Why does my smoke alarm go into alarm when I can't see smoke?

Any of these situations can cause unwanted alarms:

• Smoke alarm may need to be relocated.
  Install smoke alarms at least 20 feet from appliances like furnaces and ovens, which produce combustion particles. Alarms should be at least 10 feet from high humidity areas like showers and laundry rooms, and at least 3 feet from heat/AC vents.
• Cover or sensor chamber is covered by dust or dirt.
  Alarms may look clean, but dust can accumulate inside the cover, even in newly built homes. Gently vacuum your smoke alarm regularly using the soft brush attachment.
• Insects covered or clogged the sensor chamber.
  Clean the smoke alarm with the soft brush attachment on your vacuum. To prevent repeat problems, clean and treat the surrounding area with insect repellent (DO NOT SPRAY THE SMOKE ALARM).
• Alarm was triggered from another part of the home.
  In a system of interconnected AC or AC/DC alarms, the unit triggering the alarm is in another part of the home - smoke may be present, but you can't see it.
• Power interruptions to AC/DC smoke alarms.
  These smoke alarms may alarm briefly when power is interrupted, then restored. Power interruptions are common in areas where utility companies switch grids in the early hours of the morning.
• A loose electrical connection on AC or AC/DC smoke alarms.
  In AC or AC/DC smoke alarms, loose connections can intermittently disconnect power to the smoke alarm. The effect is the same as a power failure. When power is restored, the units may alarm briefly.
  
  

Why does my smoke alarm chirp intermittently?

The same factors that cause unwanted alarms can cause intermittent alarms: dust, insects, and power interruptions. See question No. 1 for more details. The "chirp" may also be caused by:

• A different device or appliance.
  Security systems, monitors, carbon monoxide alarms, and other devices have similar low battery or alert signals.
• Low Battery
  Many smoke alarms have a low battery chirp to alert you to change the battery when its power is running low.
• Improper wiring on AC or AC/DC smoke alarms.
  AC alarms will chirp every 5 seconds if the interconnect wire is grounded. The orange interconnect wire should NEVER be grounded; it should only be used to interconnect other smoke alarms or compatible devices.
  
  

Why doesn't my smoke alarm sound when I push the test button?

• Hold the test button down longer.
  Try holding the test button down for up to 10 seconds (20 seconds on photoelectric models.)
• Check the power supply.
  Make sure the battery is installed properly and snapped all the way in place. Even if the alarm sounded briefly when the battery touched the terminals, you still need to make sure it is snapped securely in place. If the battery is loose, in cannot power the smoke alarm properly.
• Make sure the AC power is on.
  AC and AC/DC units will have a power indicator light (red or green) that shines continuously when they are receiving electrical power.
• 10-Year Models ONLY(SA10YR or 4010YR):
  The smoke alarm may not have been properly activated. If the tab broke away before the alarm was activated, you can use a toothpick to move the switch over to activate the alarm.
  
  

Why does the alarm sound when I install a battery or turn on the AC power?

It is normal for the smoke alarms to sound briefly (up to 5-10 seconds) when they are powered up. If the alarm continues to sound and no smoke is present, the cause may be:

• Insufficient battery or AC power.
  Very low batteries or insufficient electrical power (brown out) may cause a continuous weak sounding alarm. For DC models, change the battery (DC). For AC or AC/DC models, temporarily disconnect power at the service panel until the brown out is over. If you do not restore the AC power, your smoke alarms cannot warn you of a fire.
• Incompatible warning device.
  If an incompatible alarm or auxiliary device is linked into a series of AC or AC/DC smoke alarms it may cause the system to alarm.
  
  

Why do I hear the low battery "chirp" if the battery is new?

• Does your smoke alarm have a silence button?
  If so, the button may have been pressed by mistake. The alarm will now "chirp" once a minute for up to 15 minutes.
• Are you sure it's the smoke alarm?
  Other devices have similar low battery chirps or warning tones.
• Even "new" batteries may not be fresh.
  If batteries are stored, especially in cold areas like refrigerators, they lose their charge more quickly. Always check the freshness date on the package when buying new batteries.
  
  

What replacement batteries can I use?

Check your User's Manual or the nameplate on the back of the alarm. Never use rechargeable batteries because they do not always provide a consistent charge.

What is the difference between Photoelectric and Ionization and Photoelectric smoke alarms?

Ionization Smoke Alarms are generally more effective at detecting flaming fires, which consume combustibles quickly and spread rapidly. Sources of these fires include paper burning in a wastebasket, or grease fires on a stove. Photoelectric Smoke Alarms are generally more effective at detecting smoldering fires, which smolder for hours before bursting into flame. Sources of the fires include cigarette smoldering in couches or bedding. For maximum protection, install both types of smoke alarms on every level of your home.

I lost my User's Manual. Can I get a new one?

Manuals are available online for download at no cost. We will, also gladly send you a replacement User's Manual or equivalent instructions. Please have the model number handy when requesting a replacement manual. Customer Service contact info:

Why does the Fire Protection Association (FPA) recommend that home smoke alarms be replaced after 10 years?

As electronic devices, smoke alarms are subject to random failures. In 10 years there is roughly a 30% probability of failure before replacement. After 15 years, the chances are better than 50/50 that your alarm has failed. That is too big a risk to take. Replacing alarms after 10 years protects against the accumulated chance of failure, but monthly testing is still your first, best means of making sure your alarm will work.

I have a smoke alarm that states that you can use your TV remote control to silence or test this alarm, but it will not operate.

If the Alarm does not respond to your remote control, there may be an obstruction between you and the Alarm.  You may be standing too far away, or your remote control may not be compatible.

How long will the battery last in the alarm?

Actual battery service life depends on a Smoke or CO Alarm and the environment in which it is installed. All the batteries specified in the user’s manual are acceptable replacement batteries. Regardless of the manufacturer’s suggested battery life, you MUST replace the battery immediately once the unit starts “chirping” (the “low battery warning”).

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless gas. It is a common by-product of incomplete combustion, produced when fossil fuels like wood, coal, charcoal, gasoline, kerosene, natural gas, or oil burn.

Where does Carbon Monoxide come from?

Carbon Monoxide can be produced by gas or oil appliances like a furnace, clothes dryer, range, oven, water heater, or space heater. When appliances and vents work properly, and there is enough fresh air in your home to allow complete combustion, the trace amounts of CO produced are typically not dangerous.
These conditions can cause CO levels to rise quickly:

• Appliance malfunction, i.e. the heat exchanger on your furnace cracks.
• Vent, flue, or chimney is blocked by debris or even snow.
• Fireplace, wood burning stove or charcoal grill is not properly vented.
• Vehicle is left running in an attached garage and CO seeps into the house.
• Several appliances are running at the same time, competing for limited fresh air. This can cause incomplete combustion and produce CO, even if all appliances are in good working condition.
  
  

Why is Carbon Monoxide dangerous?

Because CO robs your blood of oxygen. When you inhale carbon monoxide, it bonds with the hemoglobin in your blood, displacing life-giving oxygen. This produces a toxic compound in your blood called "Carboxyhemoglobin" (COHb). Over time, exposure to CO can make you sick. Victims exposed to enough carbon monoxide can suffer brain damage, or even die.
According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), 1500 people die each year because of CO poisoning, and another 10,000 become ill. Since you can't see, smell, or taste carbon monoxide, it can make you sick before you even know it's there.

What are the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning?

Mild exposure: Slight headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, flu-like symptoms
Medium exposure: Throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion, fast heart rate.
Extreme exposure: Convulsions, unconsciousness, heart and lung failure. Exposure can lead to brain damage and death.

Is Carbon Monoxide lighter than air?

Carbon monoxide weighs about the same as air and distributes evenly throughout the room and house. When installing a CO alarm, choose a location where the alarm will stay clean, and out of the way of children or pets. See User's Manual for specific installation requirements.

What level of CO will hurt me or my family?

This is different for each person. Since it is a poison, it affects everyone at different levels. Age, size, and health are other factors that can determine the effect CO has on them. You should contact your own physician for advice regarding this question.
Everyone is at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning, but some people are more vulnerable. Unborn babies, infants, children, seniors, and people with heart or lung problems are at higher risk from CO poisoning.

What does "Move to Fresh Air" mean?

The "Move to Fresh Air" mean printed on the face of newer CO alarms is a reminder to move all family members to an area with fresh air if the alarm sounds. You should not unplug or move the CO alarm itself.

What should I do when the CO alarm sounds?

Silence the alarm. Call your emergency services, fire department, or 911. Move everyone immediately to fresh air-outdoors or by an open door or window. Do a head count to check that all persons are accounted for. Do not re-enter the premises or move away from the open door or window until the emergency services responder has arrived, the premises have been aired out, and your CO alarm remains in its normal condition.

Why didn't the emergency responder find CO after an alarm?

If your carbon monoxide alarm went off, it detected CO. Here are some reasons why a responder may not find CO during an investigation:

• Carbon monoxide dissipated in fresh air. If windows and doors open before a responder arrived, the same concentration of CO may no longer be present. Be safe first, the responder can try to recreate the conditions.
• The alarm may have been caused by an on-again, off-again problem. CO alarms measure exposure over time, so the exact conditions that cause an alarm may be difficult to duplicate in an investigation.
  
  

Will CO alarms detect gas leaks?

No, this is a CO Alarm and it reacts to carbon monoxide only. To detect gas, you need a gas detector.

How long does a Carbon Monoxide Alarm last?

First Alert alarms are warranted for 5 years, then it should be replaced with a new CO Alarm.

Where should I install my First Alert residential Carbon Monoxide Alarm?

Install at least one CO Alarm near or in each separate sleeping area. For added protection, install an additional CO Alarm at least 15-20 feet away from the furnace or fuel burning heat sources. Also, locate CO Alarms at least 10 feet from sources of humidity like bathrooms and showers. In two story houses, install one CO Alarm on each level of the home. If you have a basement, install that CO Alarm at the top of the basement stairs.

Is there anywhere I shouldn't install my Carbon Monoxide Alarm?

DO NOT locate a CO Alarm in garages, kitchens, furnace rooms, or in any extremely dusty, dirty, humid, or greasy areas. Do not place units in direct sunlight, or areas subjected to temperature extremes. These include unconditioned crawl spaces, unfinished attics, uninsulated or poorly insulated ceilings, and porches. CO Alarms should not be located in outlets covered by curtains or other obstructions. Do not place in turbulent air-near ceiling fans, heat vents, air conditioners, fresh air returns, or open windows. Blowing air may prevent CO from reaching the CO sensors.

Is one CO Alarm enough for my home? If not, how many should I have?

Install a CO Alarm on every level of your home. If you install only one CO Alarm in your home, locate it near or in your bedroom.

How high should I install my CO Alarm?

For ease of viewing you can locate the alarm about 5 feet off the floor. Carbon monoxide weighs about the same as air and distributes evenly throughout the room/house. Choose a location where the CO Alarm will stay clean and out of the way of children or pets. See your User's Manual for specific installation requirements.

Why does my CO Alarm sound when there doesn't seem to be a problem?

Remember, CO is an odorless, colorless gas. If your carbon monoxide alarm went off, it detected potentially harmful amounts of CO. Make sure no one has any symptoms of CO poisoning. Here are a few situations that may cause alarms:

• The CO alarm needs to be relocated.
  The CO alarm should be located 15-20 feet away from all fossil fuel burning sources like furnaces and stoves. It should be located 10 feet away from sources of humidity like showers.
• Fossil fuel burning appliances not burning fuel completely.
  Check pilot lights/flames for blue color. Appearance of yellow or orange flames indicates incomplete combustion-a source of carbon monoxide.
  
  

Why does the red light flash? Do I have CO?

No. The red light flashes to show the CO Alarm is receiving battery power.

How do I test the CO Alarm?

Press and hold the Test Button on the front of the alarm until the alarm sounds. Be sure you hold the button down long enough. It can take up to 20 seconds for the alarm to respond to the button.

Can the Carbon Monoxide Alarm be tested any other way besides pressing the test button?

The test/silence button is the only proper way to test the CO Alarm. NEVER use vehicle exhaust! Exhaust causes permanent damage and voids your warranty

Can I remove the battery from the CO Alarm to silence or reset it?

NO! The CO Alarm is designed to reset automatically. Use the Test/Silence Button to quiet the alarm while the alarm is resetting.

Why does the horn "chirp" once a minute on my battery powered CO Alarm?

The battery may be low or weak. Is the Battery Light yellow or green? If it's yellow, it means the battery is low. Replace it with a new battery.

What does the SERVICE light mean on the FCD3 and SC01 units?

First, check the User's Manual to make sure the correct 9-volt battery is installed. If that's OK, then the problem is with the sensor and the detector will have to be replaced.

Why should I leave the CO Alarm plugged in all year?

CO problems can happen at any time. Remember, your furnace or space heaters aren't the only source of CO. Gas ranges, water heaters, dryers, charcoal grills, or vehicles left running in an attached garage can all cause CO problems.

Have First Alert CO Alarms ever been recalled?

There has never been a recall on any of our CO Alarms.

How long will the batteries last in the alarm?

Actual battery service life depends on the Smoke or CO Alarm and the environment in which it is installed. All the batteries specified in the users manual are acceptable replacement batteries. Regardless of the manufacturer’s suggested battery life, you MUST replace the battery immediately once the unit starts “chirping” (the “low battery warning”).