Maybe you are home and you are looking at your smoke detector flashing red light but you are confused since there is no smoke or any burnt smell around. You don’t need to panic
There are different reasons why your smoke detector flashes a red light. Sometimes it might signify a low battery or it might mean the battery is still providing backup power.
However, there are some pointers you can always look out for when you are stuck with your smoke Detector flashing red light but don’t why it’s happening.
Since you are here, I will be breaking down all the possible reasons why your smoke detector is flashing red light and some things you can look out for to easily determine what exactly is going on with your smoke detector
Why is your Smoke Detector Flashing Red Light?
It might be strange to say some smoke detector flashing red light signifies that is working fine. In some cases, it could signify that the battery is providing backup power. However, there are other pointers such as the time difference between each blinking which can be handy in figuring out if it’s an emergency or a battery issue.
But it differs based on the smoke detector brand you are using. So to be double sure of this you should always read the manual of your smoke detector to better understand this pointer.
That said, I will be breaking down some reasons that are common to most brands of smoke detectors when your smoke detector flashing Red light.
1 . Low batteries
The majority of smoke detector has a shelf life within the range of 10-12 years. While you might not be very receptive to the battery, you might not easily take note of a low battery since it can last for almost 6 months or more. However, if your smoke detector is flashing red light after every 20-30 seconds, the battery is the most likely culprit since it needs a replacement.
To replace the battery follow the steps below
- To replace your smoke detector’s batteries,
- Take out the battery compartment cover
- After doing that, slide open the tray and take out the old batteries.
- Do not touch any of the electrical contacts inside the battery compartment while doing this
- Now, insert the new set of batteries just as the old ones were placed
NOTE: Replacing the batteries after every 6 months or once a year would reduce the occurrence of a low battery.
You can check here for a better way to tell if your smoke detector batteries need to be changed
2 . Signifying a Working Alarm
Depending on the brand of smoke detector you are using, some flashes a red light to signify that the smoke detector is functioning properly, while some will blink a green light to signify this.
However, the time gap between each red light is more spaced when compared to a real emergency detection.
In cases like this, you don’t need to panic since the alarm isn’t giving off any sound.
3 . Closing to its End of Life
Another rare issue behind your Smoke detector flashing red light comes from the device closing in on its Shelf life. In most cases, you won’t just experience it like that. You might come across cases like battery getting low too quick, chirping sounds, and a red blinking light that comes out as a pointer.
Your smoke detector has a long shelf life of 10 years and it might be hard to take count of when exactly it is expiring unless you are addicted to your calendar
However it depends, but to be on the safe side, change your smoke detector once every 10 years or when the battery begins to die too frequently.
4 . Occurrence of Dust
If you are faced with a smoke detector flashing red light and the gap between each flashing is around 10 seconds or less, but your alarm is not ringing. Then your smoke detector probably just perceived dust or the smoke detector is dirty.
If it’s been a long time since it has been installed and the battery is okay, then you should uninstall the smoke detector and clean it
If you are unsure about how to do that you can follow the steps listed below
That said, here is how to do that
- Remove the chamber from the smoke detector.
- Next, use a lint-free cloth to wipe the chambers
- Next, use a vacuum to blow out any dust/dirt in your smoke detector
5 . Smoke is Detected
If your smoke detector is flashing red light and you are also hearing the alarm sound. It is a foolproof pointer that something has gone wrong. It could be fire or burnt wire. or anything dangerous.
If you are faced with that, it is safe to move out of the house and call the fire service.
How to Reset the Smoke Detector?
Before you reset your Smoke detector, it is wise to verify that the detector needs a reset since the process erases all stored settings on your smoke detector. That said, here is how you can reset your smoke detector.
- Locate the test button
- Push and hold the button on your device for around 5 seconds till you hear a beep sound. In some instances, you will hear a series of beeps.
NB: The procedure to follow to reset your smoke detector varies slightly from the one above, however, you can check here for a comprehensive guide to reset your smoke detector
What does a Green light mean?
A green light simply means the smoke detector is operational and it is working just fine. Surprisingly some smoke detectors might signify this with a red flashing light. But it depends on the smoke detector brand.
What does a Yellow Light Mean?
A yellow smoke detector light means the battery is low and needs to be changed. However, it could mean that the device is reaching the end of its life and needs a replacement.
Why is my smoke detector Flashing red every 10 seconds?
It is a dangerous signal unless it is doing so due to the occurrence of dust, however, if that is not the case you should leave immediately and call for help.
That said, it could blink that fast after a recent smoke outburst, which signifies that it is in a desensitized state.
Smoke Detector Flashing Red with no sound
It isn’t a sign of danger, however among the common issue why your smoke detector flashing red lights are low battery, presence of Dust, End of Shelf life, Working Alarm, and dirty smoke detector.
Smoke Detector Flashes Red every 40 seconds
The reason is as similar as the one explained above. A smoke detector flashing red light every 40 seconds simply signifies that the smoke detector is working and is fully operational
Why are Smoke Detector Flashing Red every 30 seconds?
In cases like this, the most common reason for a smoke detector flashing red light after 30 seconds is a low battery. In some cases, it would blink after every 60 seconds. However, the alarm won’t come on, unlike when you are faced with a real smoke situation.
Why is my Smoke Detector Flashing Red every 20 seconds?
As I said earlier, different smoke detector comes with the different pointer. Some smoke detector blinks every 30 seconds to depict low battery while some blink after 20 seconds to depict that. However, you won’t fully know which is which until you go through the user manual of your smoke detector
Conclusion:
By now, you should be armed with info on how to tackle smoke detectors flashing red. That said, there is little to no maintenance you need to do when it comes to your smoke detector. However, you need to replace the battery when due and the smoke detector device when it reaches its shelf life.
That being said, another thing you are advised to do is to always check the manual of the smoke detector brands you are using.