smoke detector problem

[mixsonci]

I finally managed to get the cover off. Thanks for your help.

My smoke detector has been peeping for days now. I have put 3 new batteries in it and it doesn't help, so don't think it's the battery. I'm assuming the whole unit may need to be changed out? It's not one of the "master" detectors. I have opened the cover and tried to unplug the wires from the cover, but I can't get that plug out, I even tried to pull it out with pliers, won't budge.

Does anyone know how I can shut it up until I can get it changed out? How do I change it out? Where and what kind do I buy? Does it require an electrician to do this?

Help, I need to shut it up, I'm going to hit it with a hammer soon.
(Just kidding on that last part, I think)

[villagetinker]

Typically a small screw driver is used to release the latch holding the plug in place. BE CAREFUL, there is 120 volts on on of those wires. I just did this for a neighbor, he was able to go the ACE hardware and get an exact replacement the plugged right in. NOTE: if you are getting 3 beeps, he mentioned this meant the detector had failed.
Hope this helps. Send me a PM if you want to talk.

[Chatbrat]

Turn the circuit breaker off, leave it off buy new smoke detectors with 10 yr batteries -if your house is under 1500 sq ft--you'll be able to hear any of them when they go off, but if they are older than 10yrs they all should be replaced

[SFSkol]

There usually are reasons these things happen.

What to Do When Smoke Alarm Keeps Beeping? (http://www.wirechiefelectric.com/blog/resources/what-to-do-when-smoke-alarm-keeps-beeping)

[laryb]

I have First Alert detectors in my home. 5 beeps means it's toast. Check the date on the unit, and it should be around 5-7 years from the manufacture date. You should probably replace them all, because the rest, if they all have simular dates, will be going soon, too. Take note of which one(s) are carbon monoxide detectors. Those are usually in the hallways

[mtdjed]

I have changed the smoke detectors myself without turning off breakers. Ours are connected to the house with a 3 wire connector. I have simply pulled that connector out. (Like pulling an electrical plug from the wall). Take it to Ace or elsewhere and get a replacement that has the same connector type wires.

A Bit off Topic but perhaps of interest:

Most older detectors are Ionization detection which is older technology. Newer technology being advertised is Photoelectric. One technology is better on smoldering fires and the other is better on flaming fires. Not sure which without looking it up.

There are some companies pitching new technology including cellphone notice, hearing impaired, vibration of bed, and protection of loved ones. The price can get high compared to the cost of simple replacement every 10 years.


My thought is that if the house burns while I am away, I do not need an email message telling me my alarms went off. Same if I am awake and in the house. My concern is primarily when we are sleeping. I want something to wake me up so we can escape. So give me at least one Photo electric near/in the bedroom and some Ionization types in the rest of the house. They are all connected and any one of them can initiate the alarm to get me up. Deaf /hard of hearing? Maybe something different

[Villageswimmer]

We recently replaced all of ours. We bought a six pack of First Alert at the new Lowes at a much lower price than Ace. I think you can also get them online at Lowes dot com.

We needed one Co2 detector. That one was close to $50 I think.

[Chatbrat]

If your house is all electric-why do you need a CO detector (unless you keep your car running in the garage)

Its CO--not CO2--monoxide--not carbon dioxide

[karostay]

I had same exact problem..Take down you smoke detector go to either Ace ,Lowes or Home Dpot buy replacement, plug in problem solved

[Villageswimmer]

If your house is all electric-why do you need a CO detector (unless you keep your car running in the garage)

Its CO--not CO2--monoxide--not carbon dioxide


Right—it’s been a while since chemistry class. :icon_wink:

I know, right? We actually debated this at Lowes. The Fire Department said the CO Detector is required by law even in an all-electric home.

One could violate this but in the case of resale, it would fail an inspection.

[Madelaine Amee]

This link Carbon Monoxide Detector Placement: Where to Place CO Alarms | Safety.com (https://www.safety.com/carbon-monoxide-detector-placement/) gives you all the information you need to know on Carbon Monoxide detectors and where they should be placed in the home.

The CM detector was in place when we purchased our home and it was just about as high on the Cathedral ceiling as you could get .... WRONG. CM detectors need to be around knee height. Ours are on the night stands, on end tables, all at knee height.

[skip0358]

Florida Statute 553.885 states that any new home, or addition to a home, permitted on or after July 1, 2008, that has a fossil-fuel burning heater or appliance, a fireplace, or attached garage shall have a carbon monoxide alarm installed within 10 feet of each sleeping room.Jan 14, 2015

[JoelJohnson]

I had the same problem, called the 800 number on the detector, very simple fix saved me from buying a new one.

[collie1228]

Smoke detectors have a life span of 8-10 years and will beep when they fail. I ordered exact replacements for mine on Amazon Prime, and they were delivered in two days later with free shipping. My courtyard villa has four hard wired detectors with battery backup, and I was able to install them all in about an hour. The total cost was around $40.00.

[photo1902]

This link Carbon Monoxide Detector Placement: Where to Place CO Alarms | Safety.com (https://www.safety.com/carbon-monoxide-detector-placement/) gives you all the information you need to know on Carbon Monoxide detectors and where they should be placed in the home.

The CM detector was in place when we purchased our home and it was just about as high on the Cathedral ceiling as you could get .... WRONG. CM detectors need to be around knee height. Ours are on the night stands, on end tables, all at knee height.

It depends on which "experts" you listen to. Most are now saying the ideal spot is a a wall a couple of feet from the ceiling, not at knee level.

[New Englander]

If your house is all electric-why do you need a CO detector (unless you keep your car running in the garage)

Its CO--not CO2--monoxide--not carbon dioxide

You DO need it. What if a mistake happens and a person forgets to shut their car off. That can and has happened and people died.

[mixsonci]

Thank you for all your advice, I realize I need a new detector, however, the problem is, I can't get it off the wall, nothing I do works. I even tried pulling the white plug out with pliers, it won't budge. I'm afraid of pulling it too hard and pulling the wires out of the plug. Is there a trick to it? I tried pushing on the side to see if there is a release, nothing.

Does this require an electrician or is it just replacing the cover that perhaps I can hire a handyman to do, or do I have to do something to all the wiring inside there. Frankly, I'm afraid to touch it myself since the plug won't just pull out easily.

[golf2140]

If your house is all electric-why do you need a CO detector (unless you keep your car running in the garage)

Its CO--not CO2--monoxide--not carbon dioxide

Because some folks forget to turn off their car inside the garage:boom:

[graciegirl]

Because some folks forget to turn off their car inside the garage:boom:

Or you butt dial your car with the remote keys.

[rjm1cc]

Some fire departments will replace batteries for homeowners. Call you local fire company and see if they can help you with your problem. You will need to have your new smoke detector on hand if they come out.

[DangeloInspections]

Skip of course is correct. Thay are required here when you have a home with an attached garage. Even in an all electric home, why would you not have one.....

As a former career firefighter, I went on calls where older folks would pull in their garages and not realize they forgot to turn their car off. Some almost died.

Other folks all needed to be rushed to a hospital because the homeowner thought it was a good idea to run a gas powered generator inside his garage during an outage.

I have seen many folks here in The Villages convert their electric range to propane gas.

Having a CO detector in the home is just common sense.

Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that has a specific gravity of .9657, so it is slightly lighter than air. ALL the major CO detector companies do not specifically tell you where they should be installed simply because plug in ones need a receptacle, and battery powered ones do not. It is NOT true that they should be low to the floor....ideally they should be roughly 2 feet below the ceiling, but even on the ceiling is fine ACCORDING to the MANUFACTURER. If all you have is a plug in type, plug it into a receptacle and having it is much better than not having one at all.

On a related topic, smoke detectors have come a long way. There are many good articles debating the merits of ionization vs. Photoelectric detectors. NFPA states that all detectors should be replaced every ten years. The cost of replacement is small compared to the important job they do.

[Blackie]

Often the smoke detector needs resetting as well as a new battery.

Detectors can still chirp after a new battery is installed.

See this YouTube video “how to.”

New Battery & Smoke Detector Keeps Chirping How To Fix - YouTube (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yrlvfjUmpxs)

[Topspinmo]

Thank you for all your advice, I realize I need a new detector, however, the problem is, I can't get it off the wall, nothing I do works. I even tried pulling the white plug out with pliers, it won't budge. I'm afraid of pulling it too hard and pulling the wires out of the plug. Is there a trick to it? I tried pushing on the side to see if there is a release, nothing.

Does this require an electrician or is it just replacing the cover that perhaps I can hire a handyman to do, or do I have to do something to all the wiring inside there. Frankly, I'm afraid to touch it myself since the plug won't just pull out easily.

Most come with mounting base plate and the detector assembly, you twist to left to release it from the base plate so you can mount the base plate and wire th detector, then aligning the slots and twist to right about 1/4 to 3/8" to mount.

Most SDs twist off from above information; hold the base and twist to the left, it should move about 1/4 to 3/8 inch to release and pul straight while hold in the base plate. If hardwired should have release connector when you get it separated.

[Topspinmo]

Skip of course is correct. Thay are required here when you have a home with an attached garage. Even in an all electric home, why would you not have one.....

As a former career firefighter, I went on calls where older folks would pull in their garages and not realize they forgot to turn their car off. Some almost died.

Other folks all needed to be rushed to a hospital because the homeowner thought it was a good idea to run a gas powered generator inside his garage during an outage.

I have seen many folks here in The Villages convert their electric range to propane gas.

Having a CO detector in the home is just common sense.

Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that has a specific gravity of .9657, so it is slightly lighter than air. ALL the major CO detector companies do not specifically tell you where they should be installed simply because plug in ones need a receptacle, and battery powered ones do not. It is NOT true that they should be low to the floor....ideally they should be roughly 2 feet below the ceiling, but even on the ceiling is fine ACCORDING to the MANUFACTURER. If all you have is a plug in type, plug it into a receptacle and having it is much better than not having one at all.

On a related topic, smoke detectors have come a long way. There are many good articles debating the merits of ionization vs. Photoelectric detectors. NFPA states that all detectors should be replaced every ten years. The cost of replacement is small compared to the important job they do.

Great information! Thanks! Makes sense CM lighter than air it would rise to the ceiling and fill the room from the ceiling down? So, in theory if you mount it lower than bed level you're getting gassed before the dectector goes off?

[DangeloInspections]

Great information! Thanks! Makes sense CM lighter than air it would rise to the ceiling and fill the room from the ceiling down? So, in theory if you mount it lower than bed level you're getting gassed before the dectector goes off?

Thank you for the kind words. To answer your last question, that is hard for me to say, and a bit beyond my scope. The Villages installs a combination Smoke/CO detector outside each bedroom, and since they are hard wired together, when one goes off they all go off. Generally, By code a smoke detector should be in every bedroom, and outside the bedrooms.

I would think that because the specific gravity of CO is so close to air, you would not have a distinct stratification of the CO to that extreme. The CO detectors typically go off well before a person would succumb from it's effects. It is beyond my expertise to say for sure. ANY working detector is better than no detector.

In an all electric home this risk is minimal. Now that they are building homes in Fenney, etc, with gas again, it becomes more of an issue. Keeping your gas dryer vent secure and cleaned out is important. In a neighboring community (not The Villages...except for a few very rare cases) I am finding a good amount of clogged dryer vents that can be both a CO and lint fire hazard.

CO poison is much more prevalent up north, where you have old rusted out flues, furnaces in basements, cracked heat exchangers, gas water heaters in basements, etc, etc...

[vaborn]

Purchase a new smoke detector. Then Call the non emergency number for the fire department. They will install new detector for you.

I finally managed to get the cover off. Thanks for your help.

My smoke detector has been peeping for days now. I have put 3 new batteries in it and it doesn't help, so don't think it's the battery. I'm assuming the whole unit may need to be changed out? It's not one of the "master" detectors. I have opened the cover and tried to unplug the wires from the cover, but I can't get that plug out, I even tried to pull it out with pliers, won't budge.

Does anyone know how I can shut it up until I can get it changed out? How do I change it out? Where and what kind do I buy? Does it require an electrician to do this?

Help, I need to shut it up, I'm going to hit it with a hammer soon.
(Just kidding on that last part, I think)

[Shimpy]

If your house is all electric-why do you need a CO detector (unless you keep your car running in the garage)

Its CO--not CO2--monoxide--not carbon dioxide

I replaced my CO detectors with regular smoke detectors for the reason you stated. They are notorious for going bad.

[crash]

I finally managed to get the cover off. Thanks for your help.

My smoke detector has been peeping for days now. I have put 3 new batteries in it and it doesn't help, so don't think it's the battery. I'm assuming the whole unit may need to be changed out? It's not one of the "master" detectors. I have opened the cover and tried to unplug the wires from the cover, but I can't get that plug out, I even tried to pull it out with pliers, won't budge.

Does anyone know how I can shut it up until I can get it changed out? How do I change it out? Where and what kind do I buy? Does it require an electrician to do this?

Help, I need to shut it up, I'm going to hit it with a hammer soon.
(Just kidding on that last part, I think)

If it keeps beeping you need to replace it, they only last about 6 years. It is very easy to replace with the same one you can get it at Ace or Lowes. Call the public safety department when you have it and they will put it in for you.

[crash]

If your house is all electric-why do you need a CO detector (unless you keep your car running in the garage)

Its CO--not CO2--monoxide--not carbon dioxide

It is the code and you need one outside the sleeping areas. If the rooms are on opposite sides of the house you may need 2 one outside each sleeping area.

[mtdjed]

Florida Statute 553.885 states that any new home, or addition to a home, permitted on or after July 1, 2008, that has a fossil-fuel burning heater or appliance, a fireplace, or attached garage shall have a carbon monoxide alarm installed within 10 feet of each sleeping room.Jan 14, 2015

Reading the post above would suggest that homes should have more than one CO alarm if bedrooms are separated. However ,the statute goes on with some vague language "perhaps" saying that if the units are hard wired an exception can be made. If it were true that each sleeping area must have a CO detector within 10 ft and TV do not supply on new homes , how do they pass the code?

[DangeloInspections]

Reading the post above would suggest that homes should have more than one CO alarm if bedrooms are separated. However ,the statute goes on with some vague language "perhaps" saying that if the units are hard wired an exception can be made. If it were true that each sleeping area must have a CO detector within 10 ft and TV do not supply on new homes , how do they pass the code?

The Villages DOES install a combination smoke/CO detector outside each bedroom area. We check for this on every warranty inspection. You can tell the combo units because they are the ones that have gray writing on them......the "smoke only" detectors are all white. Every so often we find one switched or missing, but 99% of the time they are there and installed correctly and working fine. We also test all detectors on every inspection.

If you are suggesting that The Villages does not comply with this code, you would be incorrect.

Respectfully, Frank D.

[bbbbbb]

H[QUOTE=mixsonci;1577497]I finally managed to get the cover off. Thanks for your help.

My smoke detector has been peeping for days now. I have put 3 new batteries in it and it doesn't help, so don't think it's the battery. I'm assuming the whole unit may need to

Hey, get new ones, they MOSTLY come with batteries, and JUST CALL THE FIRE DEPT. they send out a person to change them, no charge, I do give them a tip. Suggestion, DO NOT WORK ON ANY DETECTOR.


bbbbbb :bigbow: