What Are the Causes of a False Smoke Alarm?

Cooking Smoke, Steam or Cigarette Smoke

• Burning something in the oven, a room full of cigarette smoke or even a long hot shower are frequent culprits of false alarms. Technically the alarm being sounded by smoke of any kind is not a false alarm but is proof that your detector is working as it should. If this is a frequent problem, it could indicate that your smoke alarm is too close to the stove or bathroom.

Dust and Dirt

• All homes have dust, but a particularly common culprit is home renovations. The dust from drywall and joint compound often triggers smoke detectors. Dust is also a frequent problem in unfinished basements, attics and garages. Daily or weekly vacuuming of the detector is needed where there is a great deal of dust, and all detectors should be cleaned every few months.

Paint Fumes

• If the room the alarm is in was painted during the previous few hours, accumulated paint fumes likely are the culprit of the alarm. Open all windows, and allow the room to air out. Vacuum the alarm to remove any remaining particles and dust.

Excessive Cold or Heat

• High humidity or sudden fluctuations in temperature can set off a smoke detector due to water condensation on the detector.

Insects

• A mesh screen is present on most smoke detectors to prevent small insects from entering, but if insects should happen to find their way in, the alarm is likely to sound. If this is the cause, the alarm should be cleaned or replaced.

Low or Improperly Installed Battery

• A low or improperly installed battery causes the smoke detector to chirp every minute, but it may sound an alarm as well. Remove and reinstall or replace the battery.

Power Surge

• Hardwired smoke alarms or alarms that are plugged into an outlet may be triggered by a power surge, which can occur when the city power grid momentarily overloads or if too many electrical items are on the same circuit in your home. A hardwired smoke alarm should be looked at by an electrician if this is a frequent problem.

Age or Condition of Detector

• If no apparent cause for frequent false alarms is discovered, the detector itself is possibly faulty or too old. Check the manufacture date on the detector, and if it is more than eight years old, replace it. Review the manufacturer’s website to see if there is a recall or reported problem on detectors of that model.