How to Reset a Smoke Alarm

Some smoke alarms are hard-wired into the electrical system of a house, while others utilize batteries to power the device. Smoke detectors only draw a small amount of a house's power but batteries have finite reserves and need to be replaced periodically, followed by an alarm reset. Continuous beeping or flashing lights indicate that the alarm has faulted or the unit's batteries need to be replaced.

Things You'll Need

Batteries

Instructions

- 1
  Locate the reset button on the alarm and press it. Press and hold the "Test" button on the alarm for 10 seconds if the smoke alarm does not have a dedicated reset button.
- 2
  Remove the battery cover if the beeping or flashing continues. Depending on your model, you may need to remove the alarm from the wall or ceiling to replace the batteries.
- 3
  Remove the old batteries from the smoke alarm.
- 4
  Press and hold the "Test" button for 15 seconds. Remove your finger when the alarm begins to "chirp." Place new batteries in the unit once the chirping stops.
- 5
  Replace the battery cover or return the alarm to its position on the wall.
- 6
  Press the reset button or hold the "Test" button to reset the smoke alarm.

Fire Sprinkler Design Information

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Smoke Detectors