Trouble Shooting for Smoke Alarms

Alarm beeps every few seconds intermittently – Possible low battery warning.

In times of a flat battery the occupant will have to purchase a new battery.

Alarm beeps every few seconds and the battery has been replaced – Sometimes this can occur if the occupant has accidentally pressed the test button on insertion and the unit has overcharged. To rectify this, ask the occupant to remove the battery and leave the unit for 10 minutes to discharge. Then re-insert the battery ensuring the test button is not being pressed.

Alarm activates but there is no fire – Heat omitted from such things as toasters or an oven door opening can trigger alarms. The best way to rectify this is to re-locate the smoke detector to a position away and out of the air flow of the appliance. Air conditioners can trigger false alarms also. Again, re-position alarm away from appliance.

Smoke is present but the alarm did not activate – Possible battery replacement. In cooking situations where smoke may be present, where there is an open window or air flow from an air conditioner, smoke may not reach the smoke chamber – (Relocate smoke detector)

There are two types of smoke detectors – Ionisation & Photoelectric.

Ionisation – Detects invisible smoke particles that are created by fast flaming fires

Photoelectric – Detects slow smouldering fires that create fumes and acrid smoke.

Tips & Warnings

• If your detector runs on batteries, change them when you change your clocks - at the start and end of daylight-saving time.
• Avoid getting any paint or dust on your smoke detector.
• Make sure the smoke detector you choose has been tested by an independent testing laboratory and has an Australian Standard      sticker on it.
• Replace all detectors after 10 years.
• Dust, dirt and grime can build up in the smoke detector and lead to malfunctions. Even something as small as a bug lodged in your smoke detector can cause problems.

• Look at the lights flashing on your fire alarm. The lights signal what is happening with your alarm. Each fire alarm manufacturer has different code sounds or flashing lights to help you troubleshoot problems, but generally the sequences are as follows: 1) One solid green light: alarm is functioning and power is on; 2) One churp, solid green light and a flashing red light: battery is low; 3) Horn sounds continuously, green light solid, red light flashing: evacuate immediately.
• Examine the smoke detector for any water or moisture build-up. If your smoke detector is located in a dry area of your home, check the area for roof or plumbing leaks that can cause the alarm to malfunction.

Warning About Locations To Avoid

• The garage – Products of combustion are present when you start your car.
• In front of forced air ducts used for heating and air conditioning,
• Near ceiling fans, or other high air flow areas.
• In the peak of an “A” frame type ceiling.
• In an area where temperatures may fall below 5°C or rise above 45°C.
• In dusty areas, dust particles may cause the smoke alarms to false alarm or fail.
• A false alarm can occur in  very high humid areas
• In or near bathrooms, moisture or steam can cause false alarm.
• Near fluorescent lights – electronic “noise” may cause nuisance alarms.