Common Smoke Alarm Problems

The main types of common smoke alarm problems are:

Smoke Alarm Location

The smoke alarm can be located in a spot where it often goes off and causes false alarms. If the smoke alarm is within three metres of a cooking appliance or area then the smoke will often activate the alarm. Often if the alarm is near the kitchen where appliances such as the toaster, stove or oven can lead to the false alarm. 

Photoelectric smoke alarms might also sound even if the temperature in the room increases due to the level of technology built into them. Installing a smoke alarm near a window or door can also cause smoke alarms. This can be because of outside interfering with the smoke alarm’s sensors that are built for indoor use. The illusion of smoke from particles outside that have drifted inside can lead to the alarm going off. 

Sensitive Smoke Alarms

Similar to the location of the smoke alarm, the alarm might be wired to sensitivity. Sensitive-wired smoke alarms might ring when food is slightly overcooked even if it is placed further away from cooking locations. Ensure to refer to the user’s manual to know what setting the smoke alarm’s sensitivity should be set at. 

Humid Levels and Steam

Smoke alarms chirping might be occurring from the humidity levels or from steam. If the smoke alarm is located outside or near the bathroom or location where steam is present this can cause the alarm to ring. The dense moisture particles can confuse the smoke detector thinking that they are smoke particles. High humid levels can also cause the alarm to be confused and think smoke is present. 

Insect Issues

Insects might infest the smoke alarm often where the smoke would enter the detector. When they sit inside there it will block the smoke detectors from picking up if there is smoke present. The insect inside of the smoke alarm might be the cause for the alarm not correctly functioning. 

Dust Buildup

A buildup of dust can lead to the smoke detector not working properly or at all. A vacuum brush can easily resolve this problem as dust will block the sensors from picking up smoke. 

Strong Chemicals

If the alarm is too sensitive then when cleaning or renovating most times the alarm might confuse the strong chemicals for smoke. The chemicals might even cause a false alarm for a properly configured smoke detector. When activities involving stronger chemicals are present this can lead to the alarm confusing the particles as smoke. 

Dead Batteries

Sometimes the smoke alarm will not work at all because the batteries inside are flat. Different types of smoke alarms will need different batteries depending on their size or model. Replacing the batteries might also be needed if there is a beeping smoke alarm or if there is a high-pitched continuous sound. 

Changing the batteries to see if the sound stops should occur first. If the detector keeps ringing then likely the smoke alarms need to be replaced.

The best ways to fix smoke alarm problems are to:

• Move the location of the smoke detector away from cooking areas, doors or windows and places where steam is present or the location is humid
• Adjust the sensitivity levels of the alarm to ensure that it does not get confused with other particles
• Inspect the alarm regularly for insects that may interfere with the wiring of the smoke alarm
• Check the alarm to ensure that dust has not built up inside of the detector at least once a year
• If strong chemicals are nearby, such as from heavy cleaning or renovations, be aware that the alarm might go off. Do not turn it off to ensure that if there is a fire people can be aware

Undergo regular smoke alarm maintenance checks to ensure that each one is working correctly and if the batteries need replacing