Most Common Reasons For Smoke Detector False Alarms

Common Causes of Smoke Detector False Alarms

Nothing startles a person more than a fire alarm that goes off for no real reason. This cringe-worthy screech is never welcomed, especially when you know there’s no fire or other risk at the moment. With no actual emergency in sight, this sound can become frustrating and frightening. If these false alarms have been happening more and more, you may want to consider getting a smart smoke detector to ensure more reliable protection and eliminate the specter of false alarms.

Your electrician in O’Fallon can troubleshoot your situation and install a smart smoke alarm instead.

Common Causes of False Alarms

From overcooked food to steam and humidity, there are many reasons for smoke alarm malfunction.

1. Smoke detector placement: Not much smoke is needed to trigger an alarm. If you have placed your smoke detector within 10 feet of any type of cooking appliance such as a stove or toaster oven, this could be to blame for the false alarms. Some high-tech smoke alarms can even detect a sudden rise in temperature. Drafts can also be causing your alarm to go off so don’t install your smoke detectors beside a door or window. Drafts tend to interfere with the sensors’ performance, often mimicking the illusion of smoke thanks to particles that drift in from outside.
2. Overcooked food: Does your alarm go off when you slightly overcook your food, even when the alarm is placed more than the recommended 10 feet away? This could be due to heightened smoke detector sensitivity. If it goes off every time you burn your toast even the slightest, be sure to test and adjust its sensitivity.
3. Steam or high humidity: High humidity levels will carry dense moisture particles that your alarm could confuse for smoke particles. In fact, sometimes the air actually is dense enough to scatter the photoelectric sensor’s light beam or stick to the ions within the ionization chamber. Same thing with steam, so if your alarm goes off every time you open the door after a steamy shower, you may need more ventilation in the bathroom or you may want to reconsider alarm placement.
4. Insects: The chamber entrances of your smoke detector are big enough to allow small insects to fit in. Once there, they can interfere with the sensors and trigger the alarm. Open up the unit and inspect for creepy crawlies.
5. Dust buildup: A buildup of dust can cause false alarms as well. This is why you should clean out your smoke detectors once a year with a vacuum brush attachment.
6. Nearby chemicals: Smoke detectors are sensitive to air particles released by strong-smelling chemicals. Your frequent false alarms could be caused by strong chemicals in the vicinity, such as when deep cleaning or remodeling your home.
7. Dead batteries: If you are hearing harsh, prolonged screams or repetitive high-pitched beeps coming from your smoke detector, the batteries probably need changing. Replace them once a year at least.

Contact Braco Electrical and Contracting in Warrenton MO

Don’t live with an unpredictable, outdated smoke alarm. Instead, contact us today at 636-294-8562 so our St. Louis MO electricians can perform an inspection.