When was the last time you checked the batteries in your home’s smoke detectors? While many detectors will beep to indicate the batteries need replaced, that’s not a full-proof plan to ensuring your home and loved ones are protected from a potential fire. Show
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, homeowners should check all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms once a month by pushing the “test” button on the device. If you find one or more of your detectors has low batteries, use this guide to properly replace them. 1. Set your account to test mode.Before doing anything, ensure your security system is either on hold, test or “disregard.” You can quickly adjust this setting in your mobile app or by calling your company’s monitoring center. Some companies have an online customer portal where you can place your system on test. If your detectors are hard-wired, not battery-operated, take this time to turn off the main power at your circuit breaker to avoid electrical shock. 2. Remove the detector from base.Once your security system is safely in test mode, remove the detector from its base on the ceiling or wall. For most devices, this can be done by simply twisting counterclockwise. However, some hard-wired and older models have plastic locks that require a screwdriver to pop the cover open. 3. Remove old batteries.After dismounting the detector, remove the old batteries from the device. If you’re using a 2GIG Smoke and Heat Detector, you’ll be removing three AAA batteries. For many other smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, 9v batteries are the popular choice. 4. Insert new batteries.Wait at least 20 seconds after removing batteries to ensure a proper power-down sequence. Once 20 seconds is up, insert your new batteries into the device, correctly aligning negative and positive connections, and snap the cover back in place. 5. Reinstall the detector on its base.Now that your device is up and running again, reattach your detector to the mounting base by turning clockwise until the mating marks align. This should automatically power up your detector, which is indicated by a green LED light blinking every 12 seconds. 6. Test the alarm.Before you finish reinstalling the detector, ensure the new batteries work by pushing the “test” button on the device. If the test alarm doesn’t sound, check your batteries and try again. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, you may need to replace your smoke detector entirely. 7. Turn your security system back on.Now that your detectors are working correctly, make sure your system is back online by adjusting the settings using your mobile app, visiting the online customer portal or by calling your company’s monitoring center. Visit our video gallery for a full video tutorial walking your through smoke detector battery replacement. Smoke Alarm Safety TipsSmoke detectors are installed to keep you and your loved ones safe. Use these tips to keep your devices updated and working properly for years to come.
Not every person or every home has the same security and safety needs, especially when it comes to personal wellness. Contact a trusted member of the Vector Security team today to explore our custom life safety solutions. House fires are a serious danger. Many fatalities occur during fires at night, in homes that either don't have a smoke detector or have a non-functional one installed. Maintaining your smoke detectors properly can cut the chances of dying in a house fire significantly. Learn more about how to maintain your smoke detectors to protect your life and property.
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ReferencesAbout this articleArticle SummaryX To change the batteries in your non-wired smoke detector, start by removing the detector from its mounting on the ceiling either by twisting or sliding it out. Then, open the covering to access the battery inside. Make sure you check to see which type of battery your detector needs, since it will fail if you replace the existing battery with the wrong kind. When you install the new battery, make sure the negative and positive terminals match up with the markings on the detector before closing the cover. Before you return your smoke detector to its mounting, press the button on the detector to test the battery and make sure you’ve installed it correctly. For tips on how to change a battery in a wire smoke detector, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 555,823 times. Did this article help you?How do you stop a fire alarm from chirping?Remove the batteries and hold down the reset button for 15 to 20 seconds. Reconnect the batteries and alarm. It will most likely beep once as evidence it is working, then it should stop.
Will taking the battery out of a smoke detector stop the beeping?Will taking the battery out of a smoke alarm make it stop beeping? Taking the battery out of a smoke alarm will not make it stop beeping. Even after the battery has died, the detector maintains a residual charge that will keep the chirp going for at least seven days.
Is it safe to remove battery from fire alarm?It's important to remember that removing the battery completely disables a battery-powered unit, and it disables the battery backup in a hardwired alarm. Because of this, there is really only one reason for you to ever remove the battery and that is to replace it with a fresh one.
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