How do I stop this smoke/CO2 Alarm beeping intermittently?

FrankFalcon

Hi all

Before I start I would like to say that I think I am capable of doing the required works here. I also (probably) also have all the tools. The only reason I am asking here in a forum is incase I get something wrong that I should have known first. So, recently, this device (which was in the house when we moved in) has recently started beeping once every few minutes. After looking around the internet I am of the opinion that there will be a 9V battery inside that just needs changing. However, my mate at work seems to think it may be hard wired into the old house alarm. At this point so should point out that when we moved here last year we had the old alarm ripped out and a new Pyronix alarm system installed. Therefore, I’m pretty sure this thingy is not connected to our new alarm. 

I know I could easily pay a company to sort this for me but then that wouldn’t be in true money saving style. 

So, please allow me to ask:

1. What is this device? Smoke alarm? CO2 alarm? 

2. How does this thing open, so I can see if it is battery or mains powered. 

3. Any idea on the item/model name of this?

Thanks in advance for any assistance. 

Neil_Jones

If it is a smoke alarm or CO2 device and it runs only on batteries, it will be chirping to notify you that the battery is low.  That's what they do, because when the juice runs out, they'll be as much use as a chocolate fireguard in the event their alert is needed.

There may be a model number on the side or somewhere visible on the inside.  The plastic lugs (particularly the one on the right) look like they indent on the inside which may trigger a switch for testing purposes so that suggests its an alarm of some sort.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

if you twist body anti clockwise gently, it should twist off, revealing battery,

googler

Can't tell how to open without seeing the side. Twist off, maybe? A tab to be depressed or pulled, allow it to hinge off. Variations on these.

If there's mains cable leading into it, look for a matching fuse or circuit breaker on your consumer unit and switch that off before proceeding further

Maker name will likely be on a label inside

Cornucopia

These devices can beep to indicate low battery whether they are battery powered or mains powered.   They also have a "best before date" so, if it's been there for a long while, it may well be due for replacement, anyway.   

As above, the cover may twist off or slide off, and there may be a security catch that needs activating before you can do that.    Generally, the whole thing will come off, leaving a thin mounting plate behind.   It should be obvious at that point whether it has a mains connection or not.   

ballyblack

if its more than 9 years old throw it in the bin.......what price your life?

TadleyBaggie

I don't think CO2 devices are a thing, CO are. Looks. like a dumb smoke alarm to me.

J_B

Is that a 'loft hatch' in the photo?

Could you check it from above to see if it's hard wired?

grumbler

photoelectric smoke detector

Long-life 9 Volt alkaline or lithium battery

+ http://bpcsystems.co.uk/smoke.html

Jenna_Appleseed

Learnt the hard way some smoke alarms can't be opened to replace the battery by twisting the lid in the usual way, you have to unscrew them first. 

(also found out some alarms chirp when the batteries running out, others just keep randomly setting of the alarm at night.)

Oh and if you're eligible you can get free smoke alarm replacement/installation via a Safe and Well visit/fire safety check from your local fire service (possibly also a carbon monoxide detectors and a alarm tester stick with a pointy finger). 

chrisw

Jenna_Appleseed said:

(also found out some alarms chirp when the batteries running out, others just keep randomly setting of the alarm at night.)

The chirping invariably starts at 3am as well. 

The joys of standing under each one for 2 minutes trying to determine which one the chirp's coming from!