Every unit on my street failed at about the same time

[twoplanekid]

Having never lived in a community where houses on both sides of the street were built within months of each other, my friends and neighbors are all needing to replace their First Alert smoke detectors. It seems that after seven years, they all do fail and need replacement.

At first, I thought a simple battery replacement would do the trick. I should have listened to the beep code (five chirps) that was telling me a full replacement was needed. I then discussed my issue with several neighbors who told me that almost everyone on the street had recently replaced all of their units.

I seems that two models of First Alert smoke detectors (SC9120B – 9120B) are used with the SC9120B having a carbon monoxide alarm added. Both smoke alarms are AC powered interconnected with battery backup. I needed two SC9120B and two 9120B while my brother up the street needed two SC9120B and four 9120B. As I replaced my old First Alert units with new identical model units, all I had to do was twist the new units onto the original mounting brackets and plug in the existing quick connect clip to the new detector.

Some of my neighbors replaced all of their units with the carbon monoxide alarm added unit as the mounting brackets between the alarms are identical. The cost of the 9120B unit is around $18 and the other online is around $33.

While I did all of the work replacing the alarms this time, seven years in the future if I am still around I believe I will let the fire dept. do the installation work for me. You purchase the alarm and the Villages Fire Dept. will install for free. Hope this information helps others with chirping (five chirps) smoke detectors.

[JerryP]

Having never lived in a community where houses on both sides of the street were built within months of each other, my friends and neighbors are all needing to replace their First Alert smoke detectors. It seems that after seven years, they all do fail and need replacement.

At first, I thought a simple battery replacement would do the trick. I should have listened to the beep code (five chirps) that was telling me a full replacement was needed. I then discussed my issue with several neighbors who told me that almost everyone on the street had recently replaced all of their units.

I seems that two models of First Alert smoke detectors (SC9120B – 9120B) are used with the SC9120B having a carbon monoxide alarm added. Both smoke alarms are AC powered interconnected with battery backup. I needed two SC9120B and two 9120B while my brother up the street needed two SC9120B and four 9120B. As I replaced my old First Alarm units with new identical model units, all I had to do was twist the new units onto the original mounting brackets and plug in the existing quick connect clip to the new detector.

Some of my neighbors replaced all of their units with the carbon monoxide alarm added unit as the mounting brackets between the alarms are identical. The cost of the 9120B unit is around $18 and the other online is around $33.

While I did all of the work replacing the alarms this time, seven years in the future if I am still around I believe I will let the fire dept. do the installation work for me. You purchase the alarm and the Villages Fire Dept. will install for free. Hope this information helps others with chirping (five chirps) smoke detectors.

It’s FREE for Villagers who are disabled or unable to climb a ladder. The resident is responsible for supplying the new batteries and/or detectors.

[New Englander]

My house has 3 smoke detectors and 3 carbon/smoke detectors. All 3 of the carbon/smoke detectors have failed and I replaced them. These units were seven years old when they failed.

[Malsua]

As a note, all smoke an CO alarms have a lifespan. it depends on the unit, the ones with the sealed 10 year battery are dead when the battery dies. Most of the "regular" AA, 9v and hardwired units are 8 years and they are done, assuming they don't fail before that.

The sensitivity of the detectors starts downward after they expire. They all have mfg dates listed on the back, if it's 7+ years, toss 'em.

[Papa_lecki]

Went to Lowes and bought the 10 year battery ones - simple.

[retiredguy123]

Went to Lowes and bought the 10 year battery ones - simple.
So, are you bypassing the hardwired system in your house? I would have replaced the smoke alarms with the hardwired type that have a battery for backup only. Typically, the 10 year sealed battery type are for locations where there is no hardwired system in place.

[DAVES]

Learn from my mistake. Take the battery out when you toss it. The beep warning stops and then goes again in an hour or whatever it is. Also the carbon monoxide ones do not last as long as the smoke only ones.

[Papa_lecki]

So, are you bypassing the hardwired system in your house? I would have replaced the smoke alarms with the hardwired type that have a battery for backup only. Typically, the 10 year sealed battery type are for locations where there is no hardwired system in place.

No, hardwired in, they have the same plug. 10 year battery backup. Don’t need to change battery every year.

[Topspinmo]

Having never lived in a community where houses on both sides of the street were built within months of each other, my friends and neighbors are all needing to replace their First Alert smoke detectors. It seems that after seven years, they all do fail and need replacement.

At first, I thought a simple battery replacement would do the trick. I should have listened to the beep code (five chirps) that was telling me a full replacement was needed. I then discussed my issue with several neighbors who told me that almost everyone on the street had recently replaced all of their units.

I seems that two models of First Alert smoke detectors (SC9120B – 9120B) are used with the SC9120B having a carbon monoxide alarm added. Both smoke alarms are AC powered interconnected with battery backup. I needed two SC9120B and two 9120B while my brother up the street needed two SC9120B and four 9120B. As I replaced my old First Alert units with new identical model units, all I had to do was twist the new units onto the original mounting brackets and plug in the existing quick connect clip to the new detector.

Some of my neighbors replaced all of their units with the carbon monoxide alarm added unit as the mounting brackets between the alarms are identical. The cost of the 9120B unit is around $18 and the other online is around $33.

While I did all of the work replacing the alarms this time, seven years in the future if I am still around I believe I will let the fire dept. do the installation work for me. You purchase the alarm and the Villages Fire Dept. will install for free. Hope this information helps others with chirping (five chirps) smoke detectors.


I replaced mine two years ago, they were 17 years old and turning yellow. Agree pretty easy but next time I’ll probably be too old to be climbing around on ladder.

[retiredguy123]

No, hardwired in, they have the same plug. 10 year battery backup. Don’t need to change battery every year.
I agree with that. But, you can accomplish the same thing by replacing the alkaline battery with a lithium battery in a regular, non-sealed smoke detector. If you buy the sealed type smoke detectors, you cannot replaced the battery.

[DaleDivine]

Ours and five neighbors went out last week. Seven years old. Ordered new ones on Amazon, arrived next day and replaced all as did my neighbors.

:bigbow::bigbow:

[Catalina36]

Good info thanks, all of my smoke detectors are located high close to the ceiling. I thought carbon monoxide detectors need to be about 3 ft from the ground or located near a furnace or gas hot water heater? Placing a Carbon monoxide detector near a ceiling seems useless??? Your thoughts??

[rjn5656]

Have 5 in my old house. Only replaced 2 in the 10 years I lived there.

[noslices1]

I have one detector that’s high up on top of my vaulted ceiling. I had changed batteries a couple of times in the last 11 years, but then I saw a detector at Lowe’s with a 10 year battery, so that’s what I changed it to. At least no more battery changes in that one for 10 years.

[JoeinFL]

Good info thanks, all of my smoke detectors are located high close to the ceiling. I thought carbon monoxide detectors need to be about 3 ft from the ground or located near a furnace or gas hot water heater? Placing a Carbon monoxide detector near a ceiling seems useless??? Your thoughts??

Carbon Monoxide is a bit lighter than the air we breathe. So, it will not settle down low as many people believe. It can rise up high throughout the home. The suggested height is about 6 feet. ( It may be 4-5’) but, it can go higher so ceiling or high on walls is fine.
If you only have one it should be placed near your sleeping area so you hear it easily if there’s an issue.
I hope this helps.

[crash]

Have 5 in my old house. Only replaced 2 in the 10 years I lived there.

The smoke alarms have a small radioactive source in them that weakens over time and thus the need for replacement. Your alarm may not be beeping but it is not working effectively after the expiration date and should be replaced. The sooner it alerts you of a fire the sooner you can get out and the less damage. You are gambling you won’t have a fire and if you do the cost could be your life.

[Judy n Ron]

Having never lived in a community where houses on both sides of the street were built within months of each other, my friends and neighbors are all needing to replace their First Alert smoke detectors. It seems that after seven years, they all do fail and need replacement.

At first, I thought a simple battery replacement would do the trick. I should have listened to the beep code (five chirps) that was telling me a full replacement was needed. I then discussed my issue with several neighbors who told me that almost everyone on the street had recently replaced all of their units.

I seems that two models of First Alert smoke detectors (SC9120B – 9120B) are used with the SC9120B having a carbon monoxide alarm added. Both smoke alarms are AC powered interconnected with battery backup. I needed two SC9120B and two 9120B while my brother up the street needed two SC9120B and four 9120B. As I replaced my old First Alert units with new identical model units, all I had to do was twist the new units onto the original mounting brackets and plug in the existing quick connect clip to the new detector.

Some of my neighbors replaced all of their units with the carbon monoxide alarm added unit as the mounting brackets between the alarms are identical. The cost of the 9120B unit is around $18 and the other online is around $33.

While I did all of the work replacing the alarms this time, seven years in the future if I am still around I believe I will let the fire dept. do the installation work for me. You purchase the alarm and the Villages Fire Dept. will install for free. Hope this information helps others with chirping (five chirps) smoke detectors.

We live in Sanibel and have replaced most of the detectors. I hope you didn't pay for them because first alert will warranty them to the original home owner as long as you own your home. The same goes for the faucets and exterior door handles. They are diligent in shipping the new items pretty quickly.

[Nugent47]

Having never lived in a community where houses on both sides of the street were built within months of each other, my friends and neighbors are all needing to replace their First Alert smoke detectors. It seems that after seven years, they all do fail and need replacement.

At first, I thought a simple battery replacement would do the trick. I should have listened to the beep code (five chirps) that was telling me a full replacement was needed. I then discussed my issue with several neighbors who told me that almost everyone on the street had recently replaced all of their units.

I seems that two models of First Alert smoke detectors (SC9120B – 9120B) are used with the SC9120B having a carbon monoxide alarm added. Both smoke alarms are AC powered interconnected with battery backup. I needed two SC9120B and two 9120B while my brother up the street needed two SC9120B and four 9120B. As I replaced my old First Alert units with new identical model units, all I had to do was twist the new units onto the original mounting brackets and plug in the existing quick connect clip to the new detector.

Some of my neighbors replaced all of their units with the carbon monoxide alarm added unit as the mounting brackets between the alarms are identical. The cost of the 9120B unit is around $18 and the other online is around $33.

While I did all of the work replacing the alarms this time, seven years in the future if I am still around I believe I will let the fire dept. do the installation work for me. You purchase the alarm and the Villages Fire Dept. will install for free. Hope this information helps others with chirping (five chirps) smoke detectors.
Thanks for the very useful information

[forebubba]

Carbon Monoxide is a bit lighter than the air we breathe. So, it will not settle down low as many people believe. It can rise up high throughout the home. The suggested height is about 6 feet. ( It may be 4-5’) but, it can go higher so ceiling or high on walls is fine.
If you only have one it should be placed near your sleeping area so you hear it easily if there’s an issue.
I hope this helps.

Why the need for a carbon Monoxide detector in an all electric house?
Our first house built here in 2007 did not have any. Had to buy one when we sold it in 2010 prior to closing.

[retiredguy123]

Why the need for a carbon Monoxide detector in an all electric house?
Our first house built here in 2007 did not have any. Had to buy one when we sold it in 2010 prior to closing.
The building code requires one for any house with an attached garage.

[Miekies]

Why the need for a carbon Monoxide detector in an all electric house?
Our first house built here in 2007 did not have any. Had to buy one when we sold it in 2010 prior to closing.

You don't need a carbon monoxide detector in an all electric house only ones with natural gas

[Driver8]

It’s FREE for Villagers who are disabled or unable to climb a ladder. The resident is responsible for supplying the new batteries and/or detectors.

Not sure about that. My friend lives in Fenney ( capable of climbing a ladder) and the very pleasant young lady (auxiliary, I think) who replaced her smoke detector batteries said it's a free service offered to all Villagers. You just buy the batteries. Maybe it's changed since then.

[retiredguy123]

You don't need a carbon monoxide detector in an all electric house only ones with natural gas
They are required for houses that have an attached garage.

Florida Statute 553.885 - Carbon Monoxide Alarm Required

[retiredguy123]

Not sure about that. My friend lives in Fenney ( capable of climbing a ladder) and the very pleasant young lady (auxiliary, I think) who replaced her smoke detector batteries said it's a free service offered to all Villagers. You just buy the batteries. Maybe it's changed since then.
Correct. The free service is available to all Villages residents. You need to provide the batteries and/or the smoke detectors. Call 352-205-8280.

[Spsmith444]

As for the CO2 detectors, r they needed when the house is all electric? I guess cars in garage can be and issue but anything else?

[notme6w]

In accordance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Kidde recommends replacing smoke and heat alarms every ten years, and replacing carbon monoxide and combination alarms every seven to ten years (depending on your model) to benefit from the latest technology upgrades.

[MrFlorida]

Most carbon monoxide detectors only have a 7 year lifespan.

[G.R.I.T.S.]

Having never lived in a community where houses on both sides of the street were built within months of each other, my friends and neighbors are all needing to replace their First Alert smoke detectors. It seems that after seven years, they all do fail and need replacement.

At first, I thought a simple battery replacement would do the trick. I should have listened to the beep code (five chirps) that was telling me a full replacement was needed. I then discussed my issue with several neighbors who told me that almost everyone on the street had recently replaced all of their units.

I seems that two models of First Alert smoke detectors (SC9120B – 9120B) are used with the SC9120B having a carbon monoxide alarm added. Both smoke alarms are AC powered interconnected with battery backup. I needed two SC9120B and two 9120B while my brother up the street needed two SC9120B and four 9120B. As I replaced my old First Alert units with new identical model units, all I had to do was twist the new units onto the original mounting brackets and plug in the existing quick connect clip to the new detector.

Some of my neighbors replaced all of their units with the carbon monoxide alarm added unit as the mounting brackets between the alarms are identical. The cost of the 9120B unit is around $18 and the other online is around $33.

While I did all of the work replacing the alarms this time, seven years in the future if I am still around I believe I will let the fire dept. do the installation work for me. You purchase the alarm and the Villages Fire Dept. will install for free. Hope this information helps others with chirping (five chirps) smoke detectors.

Fire department will only do replacements with identical model numbers. I wanted different combinations so I did them myself.

[WesMan]

Having never lived in a community where houses on both sides of the street were built within months of each other, my friends and neighbors are all needing to replace their First Alert smoke detectors. It seems that after seven years, they all do fail and need replacement.

At first, I thought a simple battery replacement would do the trick. I should have listened to the beep code (five chirps) that was telling me a full replacement was needed. I then discussed my issue with several neighbors who told me that almost everyone on the street had recently replaced all of their units.

I seems that two models of First Alert smoke detectors (SC9120B – 9120B) are used with the SC9120B having a carbon monoxide alarm added. Both smoke alarms are AC powered interconnected with battery backup. I needed two SC9120B and two 9120B while my brother up the street needed two SC9120B and four 9120B. As I replaced my old First Alert units with new identical model units, all I had to do was twist the new units onto the original mounting brackets and plug in the existing quick connect clip to the new detector.

Some of my neighbors replaced all of their units with the carbon monoxide alarm added unit as the mounting brackets between the alarms are identical. The cost of the 9120B unit is around $18 and the other online is around $33.

While I did all of the work replacing the alarms this time, seven years in the future if I am still around I believe I will let the fire dept. do the installation work for me. You purchase the alarm and the Villages Fire Dept. will install for free. Hope this information helps others with chirping (five chirps) smoke detectors.
Go to Lowes, read the replacement packages, they All have a limited live cycle.

[JOEMAN]

I had the same problem with my 2014 Michigan home after the first year. I called the manufacturer (Kidde). They asked me how many I had in the house, they sent me all new ones and said there was a factory defect with the combination units. That was 6 years ago. I guess its about time to replace them all again due to age.

[vinnytalk]

Having never lived in a community where houses on both sides of the street were built within months of each other, my friends and neighbors are all needing to replace their First Alert smoke detectors. It seems that after seven years, they all do fail and need replacement.

At first, I thought a simple battery replacement would do the trick. I should have listened to the beep code (five chirps) that was telling me a full replacement was needed. I then discussed my issue with several neighbors who told me that almost everyone on the street had recently replaced all of their units.

I seems that two models of First Alert smoke detectors (SC9120B – 9120B) are used with the SC9120B having a carbon monoxide alarm added. Both smoke alarms are AC powered interconnected with battery backup. I needed two SC9120B and two 9120B while my brother up the street needed two SC9120B and four 9120B. As I replaced my old First Alert units with new identical model units, all I had to do was twist the new units onto the original mounting brackets and plug in the existing quick connect clip to the new detector.

Some of my neighbors replaced all of their units with the carbon monoxide alarm added unit as the mounting brackets between the alarms are identical. The cost of the 9120B unit is around $18 and the other online is around $33.

While I did all of the work replacing the alarms this time, seven years in the future if I am still around I believe I will let the fire dept. do the installation work for me. You purchase the alarm and the Villages Fire Dept. will install for free. Hope this information helps others with chirping (five chirps) smoke detectors.
You want to get the new built in battery, unit and battery lasts 10 years, then it warns you to replace the entire unit.
Don't get the 10 year unit with a 9 volt battery, you may have to still replace the battery.
You can order online, also once you leave First alert you have to change the mounting plate and wire connection all comes with new unit....

[jrref]

Just remember that carbon monoxide detectors have a fixed life that varies with the manufacturer. Once that time limit is up you need to replace the detector. The lease expensive method is to just get the same or similar replacement from Amazon or one of the big box stores. The most expensive but the least maintenance in the long run is to replace your detectors with Nest smoke/carbon monoxide detectors. I replaced my wired detectors with the Nest wired detectors and the batteries last 10 years and they check themselves automatically once a month and report the status to your cell phone. If any of the detectors trigger for any reason you get an alert on your cell phone as well.

[LianneMigiano]

I once saw a video regarding two 9 volt batteries that had just been tossed in the trash. When the contact points touched it STARTED A FIRE! It showed the need to tape over the contact points before disposal. Please be careful....

[Bilyclub]

We live in Sanibel and have replaced most of the detectors. I hope you didn't pay for them because first alert will warranty them to the original home owner as long as you own your home. The same goes for the faucets and exterior door handles. They are diligent in shipping the new items pretty quickly.

No true for all. My house was built in 2013 and the warranty was 7 years. First Alert would not replace when I called in 2020. Replaced all the First Alert stuff with FireEx which I consider to be better, anyway.

[DAVES]

It’s FREE for Villagers who are disabled or unable to climb a ladder. The resident is responsible for supplying the new batteries and/or detectors.

We have 10 foot ceilings. I took a 6 foot ladder from our previous home just not high enough to safely change batteries or smoke detectors. You want to, as I did, get a good 8 foot ladder.

[retiredguy123]

You want to get the new built in battery, unit and battery lasts 10 years, then it warns you to replace the entire unit.
Don't get the 10 year unit with a 9 volt battery, you may have to still replace the battery.
You can order online, also once you leave First alert you have to change the mounting plate and wire connection all comes with new unit....
Basically, there are two types of smoke detectors, the type with replaceable batteries and the type that are sealed and have a non-replaceable battery. The replaceable battery type come with a 9-volt alkaline battery, but you can replace the battery with a 10-year lithium battery, and it will last as long as the sealed type. The real difference in the two types of smoke detectors is that, if your house does not have a hardwired smoke alarm system, the smoke detectors with a replaceable battery will not comply with the building code. When you add a smoke detector to a non-wired system, you must use the sealed type of smoke detector to comply with the code. But, if you are replacing smoke detectors in a hardwired system, it is fine to use the smoke detectors that have replaceable batteries. If you want them to last 10 years, then just replace the battery with a lithium battery, which is the same type used in the sealed detectors. So, this is just a building code issue. All of the newer houses in The Villages have a hardwired smoke alarm systems, so you do not need the sealed detectors.

[FromDC]

We had to replace our units recently. If you go to Lowe's check out the First Alert Contractors Pack price versus the individual price. It was cheaper, for us, to pay the bulk price for the same units. Hopefully, you can take advantage of this price savings. The 10% military discount helps too.

[retiredguy123]

We had to replace our units recently. If you go to Lowe's check out the First Alert Contractors Pack price versus the individual price. It was cheaper, for us, to pay the bulk price for the same units. Hopefully, you can take advantage of this price savings. The 10% military discount helps too.
Ordering them from Amazon is a cheaper way to go. You can get the hardwired type with battery backup for about 10 dollars each in a 6-pack. Also, it doesn't make sense to pay an extra 15 dollars each for the ones with a 10 year battery. They are the same as the cheaper ones that have an alkaline battery, except they have a lithium battery. If you want a 10 year battery, just buy the 9-volt lithium batteries separately for about 5 dollars each and replace the alkaline battery that comes with the 10 dollar detector. You will save money and have some extra alkaline batteries to use for something else.

[FromDC]

Ordering them from Amazon is a cheaper way to go. You can get the hardwired type with battery backup for about 10 dollars each in a 6-pack. Also, it doesn't make sense to pay an extra 15 dollars each for the ones with a 10 year battery. They are the same as the cheaper ones that have an alkaline battery, except they have a lithium battery. If you want a 10 year battery, just buy the 9-volt lithium batteries separately for about 5 dollars each and replace the alkaline battery that comes with the 10 dollar detector. You will save money and have some extra alkaline batteries to use for something else. It is nice to provide options to people reading this thread. I opted to purchase retail from Lowe's (#38) and you opted to purchase online. I have no idea if your savings numbers are accurate. It doesn't really matter since this was a one time purchase.

While you were doing your cost analysis, I was heading to Lowe's with my replacement model number. My project took 1 hour and I reaped intangible savings from time incurred. Also, since my Alerts came with batteries, I will not have forgotten batteries rolling around in my junk drawer. Nice to have options.

[retiredguy123]

It is nice to provide options to people reading this thread. I opted to purchase retail from Lowe's (#38) and you opted to purchase online. I have no idea if your savings numbers are accurate. It doesn't really matter since this was a one time purchase.

While you were doing your cost analysis, I was heading to Lowe's with my replacement model number. My project took 1 hour and I reaped intangible savings from time incurred. Also, since my Alerts came with batteries, I will not have forgotten batteries rolling around in my junk drawer. Nice to have options.
Agreed. But, no matter what you do, I would advise that you always have a few spare 9-volt batteries on hand. When you have a smoke detector chirping at midnight, there is no way to stop it without replacing the battery or disconnecting the detector. It's easier to replace the battery.

[DaleDivine]

I once saw a video regarding two 9 volt batteries that had just been tossed in the trash. When the contact points touched it STARTED A FIRE! It showed the need to tape over the contact points before disposal. Please be careful....

Yes, if the contacts touch anything metal, such as a can, aluminum, etc, it will heat up in a hurry.
:bigbow::bigbow:

[nancyre]

CO /smoke detectors have an expiration date - shelf life. It is noted on the unit but is around 5 years for CO.
At that point the sensor has reached its life expectancy and need to be replaced. Smoke detectors are 10 years.
Villages homes have a mixture of both with CO by the bedrooms
Smoke alarm outreach materials (https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/smoke_alarms.html)

[Speedie]

All were installed about the same time, so with planned obsolesce it is expected that most would fail at nearly the same time.