Why must I disconnect AC power before changing batteries?
A. ANSWER: In case the electrician has miswired the AC voltages, a shock hazard
might exist. By disconnecting the AC power, it will ensure that the battery can be
changed safely.
Why does my smoke alarm "chirp" approximately once every minute?
A. ANSWER: The smoke alarm chirps to indicate a "low battery" condition, meaning
the battery needs to be replaced. Battery powered smoke alarms will chirp at least
30 days before the battery completely loses power. AC powered smoke alarms with
battery backup will chirp indefinitely (assuming AC power is present) if battery power
is low (or battery is removed) until a fresh battery is installed. Approved replacement
batteries are listed on the back of each smoke alarm. Smoke alarms with the
"SILENCE" feature (designed to silence the horn during a false alarm) chirp to
indicate the smoke alarm is in the SILENCE mode. The chirp will stop after
approximately 8 minutes and the smoke alarm will return to its normal operation.
What does it mean when the red light flashes approximately once every minute?
ANSWER: On models containing a red light, the flashing red light gives a visual
indication that the smoke alarm is functioning properly. It also indicates that a live
battery is connected to the smoke alarm.
What does the continuous green light indicate?
ANSWER: It indicates that AC power is operating the smoke alarm.
The green light on my smoke alarm has gone out, what does this mean?
ANSWER: The AC power has been interrupted - check the circuit breaker and AC
wiring to correct the problem.
How can I tell which smoke alarm in a multi-station (interconnected) installation
initiated the alarm?
ANSWER: While the unit is alarming, the smoke alarm which initiated the alarm
(either by test button or sensing smoke) will flash the red LED light approximately
once per second. The red LED light on the other non-initiated interconnected smoke
alarms will not be lit but will sound the alarm.
After I press the test button and release the button, the unit stops sounding but
then chirps about once a minute for a while and then stops. Why?
ANSWER: Smoke alarms that have a SILENCE feature to silence false alarms chirp
when they are in the SILENCE mode to indicate that they are in the SILENCE mode.
During the SILENCE mode, the unit is completely functional, however, the sensitivity
is somewhat reduced for approximately 8 minutes. The smoke alarm will
automatically reset after approximately 8 minutes.
What is the total number of smoke alarms (or devices) I can interconnect?
ANSWER: Twelve.
How long does a battery usually last in a smoke alarm?
ANSWER: 9 Volt Carbon Zinc battery will last a minimum of one year.
9 Volt Alkaline battery will last a minimum of three years.
9 Volt Lithium battery will last a minimum of 10 years.
How do I replace the battery in my smoke alarm?
ANSWER: The tamper pin, if installed on the unit, will have to be removed in order to
change the battery.
A. AC with battery backup smoke alarms - turn off AC power (green light should be
off), twist smoke alarm counterclockwise and remove from base. Disconnect battery
and replace with new one. Reconnect smoke alarm to base and turn power on.
B. DC - 9 Volt battery powered smoke alarm - twist smoke alarm counterclockwise
and remove from base. Disconnect battery and replace with new one. Reconnect
smoke alarm to base.
How often should I test my smoke alarm?
ANSWER: Smoke alarms should be tested weekly by depressing the push-to-test
button until the alarm sounds or by using canned smoke.
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Smoke Alarm Q and A
