0800 555 815

To keep your smoke alarm in good working order, you should:

• Test it once a week, by pressing the test button until the alarm sounds
• Vacuum the alarm twice a year and wipe over with a damp cloth to remove any dust
• Change the battery once a year (unless it's a ten-year alarm)
• Replace the whole unit every ten years

Troubleshooting

If your smoke alarm is making an intermittent chirping noise follow these steps:

• Check that your smoke alarm is definitely the source of the chirping; make sure the noise isn't coming from another alarm (smoke/carbon monoxide/gas/burglar alarm) by process of elimination
• Clean the alarm as per the instructions above
• Test the alarm by pressing the test button
• Change the battery (unless it's a ten-year alarm)

If the alarm fails to operate or continues to chirp contact Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service on 0800 555 815 or please fill in the form on the home fire risk assessment. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my alarm keep going off?
False alarms can be annoying but they are easy to prevent. Whatever you do, don't remove the battery or disconnect the alarm. Usually the problem is you have placed the alarm too near to the kitchen so it is easily set off when you are cooking. Follow the advice on fitting and try moving the alarm to a less sensitive area or replace it with a hush or silencer button alarm.

But my alarm isn't near my kitchen but is still beeping regularly - what's the problem? If your smoke alarm starts to 'beep' regularly, you must replace the battery as soon as possible. If it's a 10 year alarm, you should replace the whole unit.

Warning! False alarms can also show that your alarm needs servicing.

Last update: 13/06/2011 09:13:49