Fixing a Chirping Smoke Detector - What to Do?

Thread starter Evo
Start date Jan 31, 2010
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Detector Smoke

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A user experiences a loud chirping from a smoke detector, indicating a low battery, and seeks advice on how to disable it. The discussion reveals that the smoke detector is hardwired to electricity but still has a backup battery that can cause chirping when low. Participants suggest turning off the breaker before attempting to unplug the device to avoid setting off alarms. They explain that some smoke detectors can continue chirping due to a capacitor even after being unplugged. The conversation touches on the frustrations of dealing with hardwired systems, where multiple alarms may chirp if one has a low battery. Users share tips on locating and replacing batteries, emphasizing the importance of using the correct type. The discussion also highlights the annoyance of smoke detectors with blinking lights and the need for a better design to indicate battery status. Overall, the thread provides practical advice for managing smoke detector issues while expressing common frustrations with their design and functionality.

Feb 6, 2010

MotoH

Evo said:

Which is why prompting you to remove the battery to shut it up goes against the purpose. I should check the other alarms and see if any of them have batteries.

Say the fire cuts off the electricity to the alarm and there is no battery...you're a crispy critter.

Why not have a "no battery" indicator light? Like a bright blue light that will alert you that the battery is either completely dead or not even there? Perhaps the light could be inside the unit and make the entire alarm glow blue?

Hey come on now, they cost like 10 bucks! What do you expect!

Although the indicator beep sums up pretty much all of those. It beeps to let you know the battery is near dead, so you go and replace said battery. I wonder if the battery powers the beep, or if the beep is powered by the hard line and is triggered when the battery power drops below a certain point.
It would make more sense for the beep to be powered by the hard line, because a beep being powered by the battery would drain it further.
But wouldn't it beep if there was no battery?
Oh I have no idea.