Smoke Detector Too Sensitive: How Can We Fix It?

The smoke detectors can detect smoke and immediately turn on the water sprinkler system. These smoke detectors are designed to be activated at a threshold temperature.

These smoke detectors need to be sensitive to work correctly. They should be able to detect the smoke immediately and take the necessary action. However, in some cases, your smoke detector becomes too sensitive and generates false alarms.

For example, burning toast won’t make the sprinklers go off but burning the copier will. A faulty smoke detector can be too sensitive and go off even if you burn your toast.

Methods To Fix Sensitive Smoke Detector

1) Press the mute button

• There is a definite time interval between the consecutive rings of your detector.
• The time interval can be of about 15 minutes.
• There is a mute button provided with the detectors.
• Press the mute button.

2) Replace your alarms

• Collecting dust and pollutants over time can affect your smoke detector in two ways.
• First, the sensitivity of the detector decreases, which could be hazardous.
• Second, it becomes oversensitive.
• These indicate that it’s time for you to replace your existing alarms with new ones.

3) Move the detector

• Ensure your detector is not placed near your bathroom or kitchen.
• Fix your detector temporarily at the new location; if you are satisfied with its functioning, then fix it permanently.

4) Check if It’s an Ionization Type Alarm

The ionization-type alarms are more sensitive than the regular ones. Hence, they need to be handled with care. They could clean them by gently blowing air in them. It is advisable to check the model number of such sensors before taking any actions.

Common Reasons For Smoke Detectors Being Too Sensitive

A too-sensitive smoke detector can cause false alarms to go off, creating chaos. It could be very inconvenient.

1. Uncleaned smoke detector

Cleaning the smoke detectors at regular intervals is very important. All the dust particles accumulated near the sensor; disturb the functioning of the sensor, and it senses the dust particles like smoke particles. The collection of dust particles can cause various issues. You can easily clean your smoke detector by using a vacuum cleaner.

2. Too much humidity

Warm air holds more moisture. Some of the detectors fail to differentiate between moisture and smoke. They take moisture as smoke particles, and this triggers the alarm.

To reduce too much moisture, you can use exhausts and maintain good ventilation in your house. The detectors tend to be sensitive when there is a rise in humidity. In such cases, you need to call support to fix the issue.

3. Too close to steam

Ensure your shower or humidifier is not too close to the detector, as it can also cause a false alarm. Steam increases the moisture content.

It causes humidity in the ambiance to increase. It’s wise to fix your detector away from the bathroom or kitchen.

4. Overcooked food

If your alarm goes off even when you overcook your food, you might need to adjust your alarm’s sensitivity.

In case your alarm is placed too close to your stove, then set it up at a farther distance.

5. Pesky insects

Check for smoke entrances on your detector. A minor bug can easily sneak inside these chambers and mess with the sensors causing false alarms.

6. Not closing the entrance when connecting the alarm

Not closing the entrances of your house, windows, and doors before leaving can be an invitation to robbers but also can lead to false alarms.

Ensure your doors and windows are closed when you leave your house.

7. Pollution

Pollutants can hinder the proper functioning of the detectors. The vapors or dust particles could behave like smoke particles and lead to false alarms.

How To Test Sensitivity?

• Buy a smoke detector test spray. A variety is present in the market.
• They will provide instructions to you with the product itself.
• All you have to do is to follow those instructions.
• You can quickly check for the instructions online even if you lose the manual.
• You can also check the steps online and follow them. The testing devices are also available with the detectors.
• Technicians use fire alarm equipment to run tests of detector sensitivity. You can seek professional help as well.

Adjust The Sensitivity

• Please take out the outer covering of your detector using a screwdriver or simply twisting it.
• Find the sensor that resembles a curved metal plate.
• Clean the dust on the sensor by wiping it with a clean cloth.
• You can use denatured alcohol or lens solution to clean the sensor properly.
• Once you are done cleaning, fix it back and put the cover.
• To adjust the sensitivity, remove the cover once again.
• Locate the data card present there.
• It would help if you pressed a flat-headed screwdriver on the edges of this card.
• The car manufacturers give the instructions for doing it correctly.
• Put the card back from where you took it out.
• Cover the lid and tighten the screws again.

How Can We Fix Sensitive Of Kidde Smoke Detector?

Kidde Smoke detectors are highly recommended. But even these smart detectors can keep ringing and generate false alarms when there is no sign of fire at all.

It would help if you found out why your smoke detector is not functioning. We have provided some reasons why your detector is not working and methods to fix it. You can go through it, and you will be done in no time.

a. Check the battery

It could be one of the most fundamental reasons. The batteries of the detectors are needed to replace at fixed time intervals.

• Check out the replacement time and take action accordingly.
• Some detectors are available with an in-built battery system and do not need changing. So check out what model you have installed as a part of your home security system.
• Also, check if your detector works with what type of batteries- rechargeable or standard.

b. Clean the alarm

• Dust and pollutants affect the smooth functioning of your smoke detector
• Cobwebs usually hinder the functioning of the sensors, and the alarm goes off.
• Cleaning the alarm is no big deal.
• All you have to do is to clean all the dust using a vacuum cleaner.

c. Check the location

As we have already mentioned, you should be careful about the location at which your detector is placed. Fix the smoke detector near the bathroom, kitchen or humidifier will not be a sage move.

These places are sources of constant steams that will make the sensor go off every time you take a shower or cook something. The detector should be placed away from these places.

d. Replace

• It is recommended that you should replace the detector if it is too old.
• Usually, the life span of a detector is about 7- 10 years.
• If yours has exceeded this period, you need to get new ones. 

e. Pushing the test button

• By pressing the run button, you can run a monthly check.
• Keep in check the objects that could hinder the functioning of your detector.

FAQs

Final Talk

You can now efficiently fix the sensitivity issue of your detector in no time by going through the steps mentioned above. It is very efficient and easy to resolve the problem if you have perfect methods and a guide. Keep reading the following guides to know more about the variety of similar products. Moreover, if you have people with hearing issues, you can get a low-frequency hearing-impaired smoke detector to avoid the sensitivity issues.