Why Your Fire & Smoke Alarm Keeps Going Off Randomly

12/22/2021 (Permalink)

If your alarm won't stop beeping, be sure to check the batteries to make sure it is working.

Smoke detectors can sense hidden fires, such as electrical ones, before you can. If an alarm sounds, assume there is a fire and follow proper safety precautions. To help you better understand how smoke alarms work, here are the top causes of smoke detector false alarms.

5 Reasons Why Your Fire & Smoke Alarm Keeps Going Off

Burnt Food on Stovetop

If you don’t supervise the stove when cooking, your dinner may produce smoke, which activates the smoke alarm. In some cases, smoke isn’t even necessary — a hint of burnt food can be enough to set off the detector.

High Humidity

Smoke alarms don’t always distinguish between smoke particles and moisture content. Thus, the density of the moisture particles can trigger your alarm, even if they’re water particles.

Steam

Dense water vapor is like humidity when it comes to triggering false alarms. When you take a shower or boil water on the stove, smoke detectors can sense the steam and sound the alarm.

Low Batteries

When smoke alarm batteries are running low or aren’t properly connected, they typically make small chirping noises. While that’s not the sound of smoke detection, it’s a warning sign that you should check on your device.

Old Smoke Alarm

Smoke alarms generally have a lifespan of about 10 years. When they reach the end of their lifespan, smoke alarms may give off false alarms. If your detector is older than 10 years, replace it with a new one right away.

For fire damage restoration, contact your SERVPRO of East Greenville

If a detector sounds a false alarm, it doesn’t mean it’s broken. Their purpose is to help you catch a fire before it becomes life-threatening. Install your smoke alarms not too close, but not too far away either, from potential fire hazards.