Several things may be causing your alarm(s) to sound or chirp. It's important to understand the different audible signals from your alarm.
Continuous Four-Beep Alarm Pattern
When the carbon monoxide (CO) alarm senses a dangerous level of carbon monoxide, the unit will emit a loud alarm pattern. The alarm pattern is four short beeps – followed by five seconds of silence – followed by four short beeps.*
Your alarm may have detected carbon monoxide. Make sure that you know how to respond to a CO emergency.
You may be experiencing a nuisance alarm. Follow the procedure for nuisance alarms.
*NOTE: When the unit is disconnected from the 120V power supply and on battery backup, the alarm pattern will continue for the first five minutes after detecting carbon monoxide and then the cycle will repeat every minute.
Consistent Chirping
Several things could cause an alarm to chirp according to a regular consistent pattern. For more information, go to what causes consistent chirping?
If you only hear one chirp every 30 seconds, this may indicate that your alarm has one of the following conditions:
End-of-Life warning
Low battery warning (see your user's manual for more details)
Alarm malfunction
Random Intermittent Chirping
Several things could cause an alarm to sound briefly or chirp randomly without a regular pattern. For more information, go to what causes intermittent beeping or chirping?
One Long, Continuous Squeal
If you hear a long, continuous squeal, this may indicate that your alarm has one of the following conditions:
Tamper-resist warning: this can be activated, causing the unit to go into alarm if it has been unplugged or has come loose from the outlet. (See your user's manual for more details.)
Alarm malfunction
NOTE: For more information about your specific alarm, refer to your user’s manual.
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Editor’s Note: This blog post was originally published in October 2018 and has been revised to reflect industry updates.
Installing a carbon monoxide (CO) detector in commercial and residential buildings is extremely important, as it indicates the presence of the odorless, colorless, tasteless, and potentially fatal gas. An effective detector will sound an alarm or siren alerting those inside and warning them to quickly leave the premises.
According to March 2021 statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): “Approximately 50,000 people in the U.S. visit the emergency department each year due to accidental CO poisoning.”
The CDC adds that of these instances, more than 430 will be fatal.
To ensure a properly functioning CO detector, homeowners and business owners must periodically inspect and test these devices. The first indication of a potential issue is a beep occurring anywhere between every 30 seconds to five minutes.
This could be one of two things.
A beeping CO detector could signify gas presence or a low battery. Regardless of the reason, further action should be taken.
Below we’ll
discuss how carbon monoxide detectors can protect your loved ones and property, and why it’s important to conduct regular device inspections, testing, and maintenance.
According to March 2021 statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): “Approximately 50,000 people in the U.S. visit the emergency department each year due to accidental CO poisoning.”
CO Detector Chirping
As previously mentioned, carbon monoxide could be fatal. Because CO detectors protect people from this dangerous gas, incessant chirping should encourage occupants to immediately leave the residence or place of business. This signals carbon monoxide may be present, and fire emergency professionals should be contacted immediately.
When listening for beeps from CO detectors, there are differences between frequencies and pauses. While these signals could alert a potential issue, it’s recommended to conduct further inspection.
Note the following CO beeps and frequencies below:
- Four beeps accompanied by a pause signal CO is present. Occupants should immediately seek fresh air and notify emergency personnel.
- One beep per minute means CO detector batteries are due for replacement.
- Five beeps per minute notes the detector has run its course and should be replaced.
CO Poisoning Symptoms & Exposure
According to the New York State Department of Health: "If you suspect CO poisoning, have everyone leave the area to get fresh air immediately. Contact the fire department and the gas company or heating contractor.”
The agency also recommends scheduling regular inspections of home heating sources, such as furnaces, fireplaces, and chimneys.
Watch for the following symptoms if you think you may have been exposed to CO:
- Nausea
- Chest Pain
- Dizziness
- Shortness of Breath
The American Association of Poison Control Centers is also available for medical advice on this, and other potentially fatal incidences.
Regularly Maintain & Inspect CO Detectors
Although some CO detectors have replaceable batteries, units with 10-year sealed lithium batteries will also beep due to an end-of-life warning. It’s important to keep track of a CO detector’s age and conduct regular testing, inspections, and maintenance.
If your CO detector has replaceable batteries, it’s recommended to change these every six months or during daylight saving times. As aforementioned, CO detectors eventually run their course—most have a shelf life of five to seven years.
Alarm.com Mobile Alerts
When working with General Security for fire and life safety technologies, you’ll have access to the Alarm.com mobile app. This detects carbon monoxide leaks alerting local authorities through 24/7 Central Station Monitoring. It also facilitates real-time alerts indicating your detectors’ low or missing batteries. While it’s still required to test and inspect devices regularly, having additional peace of mind is paramount in preventing injuries and possible fatalities.
Ensuring Health & Safety
If you’re upgrading current fire, life, and safety measures, or want to add a new system, consider working with a reputable provider, such as General Security for help with installation, monitoring, and inspections.
If you’re upgrading current fire, life, and safety measures, or want to add a new system, consider working with a reputable provider, such as General Security for help with installation, monitoring, and inspections.