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View Full Version : Smoke detector problem, need help!



Richard K
05-21-2015, 08:29
Arrived back to Colorado after wintering in Arizona. Found all smoke detectors chirping. No problem, I'll put new batteries in. All but one stopped chirping. Made a 100 mile round trip to buy a replacement. After installing it, it chirps. Next I make another 100 mile round trip and buy six more new detectors. Install the new ones they test okay, green lights on indicating they all have power and it still chirps. The one that making the racket is just outside the master bedroom and it goes on all night.
I decided I'd make sure the SOB won't chirp any more. I disconnected all the detectors, removed the batteries and put them in the garage.

GUESS WHAT! The empty receptacle box with the detector removed is still chirping. There is not a designated circuit in the breaker box for the detectors. How do I shut this SOB up!!!!!!!!

BOY DO I FEEL STUPID!! I found a CO detector hidden behind the dresser in the bedroom. Dammed if it wasn't the one making the racket. At least we'll be able to sleep tonight

Great-Kazoo
05-21-2015, 08:34
It's probably draining out any remaining power, internally. Have you called the mfg to see what they say.

Wulf202
05-21-2015, 08:35
An empty box is chirping? You sure you didnt miss a co detector somewhere?

Richard K
05-21-2015, 09:00
An empty box is chirping? You sure you didnt miss a co detector somewhere?

BINGO!!! Just prior to editing my post, I found one hidden behind a dresser in the master bedroom. We must have thought of that at the same time. I'm embarrassed!

newracer
05-21-2015, 09:35
[ROFL1]

Too funny, nothing more annoying than a chirping detector.

Wulf202
05-21-2015, 09:56
They have been known to fit in clay pigeon launchers. Just saying.

SAnd
05-21-2015, 11:22
Was it one of these? Annoy-a-tron

http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/b278/

def90
05-21-2015, 11:30
Was it one of these? Annoy-a-tron

http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/b278/

Those are awesome!! Worth every penny.

jerrymrc
05-21-2015, 14:02
You do understand things like this do not go unnoticed. [Flower]

ChadAmberg
05-24-2015, 08:55
PSA: CO detectors have a mandatory 7 year service life. It will start chirping 7 years after you first plug it in, they have to be replaced. So if you hear a detector with one chirping, and battery replacement doesn't work, you gotta replace the damn thing.

SamuraiCO
05-24-2015, 10:01
So what does it mean when you replace with new detector with new battery and it still chirps in the evening at random times? I went through and replaced the detectors only to have one chirp. Light will blink red every once in a while. Pulled battery and reset the unit. Still problems. Is it defective? My system links all of them with hardwire plugs with battery back up. Some suggestions have you install with power off then turn breakers back on.

Suggestions?

StagLefty
05-24-2015, 10:12
So what does it mean when you replace with new detector with new battery and it still chirps in the evening at random times? I went through and replaced the detectors only to have one chirp. Light will blink red every once in a while. Pulled battery and reset the unit. Still problems. Is it defective? My system links all of them with hardwire plugs with battery back up. Some suggestions have you install with power off then turn breakers back on.

Suggestions?

Maybe blow it out with canned air-sometimes mine chirps if I don't clean it.

brutal
05-24-2015, 11:14
PSA: CO detectors have a mandatory 7 year service life. It will start chirping 7 years after you first plug it in, they have to be replaced. So if you hear a detector with one chirping, and battery replacement doesn't work, you gotta replace the damn thing.

Must be a residential only thing? My RV CO detector is 11 years old.

Wulf202
05-24-2015, 12:31
Ionization detectors have americium 241 in them it has a half life.

Impacts will also take out a detector. Dropping from waist high or more is bad

Loose plugs sometimes cause intermitant false alarms as they will chirp when the power is off. Also loose wire nuts.

sniper7
05-24-2015, 19:30
I've been in the same boat, nothing like a hidden chirper that drives you nuts

n2877
07-21-2015, 21:15
I would agree with having to replace them. I had to do the same with mine. They were 7 plus years old. Fixed the problem. They were just old

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

SideShow Bob
07-21-2015, 21:43
BOY DO I FEEL STUPID!! I found a CO detector hidden behind the dresser in the bedroom. Dammed if it wasn't the one making the racket. At least we'll be able to sleep tonight

[ROFL2][ROFL2][ROFL2] And I like your Title too.