Smoke Alarm Chirping

What is that chirping sound in my unit?

Even though the smoke alarms inside each unit are hard-wired, there is a battery backup to provide protection in the event of a power outage. When this battery needs to be replaced the alarm will chirp repeatedly. Replacement of the battery is the unit owner's responsibility. The new code-compliant alarms in most units, installed as part of the fire alarm system upgrade in 2021, have a small door on the back or a drawer on the side where you can access the 9-volt battery. Fire officials recommend changing the battery annually. If you need to borrow a ladder to reach your alarm, contact housekeeping staff or our property manager.

Battery Installation (model with door on the back)

ALARM REMOVAL

To replace the batteries, remove the alarm from the trim ring by rotating the alarm in the direction of the “OFF” arrow on the cover. To disconnect the AC power harness, squeeze the locking arms on the sides of the Quick Connector while pulling the connector away from the bottom of the alarm.

BATTERY INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL

To replace or install the batteries you must first remove the alarm from the trim ring by following the ALARM REMOVAL instructions at the beginning of this section. After alarm has been removed, you can open the battery door and install or replace the battery. Battery installation instructions are provided on the inside of the battery door.

When installing the battery, press the battery reminder finger down into the battery compartment and install the battery.

CAUTION! IF THE BATTERY REMINDER FINGER(s) ARE NOT HELD DOWN IN THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT BY THE BATTERY, THE BATTERY DOOR WILL NOT CLOSE, THE AC QUICK CONNECTOR WILL NOT ATTACH TO THE ALARM, AND THE ALARM WILL NOT ATTACH TO THE TRIM RING.

The i12040A and i12080A smoke alarms use a 9V backup battery (Carbon zinc and alkaline batteries may be used). A fresh battery should last for one year under normal operating conditions. These models have a low/missing battery monitor circuit which will cause the alarm to “chirp” approximately every 30-40 seconds for a minimum of seven (7) days when the battery gets low. Replace the battery(s) when this condition occurs.

USE ONLY THE FOLLOWING 9-VOLT BATTERIES FOR SMOKE ALARM BATTERY REPLACEMENT.

Carbon-zinc type: EVEREADY 1222; GOLD PEAK 1604P OR 1604S

Alkaline type: ENERGIZER 522; DURACELL MN1604 OR MX1604; GOLD PEAK 1604A; PANASONIC 6AM6, 6AM-6, 6AM-6PI, 6AM6X, AND 6LR61 (GA)

NOTE: Do not use lithium batteries in this unit.

These batteries can be purchased at your local retailer.

The SAFETY LIGHT (model i12080A only) portion is powered by one (1) 9V alkaline battery. Under normal (standby) conditions, the battery should last at least one year and provide 15 minutes of light when the alarm is sounding.

Complete User Guide for Kidde Models i12040A, i12080A

ALARM STILL CHIRPING AFTER BATTERY REPLACEMENT?

Check to see if there is another smoke alarm in your apartment that might be chirping.

If not, then consult Kidde troubleshooting and device reset info .

Battery Installation (model with drawer on the side)

1. Locate side mounted battery drawer.

2. Open battery drawer by firmly pulling on side lip, then sliding battery drawer open.

3. Insert battery into drawer, terminal end first. Take care to make sure the proper

polarity is being observed, (+) terminal on battery to (+) terminal on alarm metal

contact and (-) terminal on battery to (-) terminal on the alarm metal contact.

4. Insert battery into drawer and close drawer. Note: the battery drawer will not close

if the battery is installed incorrectly.

5. Slide battery drawer shut until it is snapped into place.

6. Use only Duracell® MN 1604 battery with the Gentex GN-503 Series smoke alarm.

7. Push test button to verify battery operation.