How To Reset A Smoke Detector: A Step-by-Step Guide

A smoke detector is an essential component of your home security plan. (see also the important elements of fire alarm systems) Not only are smoke and fire a real threat to your family and home, but many insurance companies and fire departments require them.

However, the smoke detector needs to be properly maintained, otherwise, it won’t function when you need it most. One common reason for a smoke detector not working maybe its battery. Learn how to reset a smoke detector and confirm that is set to alert you of a smoke or fire danger, as well as how to change the battery in your smoke detector.

What is a Smoke Detector and What Does it Do?

A smoke detector is a small tool that could save hundreds of lives every year.
Many security companies required you to install at least one smoke detector for a one-time fee. Without one, you can’t be sure you are prepared in the case of a fire.

A smoke detector’s main job is to detect thick fog or smoke created by a fire. When the sensor detects this chemical, it sends out an alarm that warns you of a potential fire or possible carbon monoxide poisoning.

Some detectors may not come equipped with a battery, meaning that you will have to replace them once the battery burns out. Be sure to purchase extra batteries so that you don’t have to worry when your power goes out or you accidentally pull out the battery.

“There was this tragic situation a few years ago, where a young family lost their kids because of a house fire. They had a smoke detector, but it just never went off. Instead, everybody died because of a smoke detector that didn’t work.” 

This is why it is so important to invest in a quality smoke detector that you can trust. Investing in a smoke detector is a small price to pay in comparison to the safety and peace of mind it provides.

When purchasing a smoke detector in a reliable smoke detector shop can save lives. 

Additionally, make sure to check the installation instructions and replace the battery regularly. Lastly, be sure to test the smoke detector every month to ensure that it is working properly.

The Benefits of Installing a Smoke Alarm with a Battery Backup

We’ve helped a few of our customers secure their home with our professionally installed systems, which includes installing smoke alarms. In our home, we like to have carbon monoxide alarms, fire, and smoke alarms installed. Typically, these devices are powered by plugging them into a power source. While this is fine for most homes, what do we do if we have no electrical outlet nearby?

AC power: Since we’re not using its built-in battery before we can install a smoke alarm, we’ll need to plug it into AC power, so you’ll need to locate a power outlet wherever you’re installing the alarm. Even if you don’t move for a long time, chances are you’ll find the need to update your home at one point or another, so take that into consideration when locating the outlet- you don’t want to have to move the alarm when you do.

Battery backup: Smoke alarms with a battery backup will still work in much easier to move an alarm with a battery backup than without. To install one, you will need to connect the battery to the smoke alarm, first. Then, plug the outlet to relocate an entire smoke alarm!

Hardwired: You can also use a hardwired smoke alarm, which is connected directly to your home’s electrical wiring. This is a great option for households without any available outlets nearby, or for those who want to ensure their smoke alarm is always powered. To install one,  you’ll need to locate a junction box in your home’s wiring and connect the smoke alarm to it using the provided wiring kit. 

13 Reasons Your Smoke Detector Stops Working

Smoke detectors have a funny way of going bad all on their own. When this happens, there’s something apparently called ‘function drift’ that occurs when smoke detectors receive repeated signals when they’re working. Because of this, the rattle in the detector box might come on from time to time no matter how many times you change the batteries.

Ringing different chimes – Smoke detectors are supposed to make a shrieking sound if there’s any smoke or fire in the kitchen or hallway, right? Wrong! While smoke detectors still have a shrieking alarm signal, that signal isn’t the first line of defense anymore. Newer models with ionization smoke detectors will ring a different chime if there’s a problem, letting those that it’s a standalone alarm that needs to be checked ASAP.

Battery dying – Firewood, cigarette butts, and candles are a few common things that burn up batteries faster than a cupcake in a Steve Harvey episode of Family Feud. Old batteries will stop the in the event of danger, potentially leading to fires.

Home remodeling – If you’ve dealt with any kind of remodeling, the smoke detector battery could be dead no matter how old it is. In fact, it’s highly likely that the battery is long gone by now.

Water damage – This warning might apply to people with basements that don’t get a lot of sunlight, but exposure to water can cause electronics to malfunction. A quick check of the smoke detector will let you know if it’s dead.

Old batteries – Long-term exposure to a battery dead can kill the batteries, even if they are seemingly brand new.

Faulty installation – Your smoke detectors need to be installed in an organized manner so that they can function properly. There’s nothing worse than smoke detectors randomly going off. For this reason, the detectors have to be mounted on ceilings and walls.

Hardware malfunction – Smoke detectors have an interface with the circuit boards, sensors, and other parts. Sometimes, smoke detectors have mechanical issues that cause false alarms and hassles.

Mechanical failure – Even if everything else seems fine, sometimes the smoke detector will go off spontaneously without any smoke present.

Vacation mode – Yes, it’s true that smoke detectors automatically go into ‘vacation mode’ whenever there’s no activity for a set period of time. This can be annoying, especially if you’re away for a long time and the smoke detector is still inactive. 

Dead batteries – It’s important to check the batteries in your smoke detectors on a regular basis. If the batteries die, the smoke detector won’t be able to detect any smoke, which would be a major safety issue.

Dusty  – Dust can build up on the sensors in the smoke detector and cause it to malfunction. It’s important to clean the sensors regularly so that the smoke detector can operate properly.

Obstructed sensors – If the smoke detector’s sensors are blocked by furniture, curtains, or other objects, it might not be able to detect smoke properly. It’s important to make sure the sensors are unobstructed and that the smoke detector is positioned in an open area. 

Incorrect settings – Most smoke detectors have settings that can be adjusted, such as the sensitivity level. If the settings are not correct, the smoke detector might not be able to detect smoke properly. It’s important to make sure the settings are correct and that the smoke detector is functioning properly.

How to Reset a Smoke Detector – A Step-by-Step Guide

Smoke alarms are an essential part of your home security system. The loud sound alerts you quickly when there is a fire, giving you enough notice to take appropriate action.

This also means that they are a common target for burglars, who steal them to sell on the black market. That’s why it’s important to know how to reset so they’re put back in place after they’ve been tampered with.

Not only this, but it doesn’t hurt to know how to reset your smoke detector in case yours starts sounding false alarms or the battery runs out.

When the battery gets low, the smoke detector might not trigger, even when there’s smoke in the air. If that happens, an easy fix is to change the battery. Most smoke detectors have instructions on the battery label, so a quick phone call to the manufacturer would help you find the right type of battery.

Once you know what battery to buy, just take it to your local hardware and variety store (in case you get unlucky with your purchases).

Follow the steps on the battery-label:

1. Use a small, flat-head screwdriver to loosen the retaining screws on the battery compartment door.

2. Take the old battery out and insert the new one.

3. Replace the battery compartment door.

4. Replace the retaining screws and tighten them.

Now that you’ve reset the smoke detector, it should stay activated and respond correctly to the presence of smoke. In the event that you find yourself in a situation where your smoke detector goes unused, you can change the batteries once every 12 months. Otherwise, you’ll be fine.

It’s worth noting that batteries have a limited lifetime, so after 5 years you should probably switch to a different type of battery altogether – but you don’t have to. Installing a cover over the smoke detector is very effective at preventing thieves from tampering with it, as they often trick people into thinking the device is broken then take the alarms to sell them. Installing a cover does require that you take the smoke detector off the wall, however, which means your smoke detectors’ sensitivity settings won’t be as accurate anymore.

What to Do After a Smoke Detector Goes Off

So you’ve evacuated your family in the event of a fire or strong smoke, but what if there were not one but two alarms going off? If you have all-wheel drive, it could be that you’re experiencing false alarms as a result of rain, snow, or extreme heat. If you live in a high windled area, make sure all the doors and windows are properly closed so that your smoke detector doesn’t trigger from the wind.

However, if you’re sure that your fire alarms are not malfunctioning and you’re starting to feel concerned by them going off for no apparent reason, you might need some proper training. Read this guide to what to do when a fire alarm in your Provo apartment goes off so that you’re better prepared to handle a false alarm.

1. Check your living space for any visible signs of a fire.

2. Make sure all family members have safely evacuated the premises 

3. Contact your local fire department for assistance.

4. Ensure that all windows and doors are closed to prevent smoke from getting into the apartment.

5. If the alarm is still sounding, investigate all potential sources of smoke and fire.

6. If the source is not immediately apparent, contact a professional technician to inspect the smoke alarm and make sure it is functioning correctly.

7. If the alarm is still sounding, contact your landlord or property manager.

8. If the alarm is false, reset it and change the batteries to ensure it works correctly.

9. Follow any instructions given by the fire department or your landlord.

10. If the alarm is false, take preventative steps to reduce the risk of future false alarms, such as regularly checking the smoke detector and changing the batteries.

How to Test Your Smoke Detector Alarms

Smoke detectors are a core component of a home security system. Suppose the system were to stop working. What would happen if these fail?

Some homeowners may think that simply having a smoke detector is enough while thinking that if the home catches on fire, the smoke detector will trigger the alarm. That’s not true. One must test the fire alarm regularly in order to be sure they’re working properly. 

Smoke detectors are batteries and can last a reasonable duration of time. However, they can lose batteries, as well as the power they require to work. There are ways to check if your smoke detector is working, which is critical to know if you’re part of a monitored security system.

Testing Your Smoke Detector Alarm

1. Locate the smoke detector in your home and make sure the cover is in place and the power is connected.

2. Push and hold the test button for a few seconds. This should trigger the alarm.

3. If it doesn’t, replace the battery and try again.

If the smoke detector fails to work after replacing the battery, you may need to replace the entire unit. Additionally, make sure to check the expiration date on the back of the detector to ensure it has not expired. 

It’s always important to remember to test your smoke detector regularly to ensure that it is working correctly and can be relied upon in an emergency. If you have a monitored security system, you may also have the option of having your smoke detector tested remotely by a professional like Go Safer Security.

How to Keep Your Smoke Alarms Working

Smoke alarms aren’t like regular batteries; they’re hardwired into your home so you can’t just replace them like you would with most devices around the home. Luckily for us, it’s easy to keep them in working order by following a series of quick tips.

First, change the batteries regularly. We begrudgingly changed the batteries in our smoke alarm every six months or so, and revealed about 80% of the batteries still had a great deal of power. Do a quick check of your smoke alarm’s power source. 

Second, keep your smoke alarm clean. Dust and debris can collect on the detector and interfere with its ability to detect smoke. Make sure to wipe it down regularly with a damp cloth.

Third, install fresh new smoke alarms every with the ability to detect smoke. Vacuum off or dust the smoke alarm to ensure that it isn’t interfered with.

Finally, test your smoke alarm regularly. Manufacturers typically recommend testing smoke alarms at least once a month. All you need to do is press the test button to make sure it’s working properly.

Understand the Importance of Regularly Checking Your Smoke Alarm Batteries

Smoke detectors are is ital warning devices for the early detection of smoke and fire and offer a critical lifeline for your family.

Even if the batteries are replaced regularly, smoke detectors have low battery life and will eventually require replacement. Trust us, you’re not the only one who makes that mistake. It is important to check all the smoke detectors in your home to ensure they work properly.

They’re also expired.

The average life of smoke alarms is approximately ten years. That means if you move into your home in 2007 and you don’t replace your smoke alarms, they will most likely no longer be effective. They should also not be thrown away. Instead, they should be disposed of in a responsible manner.

Most people know that smoke detectors should be replaced roughly every ten years. Some know to replace them immediately upon changing their clocks for daylight savings time. Some know to replace them regularly throughout the year, every six months, or even quarterly.

As we discussed above, smoke detectors can be a lifesaving devices and should never be taken for granted.  It is important to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and to regularly check and replace smoke detectors as necessary. Regularly replacing the batteries in your smoke detectors is also important in ensuring their optimal performance. A good rule of thumb is to replace the batteries at least twice per year. Additionally, it’s important to clean and replace them every ten years. 

Lastly, it’s important to never throw away smoke detectors, as this can be hazardous. Instead, you should dispose of them in an environmentally responsible manner by taking them to a recycling facility or a hazardous waste collection site. 

What to Look for When Buying Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Carbon monoxide alarms are important for the health and well-being of you and your family. While not the most common type of protection device, carbon monoxide poisoning is actually the third leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States. Although, 70% of carbon monoxide incidents occur outside the home.

So how can you ensure you get the right carbon monoxide alarm for your home?

It starts with understanding the two different types of carbon monoxide sensor technology: electrochemical and optical.

The electrochemical sensor technology is the one you’re likely most familiar with and is the type used in the majority of alarms today. Sensors are, essentially, sensors that measure the levels of carbon monoxide in the air. These sensors have been dubbed the ‘standard’ because of their accuracy and low cost.

Optical technology is a newer technology being adopted by manufacturers and is the type that should help prevent false alarms, and is less likely to become unreliable over time. Rather than using two sensors, the optical technology uses one sensor and an LED or other light source to ‘look’ at the levels of carbon monoxide in the air. If the sensor sees carbon monoxide in the air, it tells the LED to turn on. If there is no carbon monoxide in the air, the LED is turned off, telling the sensor that there is no CO in the air. Optical technology is also more expensive than electrochemical technology. 

Conclusion

Resetting a smoke detector is a critical part of home safety that should not be overlooked. With the right steps, you can reset a smoke detector quickly and easily. If you do run into any issues or need more advice on how to reset your smoke detector, Go Safer Security is here to help. Our experienced technicians are available to provide you with the best advice and solutions for all your home security needs. Reach us to use by calling our 800-GO-SAFER (467-2337) number or using our click2call page to call us for free.