When your fire alarm is chirping every few minutes for no reason, it is telling you something is wrong with the unit. If there is no fire or smoke, you will need to address it or go crazy listening to the chirps coming from your fire alarm devices. Figuring out the issue is as simple as following these steps:
1. Be Sure There Is No Smoke
If you had a mishap in the kitchen, burnt some toast and the alarm went off, it may still be sensing some smoke. Reset the alarm by pushing the button and holding for 30 seconds. It may chirp one more time, then it should be quiet.
2. Change The Batteries
If your fire alarm system is not hooked up to your home’s electric, turn the unit until it unhooks from the wall mount. Take it down off of the ceiling, pull out the old battery and replace with the new one. Push the reset button for 30 seconds to one minute, until you hear a chirp. Replace the unit on the ceiling mount.
If your system is hooked up to electric wiring, you will need to take out the battery after turning off the power breaker that is set for the alarm system in your electrical box. This is because the system is able to detect the error of the bad battery, but may not be able to clear the error unless the entire system is reset.
After you turn off the circuit breaker, unhook the unit from the ceiling mount and slowly bring it down until you see the connecting wire. Pull on the small plastic plug to disconnect it from the electrical part of the unit. Take out the old battery and hold the rest button for 20 seconds to erase the error code. Replace with a new battery, plug it back into the ceiling, and hook the unit back on to the ceiling mount. Restore the power to all units by turning on the breaker.
If you wish to keep from having to redo this every time your batteries get weak, replace them on a time schedule that will ensure strong batteries at all times. Read the suggested life times on the brand of battery you purchased on the battery package to get an idea of when you should change them out, then mark your calendar to remember.
3. If The Unit Is Still Chirping
If the unit is chirping even after you have replaced the batteries, you may need to recheck your manual to see if there is a particular brand of battery needed for the unit. Some brands of fire alarm panels and systems only allow certain brands of batteries to operate in their units.
4. Dust And Grime Airflow Restriction
Dust and grime can restrict the airflow to a fire alarm causing it to go off or chirp. If you have changed the battery and it is still chirping, you will want to blow through the air vent with a hair dryer and wipe the unit off with a damp cloth. Detach the unit and take out the battery before cleaning. Replace when fully dry.
5. Is Your Alarm Older Than Ten Years?
If the unit continues to chirp and is older than ten years, it is time to replace the unit. If it is under ten years, you may want to have an electrician or the fire protection services come in to check the current going to the unit or you can replace it first to see if the new unit chirps.
There is nothing more annoying than a chirping fire alarm system when there seems like nothing is wrong. Hopefully, these tips will help you get your system working again and enjoying the quiet without having to call the fire protection services.
