Hard Wired Smoke/co Detector Trouble Shooting

Aframe

Hello,

Has anybody had/heard of any problems with random alarm sounding.

Problem is, in a house I renovated last year hardwired smoke/co detectors were installed and maybe every 2 months the alarms will go off, usually in the middle of the night(of course).

As far as I know there were no known causes that triggered the alarms. It was a project for relatives so I don't think they are not telling me something. The owners have not been able to tell which detector triggered the alarms and have either shut off the circuit or pulled off the detectors, I would hear that there was a problem about two weeks later at a cookout or something

Order of troubles
First, I thought it was from blown in insulation in attic getting stirred up.
Removed the attic detector. (not required but there is ac unit up there so we were asked to put one in)
Possible interference from a "Life Alert" system on same circuit (yes I was able to get up)
Removed from that circuit to different circuit.
Most recent theory is possible CO in basement, but with out being there to check it out we're only guessing. New direct vent boiler with tankless so it does run year round.

My electrician has been on top of this through out the ordeal and replaced all of the detectors last month, but it happened again. Originally Firex and now BRK

My next thought is to disconnect the signal wires and see if it is the basement unit. I know it can't stay like that but if they are going to remove them shut them off other we need to figure it out.

Thanks for any thoughts

dezwitinc

The alarm in my house went off a couple of nights ago for no apparent reason.
I found that the smoke in the laundry room was in alarm.
It is directly above a cabinet that contains cleaning supplies, bleach, all the common items found in the laundry room.
The cabinet door was open 90 degrees and all I can figure is that the fumes from the various chemicals had caused the alarm.
Closed the door and a few seconds later the alarm silenced itself and haven't heard a peep since.
Is there anything like this in the basement that might be causing the alarm?

Aframe

Not that I know of, Laundry is on first floor away from any detectors.

I know steam from showers can set off regular detectors
Cellar is damp especially this time of year, but not that humid

Don't know if they ever tested for radon or if thats even a possible trigger.

Going over tomorrow to see

Vermaraj

Are they part of a larger security system?

We often have problems with magnetic contact wiring. The 22 gauge single wire can kink or break during installation. Then at times, always seems to be in the middle of the night, circuits open setting off the alarm.

We have the electrician isolate the the contacts or devices in question using a wireless setup. If that works then we replace all the wiring in that circuit. So far it has worked 100% of the time.

We also spec a minimum of 18g stranded for all alarm wiring for this very reason. Chasing down one of these issues will cost far more than the wire up-charge.

MacRoadie

Mine go off once in awhile, just to piss me off. Did it just the other night, two days after I had changed the batteries in all 5 of them.

Always seems to happen at 2 am as well. Hell of a racket with all of them sounding at once and a real pain to reset with 9' ceilings.

fridaymean

This may help, don't know.

Look in the info that came with the detector. There is a way to tell which detector triggered the alarm. Usually it is done through the LED(s). I think BRK will show a red LED on the one that triggered, but check your paperwork to be sure.

We only use BRK and have had similar issues in the past. Some times you get a bad one. Some times the shower sets 'em off. Some times people smoke in bed.......etc.....

Good luck, these issues can be a real pain in the butt.

Aframe

Thank all, didn't make it to job today, hoping to get some additional ideas here

Vermaraj, Originally there was no house alarm system when this problem first started, they did add a wireless system but I dont think it is connected to house alarm but I will confirm if it was tied in at all.

Fridaymean, Yes units do have LED indicators, I will be reviewing the instructions with the HO to show them what to look for if they go off.
The new units also have a room menu so you can program each to call out where they are "Bedroom", "basement" ect. The owners, my aunt (73) and great aunt (100 last May) get blitzed with 6 alarms ringing in a small house and all they can do is cover their ears when they go off.

MAc Roadie, A broom handle with the end shaved down to the size of tip of your finger may be a handy thing to have

woodchuck2

I get problems once in a while with a bad battery. I did have a problem once though, i removed one detector at a time until i found it. Turned out it was one that my wife had dropped when replacing the battery. Must have done some internal damage that caused it to trigger at will.