{"id":4100,"date":"2022-04-16T17:02:22","date_gmt":"2022-04-16T11:32:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bringuptodate.com\/?p=4100"},"modified":"2022-04-16T17:02:23","modified_gmt":"2022-04-16T11:32:23","slug":"why-is-my-smoke-detector-blinking-red","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bringuptodate.com\/why-is-my-smoke-detector-blinking-red\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Is My Smoke Detector Blinking Red? Read To Find The Answer!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Last week, after returning from Chile, I invited over my friends to my place. The idea was to drink some wine, eat some pizzas, and chill. Just as we were having fun, my friend’s girlfriend almost panicked upon seeing my smoke detector blinking red<\/strong>. She was all freaked out with Kidde<\/strong><\/a> smoke alarm red light <\/strong>until I explained to her what it could mean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smoke detectors are a necessity at home and save thousands of lives across the globe every year. As I mentioned about the fireproof safes in the best small fireproof safes<\/a> article, even smoke detectors are the kind of purchase that we make hoping that we never put its capabilities to test. This is the reason why many users panic if they see a smoke detector flashing red<\/strong>. However, it is not always a case of emergency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, I will write about the various reasons why your smoke detector may be blinking red. I will also talk about the ways you can carry out the maintenance of your smoke detector. But before we move ahead, let us first understand what the lights on your smoke detector indicate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lights On Smoke Detector: What Do They Mean?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Lights<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Most smoke detectors have red and green lights installed on them. Both the lights act as indicators and have a specific purpose. I am listing the colors of the indicator lights and their purpose below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Green Light: <\/strong>The green light indicates the power supply to the smoke detector. A flashing green light means that the smoke detector is getting the right amount of power supply. Basically, the green light indicates that the smoke detector is active.
Red Light:<\/strong> The red light can indicate more than just an emergency threat. Your smoke detector blinking red<\/strong> could mean more than one thing. I will discuss these indications in detail in this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reasons Why Your Smoke Detector is Blinking Red<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are a variety of reasons why your smoke detector is blinking red and most of the time, the reason is not as alarming as we think it can be. However, this does not imply that we do not look at these signs seriously. It is essential to carefully examine these signs and find an appropriate solution. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the common reasons we see a smoke alarm blinking red <\/strong>are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Smoke Detector Is Functioning Normally<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The smoke detectors by most brands have a flashing red light to indicate that your device is working absolutely normally. In this case, the red smoke detector light blinks every 30-60 seconds instead of flashing continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regardless of the brand, that feature indicates the normal functioning of the smoke detector and is not the cause of worry. Having your smoke detector flashing red every 30 seconds,<\/strong> in most cases, is a normal flashing behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Smoke Detector Batteries Are Low<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your smoke detector alarm runs on batteries instead of AC power, the ‘smoke alarm blinking red’<\/strong> may be because of low batteries. This is when you have to replace the batteries instead of panicking. Most smoke detectors’ low battery is indicated with the smoke detector flashing red <\/strong>with a loud beep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is recommended to replace the batteries of your smoke detectors every 6 months to avoid malfunctioning. I also suggest doing a test run post replacing the batteries of your smoke detector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you see your smoke detector is blinking red even after a new battery<\/strong>, it could be because of  the following reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Smoke Detector Needs A Test Run<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Regular testing of your smoke detector device is a safety measure to ensure that your smoke detector is working normally. Your smoke detector brand may have a red light that blinks to indicate that you need to test run your alarm for safety purposes. In such cases, the red light usually flashes every 10 seconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are wondering ‘why is my smoke detector blinking red every 10 seconds’<\/strong>, run a test on your alarm. The issue should most likely resolve after the test and the usual flashing behavior should resume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Smoke Detector Needs To Be Replaced<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Smoke detector is a long-time investment but is not a lifetime product. Replacing your smoke detector after every ten years is recommended. A smoke detector blinking red after a new battery <\/strong>may be an old device. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you see a red light on a smoke detector <\/strong>often, it may signify that your smoke detector needs an upgrade. Check the manufacturing year on your smoke detector to find if it is the time to change it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Smoke Detector Chamber Has Dust<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A smoke detector in your house is exposed to dust particles, pet hair, and humidity. It is very likely for these particles to enter the chamber of your smoke detector. Adapting the routine of cleaning your smoke detector is a wise idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My friend had his Firex smoke detector flashing red<\/strong>, and he found a lot of dust accumulated in his device. In such cases, you have to clean the chamber of your smoke alarm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s how<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1: <\/strong>Remove the chamber of your smoke detector device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2: <\/strong>Clean the chamber and the outer frame of your smoke detector with a soft cloth.Step 3: <\/strong>Vacuum the interior of your smoke detector to remove any traces of dust or dirt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Smoke Detector Actually Detected Smoke<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the reasons you find your smoke detector blinking red is that your smoke detector actually detected smoke. However, in the case of smoke, the alarm light is accompanied by a loud sound or beep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, if you hear a loud beeping sound with your smoke detector, you must check for any fire or smoke signs at your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lingering Smoke Detected After The Alarm<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There may be some smoke remaining in the surroundings after the initial alarm of your device. The smoke detector detects the lingering carbon monoxide in the surroundings and indicates an alert. In most cases, you will see the carbon monoxide detector blinking red<\/strong> for a certain period till the smoke clears after an alarm or you may find your smoke detector flashing red after going off. <\/strong>When you experience this, allow ventilation in your space by opening the doors and windows and run a test on your smoke detector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Should You be Concerned About the Smoke Detector Red Light?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"When<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As I told you, I did not panic upon seeing my Kidde smoke detector flashing red <\/strong>because a smoke detector can blink red for many reasons. So, does it mean that a smoke alarm blinking red<\/strong> is not a matter of concern? Well, the answer is NO! There are a few scenarios when the blinking red light can be alarming, and you must sift through these scenarios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are those scenarios,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Case 1: Your Smoke Detector Red light Is Continuous<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Usually, a continuous red light on your smoke detector signifies that your device detected snow. In this case, the light will not go off until you reset the smoke detector. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s how you can reset the alarm in such a scenario.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1: <\/strong>Turn the power off of your smoke detector device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2: <\/strong>Remove the batteries or unplug the power supply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3: <\/strong>Press the RESET or the TEST button for 15-30 seconds until the indicator LED blinks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 4: <\/strong>Re-insert the batteries or plug in the power supply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 5: <\/strong>Turn the power of the smoke detector on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Case 2: The Smoke Detector Red Light Is Accompanied By Sound<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your smoke detector has a loud beeping sound accompanying the red light, it needs your attention immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The possible reasons for this blinking behavior are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n