my carbon monoxide alarm beeped?

SouthernBe

it only beeped once..about 10 minutes ago..should i be worried..i went to look at it and it only has one light and the light is red but it looks like it is flickering..the light is always red by the way..we have gas heat but our heat has been off for 2 months..our ac is on..where does carbon monoxide come from??
mine is first alert model fcd2np...the date on the back says nov.15th 2005...i dont think it runs off batteries..and it may not have been the carbon monoxide it could have been the fire alarm..i am waiting to hear another beep so i will know..

Answer
Carbon monoxide comes from an open flame. If you had a gas furnace, generator, or other item that ran on natural gas, propane, diesel, gasoline, etc, it would be putting out carbon monoxide as exhaust.

Your monitor only beeped once in ten minutes, its telling you its time to change the battery, most likely. You should change the CO detector battery whenever you change your smoke alarm battery. I change ours whenever we change daylights savings time... so, once in spring, once in fall.

If you kept the papers that came with the monitor, it should tell you what the different beeps are for. Some units have it on the label on the detector, so you might be able to pull it down and look.

If it was detecting CO it would be a continuous beeping, not once in ten minutes.

Remember to change your detectors (smoke and CO) about every 5 years too, because they do wear out.

Have Fun

Carbon monoxide problem? ?

Jade

We have been living in our house for about 5 months now, and the fire alarms have never gone off. Just 10minutes ago both of them went off, one and then it stopped and then about 20minutes later the next one upstairs. Me and my mum thought it could be carbon monoxide but we have a carbon monoxide detector which should turn black if there is a presence of it. However, the detector has been here since we moved in abd we don't know if it would still be working... So any suggestions?

Answer
Unless your fire alarms double as smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, then no a fire detector will not detect carbon monoxide. They either detect smoke or heat. You need a carbon monoxide detector that has an alarm on it so it will wake you if there is a problem....one that changes colour will not help you if you are sleeping or busy and not checking it constantly. Sometimes high humidity can set an alarm off. Open the fire detector up..give it a good dusting/new batteries if it is not hard wired in and see if it works normally. If not..replace them. They need replacing every 5-10 years depending upon your detector and how well maintained they have been. A few bucks is well worth it if it may mean saving your lives.

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Smoke detector going off with no sign of fire?

kdaddy_95

I'm hoping someone can help me, and it's not an emergency. I've got a smoke detector in my basement that is going off. It's near a dryer and near my oil furnace, but there is no visible fire. I know that a shower can make a smoke detector go off. Is there something that I'm overlooking that would cause this to happen?

Answer
First off, if it is indeed a "smoke detector" than rule out Carbon Monoxide, because that's a completely different detector. However, CO detectors CAN look just like a smoke detector, so make sure it isn't a CO detector or you may have anohter problem all together!

If it is a smoke detector, try using the attachments on your vaccum cleaner to suck any dust out of it that may have built up over time. A can of compressed air can also be used to "blow" the dust out. Detectors will often "false alarm" if there is dust built up inside the sensing chamber.

Low batteries do not generally cause a false alarm, but if you haven't replaced the battery in awhile, it's certainly not a bad idea.

Nothing lasts forever. If the detector is older than 10 or 15 years, you may want to consider replacing it with a new one. The battery powered ones are typically about $10, while the hardwired ones will run you about $30.

Good luck.

What can I do about a smoke detector than uses batteries very frequently.?

Pikesville

Both ULI and Kidde detectors installed in my house seem to be eating batteries . The ULI detector was manufactured in 2009. The Kidde one in 2010. ULI says it is warranted for 5 years, Kidde for 10 years. Kidde one has suddenly been false alarming carbon monoxide detected when hard wired. Could the hard wiring need to be replaced? My house was built in 1986. Detectors have been replaced several times over the years. The combo carbon monoxide/smoke detectors seem to have more false alarms and are eating up 9 V back up batteries. Help!

Answer
If the voltage is wrong it could be killing the alarms and they are constantly on the battery hence the reason they seem to go through batteries and false alarm.

You could have AC detectors and your home smoke detector circuit is DC (not good).

You could have DC detectors and the power on the line is AC(not good).

Or the voltage could be wrong it may be 120v ac and the detectors are 24vac. (not good)

Sounds to me like it is time to break out the volt meter and do some sleuthing and them go get the right detectors or rewire the detector power circuit in your home.

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How long does it take for carbon monoxide to kill you?

blah

This morning the carbon monoxide alarm went off in our house. My dad called the fire department, they came and checked and said everything seemed okay and said we could go back in our house. My sister and I are still a little freaked out, and my 10 year old sister is scared to go to sleep because my brother told her carbon monoxide kills you in your sleep. He also said the fire department didn't even check for carbon monoxide because they didn't take any machines or anything in the house. I think he's just trying to scare my sister and I but I'm still a little freaked out. This happened this morning at about 11:30am, and now it's 6:40pm. Would we be dead already if there was carbon monoxide in the house? Or what?
Stupid question, sorry lol, my brother is just freaking me out a little.

Answer
Don't let him get to you. Sometimes the detector could go off just because the battery.

Often people who have a mild to moderate problem will find they feel sick while they spend time at home. They might feel a little better outside in the fresh air but will have re-occurring symptoms shortly after returning home. If other members of the family have re-occurring bouts with flu-like symptoms while fuel-burning appliances are being used it may be time to have the house checked by a professional.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Low levels of carbon monoxide poisoning can be confused with flu symptoms, food poisoning or other illnesses and carry a long-term health risk if left unattended. Some of the symptoms are:

Shortness of breath
Mild nausea
Mild headaches
Moderate levels of CO exposure can cause death if the following symptoms persist for a long measure of time.

Headaches
Dizziness
Nausea
Light-headedness
High levels of CO can be fatal causing death within minutes.

Treatment Options
There are immediate measures you can take to help those suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Get the victim into fresh air immediately.
If you can not get the people out of the house, open all windows and doors immediately. Any combustion appliances should be turned off.
Take those who were subjected to carbon monoxide to a hospital emergency room as quickly as possible. A simple blood test will be able to determine if carbon monoxide poisoning has occurred.
Read more about carbon monoxide poisoning treatment options for acute and chronic symptoms.

No smoke or carbon monoxide detectors in apartment, what should I do?

Ava

I just moved into an apartment in Chicago. It is an old building with a gas stove and gas heating. This afternoon I came home and noticed a strong gas smell, so I switched off the gas to the stove, opened all the windows and turned on a box fan to draw in outside air. I noticed the pilot lights on the stove had switched off. The landlord said the smell was because the pilot lights were off and he relit them. When he relit them one was burning orange instead of blue and there was still a smell so I've switched the gas off again.

I've had a look around the apartment and can't see any smoke alarm or CO detector. Is this illegal in Illinois?

Is there someone who can test levels of gas and CO in my apartment, preferably for free?

And, right now I have all the windows open and the fan going, and the gas to the stove is switched off. I should be okay to sleep in here, right?

Answer
Smoke alarms are required by law (typically hard wired or powered by a 10 year lithium battery). I suggest you point it out to your landlord first but if he doesn't act immediately call your local fire marshal to come inspect your apartment and to bring his citation pad. He might also be able to help with the stove issues.

Co2 detectors are not required by law but could be a life saving $30 expense you can take from one apartment to the next..

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I changed ALL the batteries in my smoke detectors and it is still beeping every minute or so. What next?

carbon monoxide detector 10 year battery image

Marathon m

Answer
Might be dirty. If you have an air compressor sitting around, try blowing it out. Otherwise try a vacuum. Or maybe it is defective.

Also I remember that if your smoke detector combines a carbon monoxide detector, they are designed to fail* after 7 or 10 years. So it might be beeping for that reason.

*As I remember this is due to the chemical makeup of the sensor.

Free Security System?

Mary A

My husband said that lots of companies will put in a security system for free? Should I just pay for this pkg below or should I search for a "free" provider?

I was going to go with this package from ADT (it is a special through my insurance company):

Save $355 on Installation
Members pay only $339 â Compared to ADT's standard $613.

Save $5 per month on Monitoring
Members pay only $23.99 a month by credit card â Compared to ADT's standard $30.99.

Features of the Safewatch® Pro 3000 package:
Safewatch Pro Control Panel
Safewatch Pro Touchpad
4 Door/Window Contacts
Interior Sounder
Motion Sensor
Smoke/Heat or Carbon Monoxide Detector
Telephone Connection
Battery Backâup and Power Supply
Yard Sign and Window Decals


Member Benefits:
15% Insurance Credit. You may qualify for up to 15% credit off the homeowners policy basic premium.

10% Off Addâons. Save 10% off standard

Answer
well i don't know the layout of your residence - but you need to monitor every first floor opening (doors and windows) AND any opening on any other floor accessible without the use of a ladder longer then 8 feet or so. I doubt 4 contacts will do that in any residence (i could be wrong - it depends on your situation) - i think that's where the 'add-ons' comes in.

I would go with ADT - they usually have the top of the line hardware and their monitoring is top-notch.

I had several estimates when getting my system installed - no one offered the hardware free - if they do offer it free - it probably comes with a clause that you have to go with their monitoring for so many years and it will probably be more expensive in the long run considering all of the discounts you're getting

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wired smoke detector keeps beeping I have turned it off at the mains but it is still beeping how do I stop it?

carbon monoxide detector 10 year battery image

Sue H

Answer
I have worked in the electronic security industry for over 40 years, and have encountered many of my customers with this same complaint. Here are the most common causes of this problem.

1) You may have identified the wrong detector. In other words, the beep is coming from somewhere else, and not the smoke detectors. If you are absolutely certain that you have disconnected all power to the smoke detector then there is no way a noise can come from a detector that has no power. It is ether getting power from somewhere else, or you are hearing a beep from another device such as a carbon monoxide detector that is nearby.

2) Your smoke detector is one that is wired to an alarm system. In this case I highly recommend that you contact your alarm company for service because your smoke detector is getting power from a back up battery that is a part of your alarm system, and leaving the main power shut off will wear that battery down, and then you may have to have it replaced too.

3) Your smoke detector has a built in back up battery. You can shut off the main power to your detector, but it will still run on the internal battery until it dies, which could take several hours, or maybe even days. In this case you need to take the smoke detector down and see if there is a battery inside and disconnect it.

Most smoke detectors will come down by simply grasping the detector on the outer edges and giving it a twist either to the left or the right. If you look closely on the outer housing of the detector, there should be instructions on how to open it in raised lettering on the plastic. Be careful not to force it too much if the detector is expensive because most people end up breaking the housing or the mount of the device to the point it needs to be replaced with a new one.

The most common reason these detectors start beeping when there is no reason such as a fire, is because it has reached the end of it's useful service life. A very good quality detector should last about 10 years before it should be replaced, so if yours are older than that, you need to consider replacing them with new ones, and if they are wired in to your household power, or to your wired security system, then call in a professional service technician to have them replaced and tested for operation.

I changed ALL the batteries in my smoke detectors and it is still beeping every minute or so. What next?

Marathon m

Answer
Might be dirty. If you have an air compressor sitting around, try blowing it out. Otherwise try a vacuum. Or maybe it is defective.

Also I remember that if your smoke detector combines a carbon monoxide detector, they are designed to fail* after 7 or 10 years. So it might be beeping for that reason.

*As I remember this is due to the chemical makeup of the sensor.

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What should I do if my smoke detector randomly goes off?

carbon monoxide detector 10 year battery image

lkbwildcat

Last night at 1:00 am my smoke detector went off randomly for the first time ever. I had to tear it off from the ceiling to turn it off. There was no smoke so could it have detected carbon monoxide? Or was it just a malfunction because it is more than 10 years old?

Answer
when it does that it means you have to replace the battery

Carbon Monoxide detector is beeping every 30 seconds to 1 minute?

Bob

My Carbon Monoxide detector has been beeping every 30 seconds to 1 minute for like 12 hours.

Is this just a battery problem? I don't have the time to get a new one or a new battery today, can I just put it outside so I don't have to hear it and get one this week?

Thanks

Answer
Putting it outside will keep you from hearing the beeps, BUT, it will also keep the detector from doing its job. I suggest you buy a new battery. Better to be safe than sorry. How old if the detector? They should be replaced every 10 years or so, sometimes more often.

How to select a carbon monoxide detector.

http://www.ezfix101.com/2011/08/how-to-buy-carbon-monoxide-detectors.html

what is Carbon Monoxide.

http://www.ezfix101.com/2011/08/how-does-carbon-monoxide-detector-work.html

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Carbon Monoxide detector is beeping every 30 seconds to 1 minute?

carbon monoxide detector 10 year battery image

Bob

My Carbon Monoxide detector has been beeping every 30 seconds to 1 minute for like 12 hours.

Is this just a battery problem? I don't have the time to get a new one or a new battery today, can I just put it outside so I don't have to hear it and get one this week?

Thanks

Answer
Putting it outside will keep you from hearing the beeps, BUT, it will also keep the detector from doing its job. I suggest you buy a new battery. Better to be safe than sorry. How old if the detector? They should be replaced every 10 years or so, sometimes more often.

How to select a carbon monoxide detector.

http://www.ezfix101.com/2011/08/how-to-buy-carbon-monoxide-detectors.html

what is Carbon Monoxide.

http://www.ezfix101.com/2011/08/how-does-carbon-monoxide-detector-work.html

Smoke detector going off with no sign of fire?

kdaddy_95

I'm hoping someone can help me, and it's not an emergency. I've got a smoke detector in my basement that is going off. It's near a dryer and near my oil furnace, but there is no visible fire. I know that a shower can make a smoke detector go off. Is there something that I'm overlooking that would cause this to happen?

Answer
First off, if it is indeed a "smoke detector" than rule out Carbon Monoxide, because that's a completely different detector. However, CO detectors CAN look just like a smoke detector, so make sure it isn't a CO detector or you may have anohter problem all together!

If it is a smoke detector, try using the attachments on your vaccum cleaner to suck any dust out of it that may have built up over time. A can of compressed air can also be used to "blow" the dust out. Detectors will often "false alarm" if there is dust built up inside the sensing chamber.

Low batteries do not generally cause a false alarm, but if you haven't replaced the battery in awhile, it's certainly not a bad idea.

Nothing lasts forever. If the detector is older than 10 or 15 years, you may want to consider replacing it with a new one. The battery powered ones are typically about $10, while the hardwired ones will run you about $30.

Good luck.

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