Smoke alarm woke us this morning. - a photo on Flickriver

Smoke alarm woke us this morning.

            made a sudden short blast then a few seconds later again then repeated.
I looked around with the torch and no smoke or smell so I asked Google Gemini..

There are a couple of reasons why a mains-powered smoke alarm might go off even though there's no fire. Here are the most common culprits:

 Power Issues: Mains-powered alarms typically have a battery backup, but fluctuations in the main power supply can still cause problems. Power surges or even unstable voltage can trip the alarm. Additionally, a loose wire connection can interrupt the power flow and cause the alarm to malfunction.

 Environmental Factors:

Dust and Insects: Dust buildup inside the smoke detector can trigger false alarms. Insects can also get in and disrupt the sensors.
High Humidity: In some older models, very high humidity levels can lead to false alarms.
Airborne Irritants: Strong cooking fumes, especially if the alarm is close to the kitchen, or even aerosol sprays can set off a smoke alarm.
 Other Causes:

End of Life: Smoke alarms don't last forever. Most manufacturers recommend replacing them every 10 years. If your alarm is older than that, it might be malfunctioning due to age.
Improper Placement: Smoke alarms shouldn't be placed in kitchens, bathrooms, or garages where they might be exposed to normal cooking fumes, steam, or dust.
 Here are some things you can try:

Check the manual: Your smoke alarm manual should have troubleshooting tips specific to your model.
Test the alarm: Most alarms have a test button to make sure they're working correctly. Consult the manual for proper testing procedures.
Replace the batteries: Even in mains-powered alarms, a low battery can cause malfunctions.
Clean the unit: Use canned air to gently remove dust from the vents of the smoke alarm.
Consider the age: If the alarm is over 10 years old, you might be better off replacing it altogether.
 If you've tried these troubleshooting steps and the alarm is still going off for no reason, it's best to call a qualified electrician to check the wiring and ensure everything is safe. Remember, a functioning smoke alarm is crucial for your safety, so don't ignore false alarms.

So later I blew a lot of dust, cobwebs and small leaves from the alarm with the 18v leaf blower..

All fixed, but will get an electrician to check them as they are at least 9 years old..
   

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Taken on: May 9, 2024

Tags:

miscellaneous

home

alarm

fixtures

stuff « less

Groups appears in: • Six Word Story • Walls, corners and arches more » • ROOFS & ROOFTOPS « less

Camera: Apple iPhone 8, f/1.8, 1/122 sec, 4mm, ISO 25 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Apple iPhone 8
Aperture:	f/1.8
Exposure Time:	0.008 sec (1/122)
Focal Length:	4mm
ISO:	25
Exposure Bias:	0 EV
Flash:	Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program:	Program AE
Exposure Mode:	Auto
Metering Mode:	Multi-segment
White Balance:	Auto
Color Space:	Uncalibrated
Software:	16.7.7
Show full info

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