoke detector around the same time you maintenance elevators or windows. Find out ways to test smoke detectors in commercial buildings and how often to get them serviced!
Recommended Products
Receive special deals and more, right to your inbox
Receive special deals and more, right to your inbox