What Causes Consistent Chirping?

Consistently chirping smoke alarms

The following conditions could cause your smoke alarm to chirp consistently:

Low Battery – The alarm will chirp every 30-40 seconds (every 60 seconds for some alarms) for a minimum of seven days. Replace the battery when this occurs, then test your alarm.
Alarm Malfunction – The alarm will chirp between flashes of the Red LED. If this occurs, press and hold the Test button for a minimum of two seconds. If the alarm does not sound, your unit has a defective battery or other failure.
Hush Condition – If your alarm has the Hush feature, the alarm will chirp every 30-40 seconds for approximately seven minutes while the Hush feature is activated.
End of Life Condition (Sealed Battery Models Only) – The alarm will chirp every 30 seconds to indicate it is time to replace the alarm.
Interference (For Wireless Alarms Only) – If your smoke alarm enters into Full Alarm and there is no presence of smoke, and the test buttons have not been activated on any units, it is likely you are receiving interference from a similar nearby system. To correct this, refer to your user's manual on how to select a different DIP switch pattern.

Consistently chirping carbon monoxide alarms

The following conditions could cause your carbon monoxide alarm to chirp consistently:

Low Battery Condition – The alarm will chirp once every 60 seconds to indicate the batteries need to be replaced.
End of Life Warning – Seven years after initial power up, a Kidde CO alarm will begin chirping every 30 seconds. The chirp will not stop until the unit is powered off.
WARNING: The alarm will not respond to carbon monoxide in this condition.
Malfunction Condition – The alarm chirping every 30 seconds and could indicate a unit malfunction. Call our Product Support when this occurs at 1-800-880-6788.
Error Condition – The alarm will chirp every 30 seconds, indicating a very low battery or unit malfunction.

NOTE: For more information about your specific alarm, refer to your user's manual.

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They are available to help you with any concerns or inquiries you may have. Reach out to us for support, and we'll be happy to assist you!

Kid playing in his room with a Kidde Carbon Monoxide detector in the background.

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Woman tests her smoke alarm while on a ladder.

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Kidde offers photoelectric, ionization smoke alarms, & dual-sensor alarms. All meet the current UL standard for smoke alarms. Learn more about the types of alarms.