A flashing red light can seem scary, especially if you don’t know what it means. But there are many things that could be wrong with your smoke alarm detector and it’s important to be able to tell what’s going on before you get a fire started.
Brands of smoke detectors may include a blinking red light to let you know that there’s debris in the sensor chamber that needs cleaning.
Battery Replacement
Smoke detectors are an essential part of your home security. Keeping them in good working order will help to prevent a house fire from happening, which can be devastating and fatal.
If you notice a smoke detector that blinks red, it could be indicating a few different things. The most common of these is the fact that the device needs to be replaced.
It could also be indicating that there are problems with the battery or wiring inside of the smoke detector. This can be caused by a number of different things, including dust or dirt in the device or by a wire that’s becoming corroded or broken.
If the smoke detector is hardwired, it will need to be disconnected from power before you can replace the battery. This can be done by disconnecting the main breaker in your breaker box and unplugging the power cable plugged into the detector.
Clean the Sensors
Smoke alarms, whether they’re ionization-type or photoelectric type, need to be cleaned periodically. They may not look dirty, but dust, pollen and smoke particles can get trapped inside the sensors and prevent them from working correctly in an emergency.
How often to clean your smoke detectors depends on the manufacturer and model, but experts recommend cleaning them at least twice a year. This simple task is a great way to keep your home safe and save you money in the long run.
One way to do this is with a vacuum cleaner. Use a hose attachment to vacuum the outside of the detectors and gently wipe the interior with a lint-free cloth.
Some manufacturers also include a warning light on their devices to alert you that they need cleaning, and that you should do it immediately. This is usually the case with ionization-type sensors.
Check the Wiring
Smoke detectors are an important part of any home’s fire protection system. They help prevent home fires and save lives.
A common problem that can lead to smoke alarms blinking red is a wiring issue. You can check for this by connecting the wires of all your hardwired smoke detectors to your electric panel (the breaker panel) and turning on power.
Then, test each alarm by pushing its test button one at a time to make sure it’s working properly. If it doesn’t, you may need to replace the unit.
Depending on your local building code, you should install smoke detectors in ceilings or within 12 inches of a wall. You can use a stud finder and ceiling hole saw to determine where the detectors should be located.
Replace the Device
A red blinking light on your smoke alarm may seem like a scary omen. However, it’s actually just a warning that you need to take action.
It could be something as simple as the device being dusty or dirty. Or it could be time to replace it completely.
The best way to avoid these unwanted occurrences is to perform routine maintenance checks at least twice a year.
Smoke detectors have several indicator lights to let you know when they’re working properly. Knowing what they mean can make a big difference in your family’s safety and the comfort of your home.
Sometimes, a smoke alarm’s indicator light flashes red as a reminder to change its batteries or clean its chamber. If the flashing is continuous, it’s a sign that the device needs to be replaced.