[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?

[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]

Originally Posted by 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

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

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 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]

Originally Posted by Madelaine Amee

This link Carbon Monoxide Detector Placement: Where to Place CO Alarms | Safety.com 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.