Smoke alarms going of at night

Lucy_Lastic

I have two smoke alarms wired into the mains. About 2 weeks ago they went off in the early hours, a 5 second burst, stop, then another 5 second burst.

Last night at 2am it happened again, but just one 5 second burst.

The alarms are working normally at other times, when I press the test button and when I singe the toast.

My next door neighbours have had exactly the same thing happen to them, but not at the same time as me, or even the same week.

Can anyone tell me why this is happening and how to stop it?

fluffpot

I suggest it might be dust. Switch off the power to the alarms, take them down and give them a really good hoover all over and try to get at the insides as well
You could change the batteries while you have them down too

WaxiesDargle

It is also possible that an insect could get inside that could temporarily break the optical light beam, sounding the alarm...if in doubt ring the Fire and Rescue Service HQ for your area, the number will be on their website and ask them to come out and give your home a fire safety check, they will advise you on your smoke alarm at the same time

Yorkie1

Mine did this. They often have back-up batteries which will run out. I can't remember why it happened at night more (temperature???) but changing the battery did the trick. I now keep a spare 9V battery in the box for the next time it needs to be changed ...

macman

Brief power cut or fluctuation causing back-up batteries to kick in, and batteries are dead?

Ebe_Scrooge

Yep, had the same thing with mine, it was the back-up batteries running low on power. Try putting a new battery in - odds on it'll cure the problem, if it doesn't then it's nothing lost ( well, a quid or so for the battery ! )