On the covered First Alert smoke and carbon monoxide alarm, chirping on a hardwired smoke alarm means a hardwired issue. First Alert lists power surges, outages or loose wiring on AC-powered units among the causes of chirping. First, check whether the circuit breaker for the alarm is on, and whether anything tripped it.
Differential
Likely causes of “First Alert smoke and carbon monoxide alarm chirping on a hardwired smoke alarm”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A power surge or an outage on an AC-powered alarm
What separates it The chirp began after a storm, a flicker or a tripped breaker
How to confirm Check the circuit breaker for the alarm and reset it if it tripped
- 2
Loose wiring in the ceiling box or at the connector
What separates it The alarm chirps at random times and the chirp may stop when the alarm is touched
How to confirm Have a licensed electrician inspect the connection
- 3
A dead or missing backup battery
What separates it The alarm chirps about once a minute
How to confirm Fit a fresh backup battery of the right type
- 4
The alarm is not fully seated on its mounting bracket
What separates it The alarm was moved or bumped during cleaning
How to confirm Twist it back fully onto the bracket until it clicks
- 5
An alarm at the end of its life
What separates it The unit is ten years old or more
How to confirm Check the date on the back and replace it if it is old
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the breaker for the alarm circuit tripped or was reset
- How often it chirps and whether the chirp changes after a reset
- The manufacture date on the back label
- Whether the other alarms on the interconnect also chirp
Try in this order
0 of 8 completedWhat to do first
ReversibleCheck whether the circuit breaker for the alarm is on, and whether anything tripped it.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleFirst Alert's list separates hardwired problems from battery problems. Wiring inside the ceiling box and the alarm's power connection are electrical work, so use a licensed electrician for anything beyond checking the breaker and replacing the backup battery.
Check the breaker
ReversibleLook at the circuit that powers the alarms and reset it if it has tripped, then listen for a change in the chirp.
Replace the backup battery
ReversibleRemove the alarm from its bracket and fit a fresh backup battery of the type listed on the label.
Reseat the alarm
ReversibleTwist the alarm back onto the base until it is fully engaged, since an alarm that is half on may chirp.
Reset the alarm
ReversibleHold the test button for the time the manual states to clear the chirp and restart the alarm.
Check the age of the alarm
ReversibleRead the manufacture date. An alarm near or past ten years old should be replaced and not repaired.
Call an electrician for wiring
ReversibleAny work inside the ceiling box or on the connector is electrical work for a licensed electrician.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- The condition on this page
- A power-related chirp on a hardwired alarm.
- Parts involved
- The breaker, the backup battery, the connector and the wiring.
- Source
- First Alert's guide to why a smoke alarm chirps.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Use a licensed electrician for any wiring beyond checking the breaker and replacing the backup battery
- !Never remove an alarm without a replacement in place
- !Contact First Alert with the model number if the chirp continues
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
What does chirping on a hardwired smoke alarm mean on a First Alert smoke and carbon monoxide alarm?+
A hardwired issue. First Alert lists power surges, outages or loose wiring on AC-powered units among the causes of chirping.
Why does my hardwired smoke alarm chirp?+
The backup battery, a power surge or an outage, loose wiring or the age of the unit are the usual causes, as First Alert lists them.
Should I touch the wires myself?+
No. Wiring in the ceiling box is electrical work, so call an electrician.
Do I need a new alarm?+
If the unit is ten years old or more, yes, since it is at the end of its life.
Is a chirp the same as an alarm?+
No. A chirp is a warning that something needs attention, not a smoke alarm.
Can I silence the chirp?+
You can hush it with the test button, but the cause should still be found and fixed.