This one needs a licensed pro
Hardwired alarm: call a licensed electrician
A hardwired alarm runs on house power with a backup battery. Work on it means working at its wiring, which is a job for a licensed electrician.
Why this happens
NFPA says only qualified electricians should install hardwired smoke alarms. Kidde's procedures for these alarms involve turning off the breaker, removing the alarm from its bracket and unplugging its wiring harness, and Kidde says a loose wire at the alarm is a job for an electrician. A chirp may still mean a low backup battery or end of life, so tell the electrician the alarm's age.
What to do right now
- Press and hold TEST to confirm the alarm still sounds. If it sounds, it is still working.
- Note the manufacture date if it is visible without removing the alarm, and how often it chirps.
- Do not remove the alarm from its bracket or disconnect its wiring.
- Call a licensed electrician to change the backup battery or replace the alarm.
What to tell the licensed electrician
- Which alarm chirps, how often, and whether it is interconnected with others.
- The brand, model and manufacture date if visible.
- Whether the chirp started after a power outage or breaker trip.
- Whether the alarm's power light is on.
Build the full list: what to tell the licensed electrician.
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