How to Turn a Smoke Detector Off

Smoke detectors are essential to public safety—they protect lives and property from the threat of fire and smoke damage. When smoke is detected, the device emits a high-pitched sound, vibrates and/or flashes a light to warn people of potential danger.

Smoke detectors, mandated by law, should only be shut off for repair, relocation, replacement or to "reset" after a false alarm.

Most large businesses and multi-family residences use monitored smoke detection units that are wired into a central fire alarm or security system, with a battery-operated fail-safe in case of power outage. Only licensed electricians should attempt to disable these hardwired units.

Smaller multiple- and single-family dwellings often feature self-contained smoke detectors that are operated by a single battery. These small, lightweight devices are easy to handle and operate.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Locate the smoke detector. It's typically a round plastic disk approximately 6 inches in diameter.

   • 2

     Remove the smoke detector from the wall or ceiling. It should easily slide off the bracket holding it in place.

   • 3

     Check for the "Off" switch on the side or the back of the smoke detector. If it does not have a switch, remove the batteries.

   • 4

     Insert new batteries and slide the smoke detector back into place.