Are you sure there's not a backup battery? May be a good time to replace the detector and get one that does have battery backup.

When I pulled the face off I didn't see one? Would it be hidden somewhere else? I'll have to look closer tonight. I know they're a good thing but this is about a pain when you don't know which one is fussing. We were going to replace all the batteries and be done with it.

Once, one of our smoke detectors went off for no reason. I called the fire dept, and the dispatcher told me that sometimes they need vacuuming to remove dust, etc. It was one with a back-up battery, though.

Can you see a brand and model number on it. You can usually find the manuals online.

Smoke detectors should have 2 sources of electricity. I have been told that can be a combination of hardwire, battery, or a radio active bit. I'm not sure if he was pulling my leg with the radio active part, but he seemed serious...

Mine chirp when the batteries need to be replaced. It is annoying, but it is better to figure this out and have them functioning properly.

*Going off to test mine now* This post was a great reminder. Thanks, Sheesh!

We had one like that and had it taken out during the remodel and replaced with a regular battery operated one. Our's had no back up battery either.

I remember it went through a spell of chirping too, but then it stopped.

Do a websearch on electronic smoke alarms and see if there's a manufacturer you could call to get an idea.

In the meantime, go buy a regular one, they're very inexpensive.

Paintchips is right about the two sources. Ours are tied in with the electrical also, but have battery back-up.

We've had a similar problem with the ones in the garage - they get dusty and occasionally a bug is able to get in. LOL

tina

Mine are electric with a battery backup. When the battery gets low on juice, the alarm starts chirping. Replacing the battery is difficult because of the way the unit is assembled - it is not at all intuitive. I can't be of much more help because we have to go through the same laborious process to locate the battery every time because no one can remember how it works.

Not much help here except a suggestion to keep poking around - there is likely a battery there somewhere.

LindaJ

There's gotta be a weak or loose battery somewhere (not missing b/c you would have heard it before now). If you can't see a little door on the front of the unit, try twisting it off the mounting plate and look on the back. If you can see a manufacturer's imprint or label on the front or the back you can check out their website. We have Firex (not the ones that were recalled), here is their website.

It can really be annoying, ours were going off too while the house was under construction b/c the electrician's apprentice wired them wrong and *left* for the day weekend with them chirping! There were other problems so I just threw the main breaker. I'm assuming that after a year in the house, that's not your problem! You didn't flip a switch you've never flipped before, did you LOL? You can throw the breaker (should be labeled) for your detectors while you hunt down the problem, but don't go to bed with that breaker off! Vacuum them off while you're at it.

Thanks for the reminder - gotta go buy new 9V's!

Here is a link that might be useful: Firex

Is your system monitored? Maybe call the company that installed it for help.

Ours are wired too but they too have a battery back-up that chirps slowly when they need to be replaced. I can't imagine that they don't have a battery. What would happen if there was a fire and the power went out?

After taking more than 3 seconds to look at the smoke alarm last night it does in fact use batteries. It's a Kidde i12040 I believe. (narrowed it down online since I covered part of the number. I have other shots that I'm not showing on here). I printed out the user's guide. There's a temper resist pin that needs removed in order to change the batteries. It does explain and I think I can figure it out now. I wish I would've asked for some information when they were installed. I shouldn't of had to ask though IMO.
It does say to clean it once a year and they should be replaced in 10 years.

Going to try it tonight! Thanks everyone!

{{gwi:1523562}}
{{gwi:1523563}}
I should've already been in bed when I took these shots so I didn't mess with them but found this message interesting.
{{gwi:1523564}}

Shut off the breaker, then it looks like you have to disconnect the AC (probably something like a phone jack where you have to hold in a tab then pull it out), then replace the battery. Check the manual for exact instructions and remember to turn the breaker back on when you're done!