Smoke detectors last 8-10 years, but there is no specific way of knowing it. X-sense alarms come equipped with LED lights and long battery life. Some models also come equipped with a digital display. Through LED lights, one can understand the functional status of the alarm.
But before that, it is essential to comprehend LED lights and their different patterns. Here we will discuss everything about Led Light Indicators On X-Sense Alarms.
Understanding The X Sense Alarm’s Lights
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If you plan to buy a smoke alarm with LED lights, it is crucial to understand what the LED lights signify. As we mentioned earlier, the meaning of LED lights may vary depending on the model. For that, you can refer to the user manual.
X-sense alarms LED lights are very similar to traffic lights where:
- Green LED light: This signifies that the alarm is working correctly.
- Yellow LED light: This means that the alarm is either not working correctly or the battery is low.
- Red LED light: This signifies the presence of smoke coming from the fire. You need to escape as soon as you see the red LED light.
How To Stop It Blinking Yellow Or Red?
Now you know what the various LED lights on your X-sense smoke detector indicate. Now the question arises, what to do if they are blinking, and how can we stop them? Here’s how you can control them from blinking yellow or red.
1.If your smoke detector is blinking yellow:
If your smoke detector is blinking yellow, it is low on battery. This can be easily fixed by replacing the current battery with a new one. Yellow light could also indicate some problems with the smoke detector. Your smoke detector could malfunction, or it has already reached its end of life. In that case, you will have to replace the whole detector.
2. If your smoke detector is blinking red:
Red lights on an X-sense smoke detector signify the presence of danger. You should immediately check for any smoke in your home and evacuate if required. If you want to stop your smoke detector from blinking red, make sure that there is no more smoke in your home. The smoke detector will automatically become silent when it detects no more smoke remaining. But it will still blink red. Once that happens, all you have to do is push the test/silence button to stop the smoke detector from blinking red.
3.How to stop your smoke detector from chirping:
If your smoke detector makes a high-pitched sound that sounds almost like chirping, the battery needs to be replaced. A battery-equipped alarm will go off at intervals for 30 days before it dies down. If your smoke detector is hardwired with a backup battery, the chirping could indicate that it is getting its power from the backup battery. It could also signify that the backup battery needs to be replaced. If you are not sure what kind of battery needs to be replaced, you can refer to your device’s user manual.
General Maintenance Of Smoke Alarms
For the alarms to work correctly, they must be maintained regularly. There have been cases where the alarm didn’t work because they weren’t properly maintained. To avoid that, the alarms should be periodically checked and maintained. These are some tips on keeping your specific type of alarm.
1. Hardwired Smoke Alarms
These types of alarms are connected to your household’s electrical supply. Therefore, you don’t need to be concerned about replacing its battery every so often. Besides, these alarms come equipped with a backup battery to work even during a power outage.
This is how you can maintain them:
- Putting the alarm through a test once a week.
- Monthly cleaning.
- The battery must be replaced once per year.
- Replace the smoke alarm after ten years.
2. 9V-Battery-Operated Smoke Alarm:
The steps are same as the hardwired smoke alarm. You can follow them to maintain them.
3. 10-Yeard Sealed Battery-Operated Smoke Alarm
These alarms come with a sealed battery, so you don’t need to be worried about replacing the battery. You will have to replace the whole alarm after ten years. This way, you can be stress-free about replacing the alarm’s battery. The general maintenance of this alarm is similar to that of others.
- Putting the alarm through a test.
- Monthly cleaning
- Since you don’t have to worry about replacing the battery, you will have to replace the whole unit after ten years.
Testing Your Smoke Alarms
Furthermore, you need to conduct proper tests to determine whether your X Sense alarms is working correctly or not. The smoke alarms come equipped with a test button. This button can confirm whether the smoke alarm receives enough power supply.
Before you test your smoke alarm, make sure that you wear ear protection because these alarms can be very loud. A test sequence will be shown when you press the test/silence button. You can consult your device’s user manual if you are still unsure.
How Does The Test Button Work?
There are mainly two types of alarms – Ionized alarms and photoelectric smoke alarms. You should be well aware of what kind of alarm you are using.
In an ionization alarm, the air is ionized by the radioactive material present inside its sensing chamber. Thus producing a current in the middle of two charged electrodes.
This current is disrupted when smoke enters its sensing chamber, setting off the alarm. This is how an ionized alarm works.
When testing the alarm, pressing the button will send an electric load. This makes the alarm think it detected smoke and causes it to go off.
However, the process is different for photoelectric alarms. In their sensing chamber, they have a sensor for detecting light and a diode that emits light. The alarm goes off when the smoke enters the sensing chamber and scatters the light.
Likewise, when you press the test button, a reflective material comes in front of the LED lights. This scatters the light inside the chamber, which results in the alarm going off. This also tests whether the battery and the unit are working correctly.
In the case of carbon monoxide detectors, you can conduct the test by pressing the test button, which is available on its top.
Whether your smoke alarm is hardwired or powered using a battery, it will ensure that your smoke alarm is working as intended and receiving the proper power supply.
This is how you can test whether your smoke alarm is working properly or not. Make sure you don’t use real smoke to test your alarms.
Cleaning Your Smoke Alarrms
Cleaning your X Sense Alarms at least once a month is very important as dust can hinder the sensing ability of the alarm. Because of dust, your alarm won’t be able to detect smoke and, in turn, won’t go off.
Rest assured, cleaning a smoke alarm is easy. Using a soft brush attachment to your vacuum, gently clean the outer surface of the smoke alarm.
Compressed air can also be used to clean the smoke alarms. You can ensure that the alarm will work as intended by properly cleaning your alarm monthly.
Final Talk
In this article, we find out what LED lights in your X-sense alarm signify and how you can keep your alarm in proper working condition. You can ensure that your alarm is working as intended by properly conducting periodic tests and cleaning your smoke alarm monthly. This, in return, will help you be stress-free.
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