Smoke alarm going off...

[M-J]

Just woke up and could hear a faint beeping, message on phone from neighbour an hour ago asking could we hear anything, went to check MH and turns out it was the smoke alarm, couldn’t see or smell anything.. I’m assuming it’s been going for at least an hour!

The MH alarm also gave a few beeps when opened, not sure if that’s just coincidence?

Could it be a battery problem, it’s currently sat plugged via EHU?

 

[barsteward]

They do seem to be temperamental, I have taken the battery out off mine at the moment for the exact same reason. With my previous m/h if the drivers window was open whilst traveling the alarm would go off.

Thinking of just replacing the whole of unit .

 

[M-J]

I’ve been back out, unplugged the EHU and checked it again, no smell, no smoke and no heat from cab or hab battery areas from what I can tell by touching the covers.

 

[mackeellan]

If the faint beeping was from the smoke alarm, it could be that the battery just needs changing. That is assuming the alarm wasn't blasting out as it should.

 

[Gellyneck]

Ours beeps when the battery needs changed. It also has a "test" button on it to test if it's working OK.

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[M-J]

If the faint beeping was from the smoke alarm, it could be that the battery just needs changing. That is assuming the alarm wasn't blasting out as it should.

It was the full alarm noise!

3 loud long beeps repeating over and over!

 

[Gellyneck]

It was the full alarm noise!

3 loud long beeps repeating over and over!

Sensors inside "clogged" with dust?

 

[icantremember]

The MH alarm also gave a few beeps when opened, not sure if that’s just coincidence?

That depends what make of vehicle alarm you have, but normally a sign it has been activated.

 

[Andacami]

Possibly a dying battery - change it. Possibly clogged up - clean/hoover it.

One other thing, because it happened with a smoke alarm in my shed/office, was/is there strong sunlight either direct or reflected shining on it?

 

[bashfop]

Our smoke alarm did the same last autumn. No obvious problem so removed battery. Each time I go into the van I put it back in and within 5 minutes does the same. Will try hoovering and then change the battery if no change time for a new alarm.

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[M-J]

That depends what make of vehicle alarm you have, but normally a sign it has been activated.

It’s a cobra alarm, wish I had checked the led to see how many times it was flashing but it was 4am

 

[M-J]

Possibly a dying battery - change it. Possibly clogged up - clean/hoover it.

One other thing, because it happened with a smoke alarm in my shed/office, was/is there strong sunlight either direct or reflected shining on it?

Was 4am and parked where it always is.

I think I’ll just get a new alarm, the same is only £6 but might upgrade to a sealed battery version.

 

[kevenh]

We had phantom alarms on ours in the MH. Even with new batteries.
From, I think, fireangel’s www or the user guide I read that they can need vacuuming
I tried that and indeed that resolved our phantom alarms

edit: Andacami mentioned similar but my advice is for any vacuum cleaner. Don’t rush out to buy a Hoover

 

[Pausim]

One manufacturer gives the following advice.
The most common source of false alarms in smoke detectors is contamination (such as dust and small insects) within the sensor chamber. Cleaning the unit by either vacuuming around the central detection chamber or blowing it out with the cold setting on a hair dryer normally resolves this issue.

Another reason for false alarms could be down to the age of the unit. Smoke and heat alarms are designed to last for around ten years, after which it is recommended that they are replaced as the sensors start to deteriorate and are no longer as effective. There should be a 'replace by' sticker on the side or reverse of the alarm.

 

[M-J]

.

One manufacturer gives the following advice.
The most common source of false alarms in smoke detectors is contamination (such as dust and small insects) within the sensor chamber. Cleaning the unit by either vacuuming around the central detection chamber or blowing it out with the cold setting on a hair dryer normally resolves this issue.

Another reason for false alarms could be down to the age of the unit. Smoke and heat alarms are designed to last for around ten years, after which it is recommended that they are replaced as the sensors start to deteriorate and are no longer as effective. There should be a 'replace by' sticker on the side or reverse of the alarm.

Replacement date is Sept 2028

I was more concerned it could have been triggered by one of the batteries in the vehicle. Fingers crossed it is just the alarm and I’ll put a new one in.

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[Pausim]

I think I’ll just get a new alarm, the same is only £6 but might upgrade to a sealed battery version.

If you are replacing it might be worth buying the optical type rather than a ionisation one.

Some advice from a supplier.
Ionisation alarms are very sensitive to cooking vapours and if placed near a cooker or toaster are likely to give frequent false alarms. Optical alarms detect larger particles of smoke, the kind that are produced by a slow smouldering fire before it bursts into flames. They are more sensitive to smoke from cigarettes.

 

[Lenny HB]

I use the Fire Angle Atom got them in the house & van never had any problems with them.
Smaller and neater than most alarms also optical so they don't go off when you burn the toast.

 

[M-J]

If you are replacing it might be worth buying the optical type rather than a ionisation one.

Some advice from a supplier.
Ionisation alarms are very sensitive to cooking vapours and if placed near a cooker or toaster are likely to give frequent false alarms. Optical alarms detect larger particles of smoke, the kind that are produced by a slow smouldering fire before it bursts into flames. They are more sensitive to smoke from cigarettes.

It’s an optical that’s fitted, fire angel sb1

£6 from screwfix, comes with the battery that would cost me half of that to replace.

 

[M-J]

I use the Fire Angle Atom got them in the house & van never had any problems with them.
Smaller and neater than most alarms also optical so they don't go off when you burn the toast.

I like the look of those, will have to check to see if it covers what is already fitted.

 

[M-J]

I use the Fire Angle Atom got them in the house & van never had any problems with them.
Smaller and neater than most alarms also optical so they don't go off when you burn the toast.

Looks like the atom has been discontinued.

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[Lenny HB]

Looks like the atom has been discontinued.

That's a shame they were very good been using them for quite a few years.

 

[M-J]

Lifted the battery covers, all looks ok and no smells, also checked the electrical system trips and all as should be.

New fire angel sb1-R fitted.

 

[scotzsue]

we had the same, replaced the battery in the smoke alarm and all was well.

 

[Coolcats]

Just woke up and could hear a faint beeping, message on phone from neighbour an hour ago asking could we hear anything, went to check MH and turns out it was the smoke alarm, couldn’t see or smell anything.. I’m assuming it’s been going for at least an hour!

The MH alarm also gave a few beeps when opened, not sure if that’s just coincidence?

Could it be a battery problem, it’s currently sat plugged via EHU?

If not the battery it will probably be dust or insects, use a hoover to remove any dust/insect and if that doesn’t work but a new one they are pretty cheap.