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Smoke alarm chirping: what to check

A single chirp every minute is usually a flat battery. Check it is not a real fire first.

18 items · 5 sections · home, safety, fire

Start this checklist

First (3)

  • Look and smell for smoke or fire: if there is any, get out and call the fire service
  • Check which alarm is chirping: hold your ear near each one
  • Check if it chirps once a minute (low battery) or beeps in a pattern (fault)

Replace the battery (4)

  • Take the alarm off the ceiling by twisting it from its base
  • Take out the old battery and put in a new one of the right type
  • Hold the test button until the alarm sounds loudly
  • Put it back on the base and check it clicks

If it still chirps (5)

  • Press and hold the test button for 15 seconds to reset it
  • Clean dust out with a vacuum cleaner or can of compressed air
  • Check the date on the back: replace smoke alarms every 10 years
  • Check if it is a sealed unit with a 10-year battery: if it chirps, replace the alarm
  • Check interconnected alarms: another one may be the cause

Check the others (3)

  • Test every smoke alarm in the house with the test button
  • Test carbon monoxide alarms too
  • Check there is one on every floor and outside bedrooms

Habits (3)

  • Test the alarms once a month
  • Change batteries once a year on a date you remember
  • Never take the battery out for cooking: use the hush button instead

Written from www.nfpa.org

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