This is a false alarm most commonly caused by cooking fumes, or by some dust or insect accumulation inside the alarm casing. These false alarms can usually be cured by giving the alarm a thorough vacuuming. Use a mains-powered vacuum cleaner as they have more suck and concentrate the cleaner nozzle on any gaps or openings in the alarm casing where dust or bugs may have entered. Please note, dust or insect contamination is not normally visible from outside the alarm.

Smoke alarms are programmed to beep periodically when the battery needs changing. For 9 volt alarms, we recommend using alkaline batteries for better performance. For sealed battery 10yr alarms less than 8 years old, the alarm may have developed a fault. Contact your supplier.

If the alarm continues to beep after battery replacement, take the battery out, depress and hold in the Test button firmly for 10 seconds and release. Reinstall the battery, wait 10 seconds then test the alarm by depressing the Test button again. This clears any residual current and reboots the alarm.

It is best to remove the alarm from the mounting bracket. Using a mains-powered vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment, suck around all gaps and openings of the alarm casing both front and back. Before putting the alarm back up, wipe it down with a clean damp cloth. Once reinstalled, press the Test button until the alarm sounds (may take 5 or 6 seconds).

Not really. All smoke alarm manufacturers recommend regular vacuuming of the casing to remove any dust build-up or insects from inside. Vacuuming should be carried out at least every 3 months to keep your alarm in top working condition.

Your smoke alarm should be tested at least monthly to ensure it is working correctly. To test, depress and hold the Test button until the alarm sounds (you may wish to cover the alarm grill with your fingers to reduce the loudness).

For alarms that have a replaceable battery (such as our 9 volt units), the battery should be replaced every 12 months. A good time to remember this is when daylight saving changes changes to summer time. Alkaline batteries are preferable to carbon zinc types.

You can but the ceiling is better. Smoke tends to rise to the ceiling first so it it is the safest option. If unable to mount on the ceiling, the higher on the wall the better, provided it’s not within 30cm of the ceiling. This is ‘dead air’ space where smoke does not accumulate.

Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom, hallway, living area and stairwell. If building or renovating, or if installing in a rental property, there is government legislation that you must comply with.

Smoke alarms should not be installed in rooms that are humid, dusty or may contain cooking fumes. These areas include kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, garages, workshops or attics. In these areas we recommend installing heat alarms.

No. Most smoke alarms come with a warning marking on them that says “do not paint.” Paint can restrict airflow and cause the alarm to have difficulty detecting an emerging fire.

All alarms will sound but only the activated alarm’s LED will flash.

In New Zealand, smoke alarms with sealed, non-replaceable batteries should not be placed in household recycling or rubbish bins due to fire risks and environmental concerns. Instead, dispose of them at specialist e-waste recycling facilities, or specialised battery drop-off points at Mitre 10 or local council hazardous disposal points.

Safe Disposal Options:

• Battery Recycling Points: Take the entire unit to a designated battery drop-off point (often found at participating hardware stores such as Mitre 10).
• Council Transfer Stations: Drop off hazardous electronic items, including smoke alarms, for free at local council transfer stations or dedicated, fire-resistant collection units.
• Specialised E-Waste Recyclers: Facilities like Ecotech Services can process these devices, although some older ionising types can be difficult to recycle.

Important Notes:

• Do Not Dismantle: Do not attempt to remove the sealed battery, as this can be dangerous.