Chirping Smoke / CO alarms

[fcgiii]

On Tuesday at 2:30 AM one of my ceiling-mounted smoke and CO monitors started chirping 5 times every minute. I got a ladder and pushed the button. Two days later it repeated the event, now joined by another unit, at almost exactly the same time. Someone on this forum said replace the batteries. They are hardwired with backup batteries. I replaced them in both units. When I pushed the button they chirped then gave the five chirp salute. Ah. They recognize my effort.

This morning they started chirping again. I resisted attacking the damn things with a hammer, but did push the button to give me some rest.

I understand now that I need to replace these two as well as the other three that are chuckling away in silence waiting to torment me.

Issue is: these appear to be wired into the house current. In the electrical box there is a breaker marked low volt panel. I presume that services the alarms and the door bell.

Now, to replace these I have to climb up on a ladder, trust that my deduction about the breaker is correct, and replace these and rewire them. Or, rather, in my advanced age, hire an electrician to do this.

I assume that many of the homes in the Villages have the same system. We live in Lake Deaton.

Any suggestions before I get my hammer?

[Dana1963]

On Tuesday at 2:30 AM one of my ceiling-mounted smoke and CO monitors started chirping 5 times every minute. I got a ladder and pushed the button. Two days later it repeated the event, now joined by another unit, at almost exactly the same time. Someone on this forum said replace the batteries. They are hardwired with backup batteries. I replaced them in both units. When I pushed the button they chirped then gave the five chirp salute. Ah. They recognize my effort.

This morning they started chirping again. I resisted attacking the damn things with a hammer, but did push the button to give me some rest.

I understand now that I need to replace these two as well as the other three that are chuckling away in silence waiting to torment me.

Issue is: these appear to be wired into the house current. In the electrical box there is a breaker marked low volt panel. I presume that services the alarms and the door bell.

Now, to replace these I have to climb up on a ladder, trust that my deduction about the breaker is correct, and replace these and rewire them. Or, rather, in my advanced age, hire an electrician to do this.

I assume that many of the homes in the Villages have the same system. We live in Lake Deaton.

Any suggestions before I get my hammer?
Different Types of Beeps and Chirps:

It is time to replace the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector. 5 Beeps Every Minute: End of Life. This type of chirp indicates it is time to replace your carbon monoxide alarm.
My system is wited to household current tired into the master bath/closet lighting. Waiting provided a messenger circuit to active all alarms when needed
Detectors have a life of about 8 -10 years. The best deal I found to replace units is Amazon. Contractor bulk purchase Home Depot, Lowes.
I have 3 CO and 3 smoke/fire detectors.
I believe Fire Dept will replace units purchased if ladders are an issue. The service is offered Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on a first come first serve basis by calling The Villages Public Safety Department at (352) 205-8280 during normal business hours.

[CWGUY]

On Tuesday at 2:30 AM one of my ceiling-mounted smoke and CO monitors started chirping 5 times every minute. I got a ladder and pushed the button. Two days later it repeated the event, now joined by another unit, at almost exactly the same time. Someone on this forum said replace the batteries. They are hardwired with backup batteries. I replaced them in both units. When I pushed the button they chirped then gave the five chirp salute. Ah. They recognize my effort.

This morning they started chirping again. I resisted attacking the damn things with a hammer, but did push the button to give me some rest.

I understand now that I need to replace these two as well as the other three that are chuckling away in silence waiting to torment me.

Issue is: these appear to be wired into the house current. In the electrical box there is a breaker marked low volt panel. I presume that services the alarms and the door bell.

Now, to replace these I have to climb up on a ladder, trust that my deduction about the breaker is correct, and replace these and rewire them. Or, rather, in my advanced age, hire an electrician to do this.

I assume that many of the homes in the Villages have the same system. We live in Lake Deaton.

Any suggestions before I get my hammer?

:ho:Public Safety Smoke Detector Program (https://www.districtgov.org/departments/Public-Safety/smoke-detector-program.aspx)

[retiredguy123]

5 chirps means that your detector has reached the end of life, based on time. It has nothing to do with the battery. So, you need to replace all of the detectors.

I would remove the batteries, turn off a few breakers, one at a time, and press the test button on the detectors to see if the power is off. Also, the green light should be off. If that doesn't work, and you can replace the detectors with the same type of plug in (not touching the bare wires), I would feel safe doing that. But, it is not the recommended method.

[Malsua]

On Tuesday at 2:30 AM one of my ceiling-mounted smoke and CO monitors started chirping 5 times every minute. I got a ladder and pushed the button. Two days later it repeated the event, now joined by another unit, at almost exactly the same time. Someone on this forum said replace the batteries. They are hardwired with backup batteries. I replaced them in both units. When I pushed the button they chirped then gave the five chirp salute. Ah. They recognize my effort.

This morning they started chirping again. I resisted attacking the damn things with a hammer, but did push the button to give me some rest.

I understand now that I need to replace these two as well as the other three that are chuckling away in silence waiting to torment me.

Issue is: these appear to be wired into the house current. In the electrical box there is a breaker marked low volt panel. I presume that services the alarms and the door bell.

Now, to replace these I have to climb up on a ladder, trust that my deduction about the breaker is correct, and replace these and rewire them. Or, rather, in my advanced age, hire an electrician to do this.

I assume that many of the homes in the Villages have the same system. We live in Lake Deaton.

Any suggestions before I get my hammer?

As noted above, the detectors are end of life and need replaced.

I would only add that if they are the same brand, you can likely re-use the mounting plate and electrical plug. Meaning, you don't have to turn off the power, just unclip the AC plug from the back of the alarm. Unless the wire nuts have pulled free, there's no risk of you shocking yourself. Most just have you squeeze either side of the plug and it comes right off. It's all plastic, there's no exposed metal on the supply side, and when the plug is clear, the leads in the detector are not engergized.

[villagetinker]

OP, most detectors actually PLUG in at the box on the wall or ceiling. If you twist the existing detector, it will come off the wall, the connector will unplug from the back of the detector. If you get the same make and model, then you simply reverse the procedure. I would strongly suggest you replace ALL of the detectors at this time. Also, the detectors outside the bedrooms are typically CO2 detectors, make sure you get the same type for these. Any handyman will be able to help you if you do not want to climb the ladder, and electrician is not required.
If you decide to change brands, you may need to change the connector, which will require the power to be turned off and will require more time to remove the original connector and install the new connector. As far as I know you cannot mix and match different detectors.

[MrFlorida]

Just so you know, even if it's hard wired, it will still chirp when the back up battery is low...

[SIRE1]

I had the same problem with my CO detector. I found the model number of the existing unit, went to ACE hardware, and bought the replacement model. (could have ordered from Amazon but it was quick and easy to get from ACE). When I looked at the existing unit on the wall, I saw that the backing plate had wires attached to contacts. So all I had to do was to unsnap the front part of the detector from the backing plate. Then inserted the front part of the newly purchased detector to the old backing plate. The contacts on the old backing plate matched the contacts on the new detector. So no wiring was required. If you are comfortable climbing a ladder, the fix to replace one of those alarms was not as difficult as it might seem. Needless to say, I was sure relieved that it turned out to be relatively easy.

[spk7951]

Smoke detectors should be replaced after 10yrs of use.

Most smoke detectors work best with Duracell batteries. Our house is 4 months old and one of the detectors started flashing recently. I replaced the no name battery with a Duracell and problem solved.

Another option for the smoke detectors is to replace them with 10yr lithium battery backup style detectors. With these type detector there is no need to replace the batteries every year. When the detector reaches its end of life cycle it will let you know it is time to replace it.

[retiredguy123]

Smoke detectors should be replaced after 10yrs of use.

Most smoke detectors work best with Duracell batteries. Our house is 4 months old and one of the detectors started flashing recently. I replaced the no name battery with a Duracell and problem solved.

Another option for the smoke detectors is to replace them with 10yr lithium battery backup style detectors. With these type detector there is no need to replace the batteries every year. When the detector reaches its end of life cycle it will let you know it is time to replace it.
Or, you can just replace the alkaline battery with a 10 year lithium battery. No need to replace the detector.

[twoplanekid]

I assume that many of the homes in the Villages have the same system. We live in Lake Deaton.

Any suggestions before I get my hammer?

From my thread last November, 2021 "Every unit on my street failed at about the same time"
in Lake Deaton
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/every-unit-my-street-failed-about-same-time-326493/

[Cobh521]

No need to turn off the electric. If you purchase the same devices, look at model number on unit. You can buy them in bulk on Amazon. You do not need to remove the plates, just unplug the old unit and plug in the new unit. I changed all of mine last year.

[Bilyclub]

I prefer FireX detectors. When the First Alert detectors went bad last year I replaced them with FireX ones by changing out the connecters. A 5 minute job for each unit.

[Stu from NYC]

This happened to us about a year ago. Was not sure it was the detector so wound up calling fire dept.

They came out quickly and told us two detectors needed to be replaced.

Purchased new ones and a very nice young lady from fire dept came out and put them back in place when I felt uncomfortable climbing my ladder to do so.

[JoelJohnson]

I replaced all 5 of my detectors. The plug was not compatible, so shut the power off and just replaced the plug one wire at a time (white to white, black to black and the red to the last wire, red or yellow). I used 10 year units, meaning they have a ten year built in battery. Now as I get older I won't have to worry about getting up on a latter for ten years, at which point I'll hire someone to place them then.

[marianne237]

always wondered why these alarms go off during the middle of the night...anyone else notice that?

[John-US]

I was told the beeping is normal by geek squad, it's a calibration thing and it happens at 2am. (maybe you just noticed it?)

[Rose Ann Vinci Igoe]

On Tuesday at 2:30 AM one of my ceiling-mounted smoke and CO monitors started chirping 5 times every minute. I got a ladder and pushed the button. Two days later it repeated the event, now joined by another unit, at almost exactly the same time. Someone on this forum said replace the batteries. They are hardwired with backup batteries. I replaced them in both units. When I pushed the button they chirped then gave the five chirp salute. Ah. They recognize my effort.

This morning they started chirping again. I resisted attacking the damn things with a hammer, but did push the button to give me some rest.

I understand now that I need to replace these two as well as the other three that are chuckling away in silence waiting to torment me.

Issue is: these appear to be wired into the house current. In the electrical box there is a breaker marked low volt panel. I presume that services the alarms and the door bell.

Now, to replace these I have to climb up on a ladder, trust that my deduction about the breaker is correct, and replace these and rewire them. Or, rather, in my advanced age, hire an electrician to do this.

I assume that many of the homes in the Villages have the same system. We live in Lake Deaton.

Any suggestions before I get my hammer?

the same thing happened to us. These alarms need to be REPLACED every 10 years with new alarms.... who knew... now that the house is 20 years old it was long overdue. I always thought just change the battery but this time it was different... so change all ALARMS and begin again. that did it.

[retiredguy123]

the same thing happened to us. These alarms need to be REPLACED every 10 years with new alarms.... who knew... now that the house is 20 years old it was long overdue. I always thought just change the battery but this time it was different... so change all ALARMS and begin again. that did it.
I don't know when it started, but the newer smoke detectors are designed to automatically start beeping after 10 years. So, if you have a new house, you will probably not be able to procrastinate for 20 years. Also, there seems to be a misconception that the sealed smoke detectors are better than the ones where you can replace the batteries. They aren't. The only difference is that the sealed detectors come with a 10 year lithium battery. But, you can replace the replaceable type alkaline batteries with the same kind of 10 year lithium batteries. The electrical codes are being updated in some areas to require the sealed type smoke detectors. But, so far, in Florida, the sealed type detectors are only required where you don't have a hard wired system. So, it really doesn't make sense to replace the builder installed detectors with the sealed type, unless you don't trust yourself to replace the batteries when they fail.

[Pgcarmi]

I don't know when it started, but the newer smoke detectors are designed to automatically start beeping after 10 years. So, if you have a new house, you will probably not be able to procrastinate for 20 years. Also, there seems to be a misconception that the sealed smoke detectors are better than the ones where you can replace the batteries. They aren't. The only difference is that the sealed detectors come with a 10 year lithium battery. But, you can replace the replaceable type alkaline batteries with the same kind of 10 year lithium batteries. The electrical codes are being updated in some areas to require the sealed type smoke detectors. But, so far, in Florida, the sealed type detectors are only required where you don't have a hard wired system. So, it really doesn't make sense to replace the builder installed detectors with the sealed type, unless you don't trust yourself to replace the batteries when they fail.
I also live in Lake Deaton. Had to replace 2 units last month. They reached their end of life. I have a longer ladder and would be happy to assist. I live on Fellowship. Please email me your contact information if you’d like assistance. pgcarmi@aol.com. Paul.

[retiredguy123]

I was told the beeping is normal by geek squad, it's a calibration thing and it happens at 2am. (maybe you just noticed it?)
Totally false.

[bonrich]

About the ten year life of some of the batteries. Small print on package indicates these batteries have a ten year shelf life. Since the detectors are hard wired and would only use the batteries for back up if there is a loss of power. So a total of shelf and actual installed life is counted. Do not know if there is a manufactured date on the batteries.

[asiebel]

Call 352 205 8280. They come change batteries if you can't climb the ladder, but they may be able to help you with your problem too.

[crash]

On Tuesday at 2:30 AM one of my ceiling-mounted smoke and CO monitors started chirping 5 times every minute. I got a ladder and pushed the button. Two days later it repeated the event, now joined by another unit, at almost exactly the same time. Someone on this forum said replace the batteries. They are hardwired with backup batteries. I replaced them in both units. When I pushed the button they chirped then gave the five chirp salute. Ah. They recognize my effort.

This morning they started chirping again. I resisted attacking the damn things with a hammer, but did push the button to give me some rest.

I understand now that I need to replace these two as well as the other three that are chuckling away in silence waiting to torment me.

Issue is: these appear to be wired into the house current. In the electrical box there is a breaker marked low volt panel. I presume that services the alarms and the door bell.

Now, to replace these I have to climb up on a ladder, trust that my deduction about the breaker is correct, and replace these and rewire them. Or, rather, in my advanced age, hire an electrician to do this.

I assume that many of the homes in the Villages have the same system. We live in Lake Deaton.

Any suggestions before I get my hammer?

The button only silences the alarm for a few days then it will be back. This works for 3 times then it will no longer silence the alarm. The 5 beeps is telling you that the alarm needs to be replaced which for CO detectors is every 6 to 7 years. The date of manufacture is on the back of the alarm.

[retiredguy123]

About the ten year life of some of the batteries. Small print on package indicates these batteries have a ten year shelf life. Since the detectors are hard wired and would only use the batteries for back up if there is a loss of power. So a total of shelf and actual installed life is counted. Do not know if there is a manufactured date on the batteries.
That is a good reason why you shouldn't buy the "sealed" smoke detectors. If the battery goes dead, the detector will start to beep, and you will need to replace the detector. The detector may be guaranteed to last 10 years, but it may be a hassle to enforce it. Any battery can go dead in less than 10 years for many reasons. The batteries in the sealed detectors are essentially the same type of lithium battery that you can buy on Amazon for about 6 dollars and install them in the non-sealed detectors. Then, if it starts to beep, you can replace the battery.

[remedythis@sbcglobal.net]

most of the time the smoke alarms are wired in series. to replace them you do not need to rewire anything. just remove them and there is a plug in the back that is usually universal and you will probably be able to simply plug in a new one. no need to shut the breaker off.

[Villages Kahuna]

The batteries probably need to be replaced in your alarms. Call the Fire Department. One of their services is replacing batteries—they don’t want residents climbing ladders. Make a count and buy the batteries. Just visit Ace Hardware and tell them how many, they know the kind, probably the oblong 9-volt ones.

[TNLAKEPANDA]

On Tuesday at 2:30 AM one of my ceiling-mounted smoke and CO monitors started chirping 5 times every minute. I got a ladder and pushed the button. Two days later it repeated the event, now joined by another unit, at almost exactly the same time. Someone on this forum said replace the batteries. They are hardwired with backup batteries. I replaced them in both units. When I pushed the button they chirped then gave the five chirp salute. Ah. They recognize my effort.

This morning they started chirping again. I resisted attacking the damn things with a hammer, but did push the button to give me some rest.

I understand now that I need to replace these two as well as the other three that are chuckling away in silence waiting to torment me.

Issue is: these appear to be wired into the house current. In the electrical box there is a breaker marked low volt panel. I presume that services the alarms and the door bell.

Now, to replace these I have to climb up on a ladder, trust that my deduction about the breaker is correct, and replace these and rewire them. Or, rather, in my advanced age, hire an electrician to do this.

I assume that many of the homes in the Villages have the same system. We live in Lake Deaton.

Any suggestions before I get my hammer?

We live in Lake Deaton also. Just recently I had to replace two of the smoke detector units. You can get them at Lowes for about $18. The units have a life expectancy so I suggest you buy two and you will have a backup for when the next one dies. Replacing the battery does nothing. Send me a PM is you need the Model #

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

On Tuesday at 2:30 AM one of my ceiling-mounted smoke and CO monitors started chirping 5 times every minute. I got a ladder and pushed the button. Two days later it repeated the event, now joined by another unit, at almost exactly the same time. Someone on this forum said replace the batteries. They are hardwired with backup batteries. I replaced them in both units. When I pushed the button they chirped then gave the five chirp salute. Ah. They recognize my effort.

This morning they started chirping again. I resisted attacking the damn things with a hammer, but did push the button to give me some rest.

I understand now that I need to replace these two as well as the other three that are chuckling away in silence waiting to torment me.

Issue is: these appear to be wired into the house current. In the electrical box there is a breaker marked low volt panel. I presume that services the alarms and the door bell.

Now, to replace these I have to climb up on a ladder, trust that my deduction about the breaker is correct, and replace these and rewire them. Or, rather, in my advanced age, hire an electrician to do this.

I assume that many of the homes in the Villages have the same system. We live in Lake Deaton.

Any suggestions before I get my hammer?

If you can still manage a ladder, it’s an easy fix. I’d go with a new CO unit and the newer Ion/Photo cell smoke detectors. They plug into the walls, which you’ll see once you take them down.

[GoJacks]

Also Lake Deaton, house built 2014. First Alert replaced our two five-chirpers under warranty. The phone number is on the back, along with the model number and date of manufacture. As others have said, easy to replace if you have and feel comfortable on a tall ladder (or so I'm told 😉).

[mrf0151]

We make a note on our calendar to replace all the batteries on January 1 every year. Never have to worry about being awaken at 2am.

[mrkorn12@aol.com]

A couple of weeks ago, I changed the 5 Alarms in my house. This Alarm was rated #1 by Consumer Reports. It is very loud: 85 decibels. It will be hard-wired to your electrical system. It will last 10 years-- and so will the back-up battery. No more batteries to change; and, no more Smoke alarms beeping in the middle of the night. I installed them myself. You may need a handyman or electrician or...

The Alarm is made by Universal Security Instruments, Inc. The Model # is AMIC 1510SC. I ordered 5 of them, direct from the company. Here's the Link to the Company's Website, and this specific model:

Sensing Plus AMIC1510SC Hardwired Combo Smoke, Fire & Carbon Monoxide Alarm - UL217 8th Edition (https://www.universalsecurity.com/sensing-plus-alarms/AMIC1510SC)

[Luggage]

If you go to the brand website -"MOST" will simply say - 10 years - replace with new units.

[OhioBuckeye]

You know when you change the batteries in your smoke detectors, you also have to drain the capacitor in it too. Take your battery out & unplug it ( hardwire) then push button until it quits squelling, it’ll only take about 3 or 4 sec. then put new battery in & plug in the hardwire. It should work then!

[Proveone]

On Tuesday at 2:30 AM one of my ceiling-mounted smoke and CO monitors started chirping 5 times every minute. I got a ladder and pushed the button. Two days later it repeated the event, now joined by another unit, at almost exactly the same time. Someone on this forum said replace the batteries. They are hardwired with backup batteries. I replaced them in both units. When I pushed the button they chirped then gave the five chirp salute. Ah. They recognize my effort.

This morning they started chirping again. I resisted attacking the damn things with a hammer, but did push the button to give me some rest.

I understand now that I need to replace these two as well as the other three that are chuckling away in silence waiting to torment me.

Issue is: these appear to be wired into the house current. In the electrical box there is a breaker marked low volt panel. I presume that services the alarms and the door bell.

Now, to replace these I have to climb up on a ladder, trust that my deduction about the breaker is correct, and replace these and rewire them. Or, rather, in my advanced age, hire an electrician to do this.

I assume that many of the homes in the Villages have the same system. We live in Lake Deaton.

Any suggestions before I get my hammer?
First of all, check the date on the back, if they are between 5 and 10 years old replace them. Just unplug the back and plug in the new ones. Easy. Make sure you test button all of them. You can buy them cheaply in quantity on Amazon. I paid about $10 each for First Alert brand.

[DAVES]

On Tuesday at 2:30 AM one of my ceiling-mounted smoke and CO monitors started chirping 5 times every minute. I got a ladder and pushed the button. Two days later it repeated the event, now joined by another unit, at almost exactly the same time. Someone on this forum said replace the batteries. They are hardwired with backup batteries. I replaced them in both units. When I pushed the button they chirped then gave the five chirp salute. Ah. They recognize my effort.

This morning they started chirping again. I resisted attacking the damn things with a hammer, but did push the button to give me some rest.

I understand now that I need to replace these two as well as the other three that are chuckling away in silence waiting to torment me.

Issue is: these appear to be wired into the house current. In the electrical box there is a breaker marked low volt panel. I presume that services the alarms and the door bell.

Now, to replace these I have to climb up on a ladder, trust that my deduction about the breaker is correct, and replace these and rewire them. Or, rather, in my advanced age, hire an electrician to do this.

I assume that many of the homes in the Villages have the same system. We live in Lake Deaton.

Any suggestions before I get my hammer?

The carbon monoxide sensors have a shorter life than the smoke detectors. You can look it up on the internet. The chirping pattern tells you whether you need to replace the battery or the whole unit. Replacing the whole unit, you do not need an electrician just A PROPER LADDER, or a hired handyman. You buy the same unit. If, I recall it is FIRST ALERT. The connector to the electrical system is a simple, The unit is secured with typical key hole slots you open the cover to the unit, slightly loosen the screws and twist the unit-it will be obvious which way it turns. If, you do it yourself, you will be done before you can find the number and dial the phone for a handyman. As we have 10 foot ceilings you want to have not a 6 foot but an 8 foot ladder. Using a 6 foot ladder is a good way to risk a trip to the hospital.

[pgettinger01]

All the units are connected to each other. Change the batteries in all of them.

[sloanst]

The sensor has gone bad. These Alarms are only good for 5 to 7 years. Simply replace it with new. Might as well replace them all now.

[EdFNJ]

I was told the beeping is normal by geek squad, it's a calibration thing and it happens at 2am. (maybe you just noticed it?)

Totally false.

I seriously believe (and :pray:) his comment was meant to be a joke but he just didn't add a :D to it. Although, having dealt with "Geek Squad" one time in my life maybe not!