How to Stop a Beeping Fire Alarm?

It’s extremely crucial to install a fire alarm system in each home. However, its unnecessary beeping sound has been an annoying factor. Often, people end up with fire alarms that beep even when there’s no smoke around. Clueless with what to do next, most people turn off their alarms. Increasing the risks of fire hazards.  

Turning the alarm may off seems feasible for the moment. For the larger picture, it is not. There are reasons why some fire alarms beep randomly at night, while the rest aren’t so haywire. Finding out will fix your problem.   

Causes Behind Fire Alarm Beeping Randomly 

• Dying Battery 

• Dust Buildup 

• Shelf-life Expiry 

• Extreme Climatic Conditions 

• Damaged wires 

• Hardware Failure 

Fixing Fire Alarm Beeping Sound Guide 

In the next few steps, we’ll teach you how to stop a fire alarm from beeping randomly.  

Step 1: Fix Battery 

• Inspect the alarm’s battery condition.  

• If it’s too old, replace it.  

Step 2: Clean the Fire Alarm System 

• Dust off the dirt buildup with a brush.  

• Use machines with compressed airflow to clean further.  

Step 3: Turn the System Off 

• If a power outage is what’s causing the fire alarm to beep – turn it off.  

• Let it rest for a while.  

• Restart the system again in 15-20 minutes.  

For battery-driven alarms:  

• Detach battery from the alarm.  

• Now, press ‘Test’ button for 20 seconds.  

• Reinstall battery.  

For Wired Alarm Systems: 

• Switch off the power supply.  

• Locate the alarm on the mounting bracket. Remove it.  

• Unplug the system.  

• Now, press ‘Test’ button for 20 seconds. 

• Reset the system. 

• Switch on the power supply. 

For Digital Alarms:  

• Check the screen for error messages or codes.  

• Once, done- find the same on the manual and read the instructions. 

• Follow instructions as per the manual.  

Step 4: External Inspection 

• If the above solutions don’t fix your problem, is it the weather? 

• Often extreme heat/cold can make a fire alarm malfunction. 

• Ensure repositioning of fire alarm in neutral climate areas where the changing weather won’t affect the fire alarm system.  

Step 5: Last Resort 

• If your fire alarm is too old, replace it with a new one. 

• When all else fails, contact fire alarm experts to take care of your problems.   

• Especially, for commercial fire alarms. They’re highly complicated and should be supervised by experts. Thus, calling for help will be the wisest option.  

Read More:
Advanced Fire Alarm Monitoring by BEC and NMC

Fixing Commercial Fire Alarm Guide 

Step 1: Check Alarm Screen 

• Find if any error codes are being displayed.  

• Evacuate the building, if need be.  

Step 2: Gain Access to the Fire Alarm Control Panel  

• Enter the authorized passkey to gain access to the panel. 

• Identify messages like ‘Supervisory’ and ‘Trouble’.    

• Locate the particular zone sensor of the faulty device.  

• Locate the ‘Acknowledge/Silence’ button on the system. Press the button. This will keep the alarm silent for a while.  

Step 3: Resolving the Main Problem 

• Check for loose or faulty wiring in any device or the main system.  

• If found, replace or repair such components.  

• Take count of each device. Make sure all are functioning.  

• Reposition valves if they are in inaccurate positions.  

• Inspect other components like suppressors and sprinklers for damage.  

• Ensure efficient power supply.  

• Find the battery units. Replace them if they are worn. 

• Replace old devices.  

Once done, you can turn on the system by pushing the ‘Reset’ button. If the problem persists, contact professionals.   

 Meanings of Different Alarm Sounds  

Knowing which sound means what will give you a basic idea of where you should pay attention first. So, let’s find out.  

Fire Alarm Beeping Once Every 30 Seconds 

• Need for Battery Replacement. 

• Incorrect Battery Installation Procedure. 

• When devices become worn and old, they may make single beeps every 30 seconds. These devices generally last for around 8-10 years.  

Continuous Beep 

• This indicates fire detection. Immediately, check for signs of smoke or fire. 

Multiple Beeps 

• If the fire alarm came with a smoke detector, this may be a sign of the presence of Carbon Monoxide.  

• Faulty device. 

• Weather fluctuation often leads to such alarm beeping.  

The Final Word 

Turning your fire alarm off because the random beeps have been annoying you isn’t advised. It’s not legally compliant to the fire regulations and you could be in trouble. Also, turning the fire alarm off will not send any signals, in times of urgency. If such is the case, you may not even receive insurance coverage. 

So in order to avoid a beeping fire alarm, learn what each beep means and act responsibly. Save yourself and save others. And if you fail, we’ve got your back!