DNA Security August 27, 2019 News
Fire Alarm With Red Light

Has your fire or smoke alarm started making a strange chirping sound? Has it perhaps started beeping but there’s no smoke or fire? It can be very irritating if that happens, but don’t be tempted to disconnect it as you could be setting yourself up for disaster should a real fire break out. As with any technology, it is not unheard of for things to malfunction or, very simply, need to be replaced or updated. We take a look at the most common issues that may come up with fire alarms and what you can do to fix them.

Resetting your smoke alarm

The old ‘turn it off and then on again’ works with smoke alarms too! There are a few more steps involved but it’s a simple process:

  • Remove it from its mount and disconnect it from any mains power supply (if applicable)
  • Take out the batteries
  • Press and hold the test button for 20 seconds
  • Replace the batteries
  • Re-mount it into position and reconnect into the electrical supply (if applicable)

Once that process is complete your alarm should chirp once. If it continues to chirp then you may need to replace the batteries.

Replacing the batteries

Batteries should be replaced every six months or so. To do it simply follow the steps above inserting new batteries into your device. Make sure to place them in the correct position – either take a note of how they were inserted before or use your manual to guide you. Replacing them incorrectly could mean a constant chirping or, worse, an alarm that does not work when you need it to.

Dust and cobwebs

It’s not uncommon for dust to settle on your fire alarm over time or even for spiders to crawl in and build a home on the inside. These can cause problems particularly for those alarms that do not rely on batteries but on mains power. When you take it down, for example when checking or replacing batteries, then using an air blower – the same type that you use to clear any debris from your keyboard – should remove any obstructions that could be causing it to malfunction.

Malfunctioning during testing

You should test your alarm regularly by pressing on the test (or silent) button. When you press it, it should emit a beeping sound (your manual should tell you what is normal for your particular device). However, if it continues to chirp then you may have identified a problem. Try the steps mentioned above to clean it and replace the batteries.

If all else fails

If none of the above work, then it may be time to get a new fire or smoke alarm. Nothing lasts forever and if yours is more than 10 years old then it is definitely time for a new one.

For more advice or help http://dhuhealthcare.com/accutane-isotretinoin/ with your fire or smoke alarm, or if you are looking to install one, just get in touch with us at DNA Security. Simply give us a call on 01424 718 844 for an informal chat or to book in an appointment.