If your firex smoke alarm is blinking red, it could mean that something is wrong with it. It may be time to replace the battery or perform a test.
Smoke detectors are a necessity in your home, and they save lives by detecting smoke before it’s too late. The National Fire Protection Association recommends that you have smoke detectors on every floor of your home, outside each bedroom and in your basement.
Battery Replacement
A blinking red light on a FireX smoke alarm usually means that the batteries are low and you need to replace them. To change them, remove the unit from its mount and remove the battery, then press the test button on the device for a few seconds to reset it.
Most FireX smoke detectors are battery-operated and operate off a 9-volt battery, so replacing them once a year is a good idea. This helps ensure the alarm works properly.
If your firex smoke alarm is hardwired, the battery should automatically kick in when your home loses electricity and alert you of this issue by beeping. However, a dead battery can also be caused by power surges, improper installation, dust in the air or humidity, and other problems.
Some hard-wired fire detectors use a flashing green LED light as part of a power upcycle process, which occurs whenever your home recovers from a power outage. The LED light will stop flashing once the detector is fully charged and you can resume using it.
Power Issues
When the light on your firex smoke alarm blinks red, there are a few different things that could be causing it. One thing that this often indicates is that your battery is dead or needs to be replaced.
The other possible problem is that your power may be going out. This can happen due to issues with the utility company or a circuit breaker in your home.
If your alarm is hardwired, momentarily disconnecting the power at the service panel until it comes back up will fix this.
Another possible issue is that you have an incompatible warning device. If an incompatible device or secondary unit is connected into a series of hardwired smoke alarms, it can trigger the system inadvertently.
A solid green light on your smoke detector can also indicate that the alarm has finished its power upcycle and is collecting energy from your home. This is a common feature of some hardwired smoke detectors.
Dust or Insects in the Sensing Chamber
If the blinking red light is coming from the sensor chamber of your firex smoke alarm, it probably means that there’s dust or insects in the sensing chamber. These can be a common cause of false alarms in the home.
For example, if your unit is located near a cold air return, the dusty air can be blown through the sensing chamber and trigger your smoke detector. To prevent this, be sure to vacuum your firex smoke alarm regularly using the soft brush attachment on your vacuum.
Another factor is that if there’s a large current load on the same circuit, such as a vacuum cleaner, it could trigger your smoke detector. If you suspect this is the issue, try moving the unit or moving the circuit to a different location.
If these tips don’t solve your problem, it may be time to replace your firex smoke alarm. It’s usually a good idea to get a dual alarm that has sensors for both fast-moving (ionization) and slow-moving (photoelectric) fires.
Poor Location
A firex smoke alarm blinking red is not only a sight to behold, it’s also a sign that something’s up. Aside from being an unwelcome visitor, a flashing red light can signal issues with the unit’s battery or power supply. The most common culprit is a low battery, which is easily remedied by replacing it with a fresh set of 9-volt batteries.
A smoke detector that doesn’t work at all is downright embarrassing, and can put you and your family in harm’s way. This is why it’s important to have a working smoke detector in every room of the house.
The best way to keep your cherished asset safe is to regularly test it and replace the batteries. It’s also important to take the time to clean and maintain it. In addition to cleaning the sensing chamber, you’ll want to inspect the unit from top to bottom, which includes removing old, dry batteries. Lastly, make sure that the device is securely installed and not hanging off the back of the refrigerator or other heavy appliances, which could cause it to tip over and startle the unwary.