Question
We had to switch to hardwire smoke detectors a few years ago. Lately, the unit in the basement continually beeps in about 2 minute intervals. There’s no smoke or fire threat, and I’ve reset the breaker box to silence it, but it goes back to beeping. How do we stop this?
Answer
For relief from your beeping hardwire detector problem, the quick answer is to contact the company who installed the system. Or if you installed the system, contact the manufacturer directly. Please do this before trying any more tricks to silence it.
There are several reasons for this occurrence, and many ways to troubleshoot, but it’s best to be safe and let those who know the hardwire system guide you through the process.
We regularly include hardwire smoke and carbon detector systems in home improvement projects because most municipalities in our Metro St. Louis area require them for work that requires a building permit.
Because of this, we get calls about systems sounding off for no apparent reason. We’ve learned there are different sounds for different problems. Chirping typically indicates a back-up battery running low. Beeping means the system may have detected something wrong, which can range from dust/allergens in the air in front of a detector, to a malfunction in a unit, to an actual threat that you cannot see but does exist.
There are many variables that can activate a hardwire system, and we understand how annoying it can be to solve such a noisy issue. We’re reminded of this classic scene about a smoke alarm from an episode of Friends:
But the important point is that they are in place to keep you safe. When enduring the chirp or beep, it’s tempting to disconnect or turn off the system, but that leaves you unprotected. Enacting any quick workarounds for temporary relief leaves you vulnerable. Please let those who know the system help you solve the problem.
If you would like help diagnosing and solving this problem, please call our office at 314.909.1800 or contact us here. For answers to home improvement questions, visit the Mosby Home Improvement Library.