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When a fire breaks out at your home or business, a smoke detector can save your life. If you have installed a USI 1204 smoke detector, but are unsure about some of the sounds you are hearing from the unit or what different flashing lights mean, the manufacturer offers several ways to troubleshoot. The problem could be a battery simply needs to be changed or you may learn you have an electrical problem.
If your USI 1204 smoke detector is not functioning properly, do some troubleshooting before a disaster occurs.
Check the breaker if the red LED light on the smoke detector is flashing every 40 to 45 seconds, but the green LED light is off. Switch the breaker back on if it has tripped or change the fuse if it is blown. Contact an electrical service professional if the power is fine, but the green LED light on the smoke detector remains off.
Check the house or building for smoke if the horn on the smoke detector beeps three times, pauses, then beeps three more times, and the red LED light is flashing repeatedly. Clear the home or business of all occupants and call the fire department unless the horn stops blowing after 10 seconds, indicating a test button has been pressed.
Turn off the power to the smoke detector if you hear a chirping sound every 40 seconds. Unscrew the cover and remove the battery. Replace it with a new 9-volt battery and remove the battery pull tab. Replace the cover and turn the power back on to the smoke detector. Press the test button down to verify the smoke detector is working properly.
Check all smoke detectors to verify power is functioning if one of the detector's horns does not sound during a test. Turn off the power, then unscrew the smoke detector from the mounting bracket. Verify the connector plug is tightly fastened to the unit.
References
Tips
- Call an electrician if the power is functioning, the batteries are fresh and the connector plug is tightly fastened to the smoke detector, but the horn does not sound during a test.
Writer Bio
Kelli Peacock Dunn has been a news editor and photographer since 1998, working at a weekly newspaper in Northwest Florida. Her articles have also appeared in "Panama City Living" magazine and "The Lookout."
Photo Credits
- Michael Blann/Digital Vision/Getty Images
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August 03, 2017
Tired of that annoying beeping sound coming from your hard-wired smoke alarm?
Tired of that annoying beeping sound coming from your hard-wired smoke alarm?
We don’t blame you! We’ll help you find the source of the problem and fix it so you can have some peace again.
First, follow these quick troubleshooting steps:
- Locate the reset button on the surface of the smoke detector
- Hold it for 15–20 seconds and then release
- Wait a couple of minutes and listen for the chirping noise again
If the chirping stops, then great—problem solved. But if the noise continues, you may have another issue. In that case, read on...
Smoke detector still chirping after you reset it? A hard-wired smoke detector usually chirps because of 1 of these 3 problems:
- A dead backup battery
- Dust inside your detector
- Malfunctioning/old detector
In this article, we’ll talk about all 3 of these problems and how you can solve them. We’ll start with the most likely culprit, a dead backup battery...
Problem #1: The backup battery is dead
Most hard-wired smoke detectors include a 9-volt backup battery that’s supposed to kick in if your home loses electricity. If that battery is running low, your detector alerts you with a high-pitched beep.
Solution: Replace the battery
To replace the battery in your hard-wired smoke detector, follow these steps:
- Turn off the power to your wired smoke detector at the circuit box
- Find the battery cover panel on the detector
- If there’s a screw holding it in place, use the screwdriver to remove it
- Remove the old battery and replace it with a new one
- Press the “test” button and listen for a beep. If you hear a tone, then your detector is working. But if the chirping persists later, then the battery isn’t the problem.
Battery not the problem? Keep reading...
Problem #2: Dust inside your detector
Sometimes dust finds its way into your smoke detector and gathers in the sensing chamber, which can cause your detector to chirp.
Dust can also cause false alarms, so if you’ve heard your alarm go off at random times, that could also indicate you have dust built up in your detector.
Solution: Clean your detector
Follow these steps to clean your detector:
- Turn off the power to your wired smoke detector at the circuit box
- Remove the face of the detector
- Use a vacuum hose or a small brush to clean out all of the dust
- You can also use a mild detergent to eliminate any dust buildup
- Replace the face of the detector and listen for the chirping sound
Still hearing that chirping sound? You could have a malfunctioning or very old detector...
Problem #3: Malfunctioning/old detector
Over time, detectors can break down and start to malfunction. If you’re hearing a chirping noise, it could be a sign that the smoke detector is nearing the end of its life.
Solution: Have a professional take a look at your detector
Smoke detectors usually last 10 years, so if yours is older than that, you’ll need to replace it. Check the manufacture date printed on the smoke detector to see how old it is.
If your smoke detector is relatively new, you may need to have a professional electrician inspect it to see why it’s malfunctioning. A professional can make sure your detector is working properly and install a new one if it isn’t.
Need a reliable Florida electrician?
Our expert electricians are ready to help. We’ll get your smoke detectors working properly again so you don’t have to hear that chirping sound anymore.
Posted in: Troubleshooting