Every unit on my street failed at about the same time
 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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:

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??

smoke detectors
 

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

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.

Placement
 

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.