Smoke Detector Problems & Defects

Dealing with False Alarms

The majority of smoke detectors are ionization detectors that detect very small particles and can be triggered by things other than combustion vapor from a fire, including cooking vapor, steam and dust.  If the alarm activates, such as while cooking or dusting, do not disconnect the alarm or remove the battery.  Instead, fan the air around the detector until the alarm turns off.  Some newer smoke detectors come with reset buttons that will temporarily disable the alarm for approximately ten minutes.  Cleaning the dust from the detector and replacing the battery may reduce the number of false alarms.  If false alarms continue, replace the smoke detector or consider moving the detector to a more suitable location.

In areas that are prone to other vapors that trigger ionization detectors, photoelectric detectors may be a useful alternative.  Photoelectric detectors are less sensitive to the smaller particles and they may be useful in confined areas (e.g. small apartments), in or near cooking areas, or near a heating device.