Be aware that some battery-powered smoke alarms may also be interconnected wirelessly to others or to a fire alarm panel.
For some models, pressing for more than two seconds may trigger a programming mode rather than a silencing mode.
Newer alarms may have a non-removable 10-year battery. Do not attempt to remove such a battery. You will need to replace the entire unit, if it is defective. If the alarm is chirping occasionally instead of giving a full, rapid alarm, it is a sign that the batteries are dying or that the unit has become defective.
Many fire codes require replacement of residential smoke alarms at intervals no more than ten years, or whatever shorter time may be listed in the manufacturers’ instructions. Check with your local fire department or Red Cross to see if they offer free or discounted smoke detectors. [5] X Research source [6] X Research source Be sure to install units that are compatible with your existing units, to avoid confusion, especially if they are wirelessly interconnected.
Most interconnected smoke alarms also indicate which sensor initiated the alarm, often using a rapidly flashing red or green light on that unit. Resetting the alarm may result in losing that information, although some models also have an “alarm memory” function. If only one alarm is active, it may be a sign that the unit is malfunctioning. A short chirping sound would indicate a low battery or “end-of-life” condition on most units. If your hardwired unit is controlled by a keypad, consult your user manual for a deactivation code.
Circuit breakers are typically found in a garage, basement, or maintenance closet. If you’re cutting off power to entire rooms, unplug any appliances in the area to keep them from experiencing unnecessary power surges. Some fire codes prohibit installation of all smoke alarms on the same circuit, thus providing some amount of continued safety from remaining units if one circuit breaker is accidentally tripped.
Many user manuals instruct you to first shut off the power before attempting to disconnect the plug powering a unit. This may help avoid the risk of shock if there is a problem with the connector or the high-voltage wiring.
Though most system alarm shut-offs can be done remotely, some buildings may require a physical, in-person reset. For safety of others, some fire codes prohibit silencing of alarms by anyone not specifically authorized by the fire department for that incident.
Make sure your replacement units are compatible with the hardwiring or interconnection of the remaining units. Otherwise, replace all units at the same time with the same model.
Many silence buttons are combined with a test alarm button. The “hush” or silence features will not work on some models unless the alarm is going off. Most silence buttons deactivate the alarm for 10 to 20 minutes.
In some alarms, the batteries may be hidden behind a sliding or screw-mounted panel. Newer alarms may have a non-removable 10-year battery. Do not attempt to remove such a battery. You will need to replace the entire unit, if it is defective.
