Have you ever awoke in the middle of the night to the sound of chirping? Why do smoke detectors seem to chirp during the night? Come the morning, the chirping seems to stop. Many people often wonder why smoke detectors seem to mostly chirp at night. Most people know when a smoke detector begins chirping or beeping, it is providing all of the household members with the knowledge that the battery is running low. To stop the chirping, all that is needed is for someone to replace the battery. However, since people have asked Simon Electric, we would like to enlighten folks as to why smoke detectors chirp or beep and how they work to help protect your home.
Why is My Hard Wired Smoke Detector Beeping?
Homes as well as other human structures require a working smoke detector and even carbon monoxide detector to help warn residents of danger. Even hard wired smoke detectors require the use of a back up alkaline battery. It is the chemical reaction inside the battery that produces electricity. Alkaline batteries use two primary chemicals: zinc metal and manganese dioxide. The chemical reaction is often affected by temperature. In climate controlled areas, batteries are less affected. During a single year the detector’s battery will only discharge about 2%. However, when the batteries are exposed to temperatures over 100 degrees, they can discharge far more rapidly. When exposed to colder temperatures, the energy output decreases or produces a weaker output.
Why Do Smoke Alarms Go Off at Night?
During the nighttime hours, the temperatures drop, which reduces the energy output to the smoke detector. There are times that the temperature is low enough to reduce the energy output to the detector low enough that the detector will react as if the battery is dying. This is why many smoke detectors will only chirp at night and seem to stop chirping during the day. Many people will often forget that the battery was even chirping during the night since it stopped during the day. However, just because the chirping stopped during the day doesn’t mean the problem fixed itself. The chirping will continue when the temperature drops at night once again. In most cases, replacing the battery can stop the chirping. However, if replacing the battery doesn’t stop the chirping, then the smoke detector may require the need to be replaced.
Troubleshooting Electrical Wiring Problems
Some smoke detector systems are powered by the home’s electrical system. If your home has an electrically installed smoke detector and it has begun chirping there could be an anomaly occurring in the electrical wiring. To determine the cause of the electrical anomaly, often the home may require an electrical inspection and safety inspection. In most cases there is a loose connection that is interrupting the electrical flow to the smoke detector.
Electricians & Electrical Contractor Services in Delray Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter & Boca Raton & Palm Beach County Florida
Smoke or carbon dioxide detectors are essential to the home’s safety. Both battery and hard wired powered detectors require maintenance and repairs from time to time. If the home electrical system is compromised or requires a professional electrician, contact Simon Electric. We provide electrical services to commercial, residential, and marine properties, including electrical repair and inspections. For all of your electrical needs, contact Simon Electric and schedule our services today.
