Most Common Reasons For Smoke Detector’s False Alarms: Find Out Truth

There are various reasons for the smoke alarm to go off. You can fix these problems easily and make your smoke detector more precise.

We will provide thorough information about smoke alarms and common reasons for false smoke detectors. And how you can make changes to your smoke alarm to make it precise.

Reasons For Smoke Detectors False Alarms

There can be numerous reasons for your smoke alarm to be set off randomly. 

1. Smoke Detector Placement

Suppose you have installed your smoke detectors near cooking devices. The smoke from these cooking devices may cause false alarms. Or, if you have installed the fire alarm near the window, it can go off for many reasons if the smoke from the grill in your backyard comes in contact with the smoke detector. The fire alarm will go off. 

Solution: Make sure to install the smoke detector at a place that has less smoke. So you have to install the smoke detector in such a place that it does not get affected from the smoke that comes from outside your house. 

2. Overcooked Food

When you cook the food, the smoke is released. The smoke alarm may detect the smoke coming from overcooked food. And the smoke alarm can go off. 

Solution: So you should install the smoke alarm at a safe distance from the equipment that produces smoke. However, it should not be installed in such a location that it doesn’t work when there is a fire. So make sure you install the smoke alarm in a safe place. 

3. Steam Or High Humidity

If the humidity is high, the smoke detectors can go off. The smoke detectors cannot distinguish between the smoke. And the water particles that are present in the air.

It can go off even if it detects high moisture in the air. Moisture can permanently damage smoke detectors. And you will have to install a new smoke detector.

Solution: Make sure there is proper airflow inside your house. This prevents unwanted moisture from entering inside your smoke detectors. So do not place the smoke detector in a place of high humidity and moisture. Steam can also affect the smoke detector in a similar way. So do not install fire alarms near showers or humidifiers. 

4. Pesky Insects

Bugs can also enter inside your fire alarm and cause it to go off randomly. Bugs find the dark corners of your house. And fire alarm can be a perfect place for the bugs to hide. If there are bugs in your fire alarm, it will go off randomly. 

Solution: You can use bug spray to get rid of the bugs. However, you have to be careful while using the bug spray. Do not spray directly into the smoke detectors. Bug spray can damage the smoke detectors. It can also cause permanent damage to the smoke detectors. So make sure there is enough distance between the bug spray and smoke detectors. So you do not damage the smoke detectors. 

5. A Build-Up Of Dust

A lot of dust can collect inside your fire alarm if it is not cleaned regularly. If there is too much dust in the fire alarm, it can go off randomly. Smoke detectors can be easily cleaned. 

Solution: Make sure to clean the fire alarm from time to time properly. But make sure you do not damage the sensors while cleaning them if you damage the sensors while cleaning the detector. You will have to buy a new smoke alarm. 

6. Strong Chemicals Nearby

Various chemicals can also damage the fire alarm so if you are painting your house or cleaning it. The strong chemicals can make your smoke alarm set off randomly. Also, the chemicals used in cleaning sprays and bug sprays are harsh. And can damage your fire alarm.

Solution: Make sure to use cleaning spray or bug sprays properly. When you clean the fire alarms, these can cause permanent damage to the smoke detectors. You will have to change the fire alarm if it gets damaged. So be careful while cleaning the fire alarm.

7. The Batteries Need To Be Changed

Suppose your fire alarm uses a battery for its functioning. A low battery can cause the fire alarm to go off randomly also if you haven’t installed the battery of your fire alarm appropriately. It may cause the alarm to go off randomly. 

Solution: Check the battery of the fire alarm properly. Ensure it is properly connected if the fire alarm was set off due to a low battery. Changing the battery will fix the issue in the smoke detector. 

How To Adjust Smoke Detector Sensitivity?

By following a few simple steps, you can easily adjust the sensitivity of a smoke detector.

Step 1: Change the location

Changing the location of your smoke detector can easily decrease the sensitivity. Do not install the smoke detector near areas with high humidity or smoke. Avoid installing the smoke detector near showers or any cooking appliances.

Step 2: Clean The Detector

If dirt is collected in your smoke alarm, it can be set off randomly. So make sure to clean the smoke detector regularly. Always make sure to clean the smoke detector appropriately.

Do not use any harsh chemicals to clean your smoke detectors. Harsh chemicals can increase the sensitivity of your smoke alarm. Harsh chemicals can cause the smoke alarm to set off randomly. So make sure to properly clean the smoke detectors without damaging it. 

Step 3: Fix The Data Card

Open your smoke detector. Remove the cover of the smoke detector. There is a data card present in your smoke detector. Remove this data card from your smoke detector. There are instructions provided on the card. To change the sensitivity of your smoke detectors.

Adjust the tabs of the card. To change the sensitivity of your smoke detectors. You can easily adjust the tabs of your card, using a screwdriver.

Set the sensitivity that you want for your smoke alarm. This should easily fix the sensitivity of your smoke alarm. And decrease the possibility of false smoke alarms. 

Try disabling your alarm if it’s still not ringing false alarm. You should buy a smoke detector with accurate sensitivity levels available.

Final Talk

You should install the fire alarm properly to avoid false alarms. The fire alarm should be installed at least ten feet higher than a cooking appliance so that it does not cause false alarms. Fake alarms can been hassle to the people with disabilities to make sure the smoke alarm for hearing-impaired people doesn’t go off unnecessarily.

However, you should check your house properly for a fire alarm. It can protect your house against fire. You can follow the steps mentioned in the article to avoid getting false alarms. You can minimise the chances of false alarms easily.