Why Do Fire Alarms Beep?

Types of Fire Alarms

• According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there are two main types of fire alarms: ionization fire alarms and photoelectric fire alarms. Ionization detectors are built with two metal discs a small distance apart. A small amount of radioactive material sits between them and ionizes the air that passes between the discs. Whenever smoke enters the chamber, it disrupts the ionization and causes the alarm to sound. Photoelectic detectors are constructed with a small light shining into the sensor chamber but away from the sensor. When smoke enters the chamber, it blocks the light and causes it to hit the sensor, triggering the alarm.

Fire

• There is always a chance that a beeping fire alarm is the sign of a fire. Especially in the middle of the night, a sounding fire alarm is reason to wake up and investigate the problem. Small, smoldering fires are easily detected by some alarms, so even if the fire alarm beeps often, check to see if a fire has started whenever it sounds.

Household Causes

• Because of the way fire alarms are constructed, any amount of smoke can set off the alarm. If an alarm is placed near a kitchen, smoke from cooking butter on a saucepan, burning food or steaming vegetables can cause the fire alarm to sound. In addition, cigarette smoke can easily set off an alarm. Other possible causes for fire alarms sounding include extinguished candles, burning incense or a fire alarm clogged with dirt and dust. If the fire alarm continues to sound, consider cleaning the fire alarm and moving the alarm to a new location. If it still continues to sound while cooking or burning incense, consider buying a fire alarm with a "mute" feature.

Battery

• Most modern fire alarms come equipped with a low battery-warning feature. If your alarm begins to chirp or sound on a regular basis, replace the battery. Remove the old battery, noting the exact placement and location of the battery, and insert a new, fresh battery. Test the alarm before you finish to ensure the product is working. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends testing fire alarms once every month to ensure the battery is still functioning. You should change your batteries at least once every year, if not every six months.

Malfunction

• A sounding fire alarm could simply mean the fire alarm has malfunctioned. If none of the above solutions solve the problem, replace the fire alarm. Buy a fire alarm that best fits the needs of the household, and install it properly to ensure safety. Never ignore a chirping fire alarm.