|
Smoke
Detector Sounds
Problem: Smoke detector goes
off or chirps when no fire or smoke is present.
Background: Smoke detectors that make a loud
continuous sound,
when the test button has not been pushed, have sensed
smoke or combustion particles n the air. The alarm horn is
a warning of a possibly serious situation and requires
your immediate attention. (See Fire
Inside Home) Although
detectors offer invaluable protection, they can also make
noise when no emergency exists. This may be due to
improper installation, low batteries, or dust build-up.
What to do: If detectors are inter connected, check
all installation locations for smoke or fire. If the
detector beeps about once a minute, it may be signalling
that the unit’s battery is weak and needs replacement.
Replace with new battery immediately. If the detector is
hard- wired (connected to the home’s electrical system),
check for smoke or fire in all locations. If none exist,
turn off the circuit breaker that controls the alarm and
check the detectors. Dirt and dust can build up on the
unit’s sensing chamber, making it overly sensitive. After
batteries are removed, or the power has been shut off, the
sensing chamber can be cleaned with a soft brush vacuum
attachment; detector covers can be washed by hand using a
damp cloth and dried with a lint-free cloth. Re place
batteries, or turn power back on, and test unit for
operation.
Special advice: Often alarms that are a nuisance
result from improper installation. Ideally, detectors
should be installed at least 20 feet away from areas where
combustion particles (by-products of burning)
are present. These areas may include: kitchens with few
windows or poor ventilation; garages where there may be
vehicle exhaust; any where near furnaces, hot water
heaters, or space heaters. Keep detectors 10 feet away
from bathrooms, where condensation can activate alarms,
and at least 5 feet away from fluorescent lights, where
electrical noise can cause detectors to sound. Insects
crawling into a detector’s sensing chamber can also cause
false alarms. Check the owner’s manual or instruction
sheet for other areas to avoid, including those where air
streams are present, and areas that are damp, cold, hot,
drafty, or dusty.
Helpful hint: Only
temporarily disconnect a hard-wired detector or remove
batteries from a battery-operated detector to stop an
annoying alarm. Manufacturers recommend units be tested
weekly by pushing on the test button until horn sounds.
(Don’t use an open flame to test a detector or “aerosol”
spray smoke detector testers. flames may dam age the unit
and chemicals can change the unit’s sensitivity or imp air
its function.) If a unit fails to test properly, have it
repaired by the manufacturer or replace it. Batteries
should be replaced with recommended types annually, or
sooner if a unit beeps. Detectors that are more than 10
years old should be re placed. |
