Smoke detector going off with no sign of fire?

Question

I'm hoping someone can help me, and it's not an emergency. I've got a smoke detector in my basement that is going off. It's near a dryer and near my oil furnace, but there is no visible fire. I know that a shower can make a smoke detector go off. Is there something that I'm overlooking that would cause this to happen?

Answer 1

First off, if it is indeed a "smoke detector" than rule out Carbon Monoxide, because that's a completely different detector. However, CO detectors CAN look just like a smoke detector, so make sure it isn't a CO detector or you may have anohter problem all together!

If it is a smoke detector, try using the attachments on your vaccum cleaner to suck any dust out of it that may have built up over time. A can of compressed air can also be used to "blow" the dust out. Detectors will often "false alarm" if there is dust built up inside the sensing chamber.

Low batteries do not generally cause a false alarm, but if you haven't replaced the battery in awhile, it's certainly not a bad idea.

Nothing lasts forever. If the detector is older than 10 or 15 years, you may want to consider replacing it with a new one. The battery powered ones are typically about $10, while the hardwired ones will run you about $30.

Good luck.

Answer 2

If there is a shower near the detector the steam will set off an ionization type smoke detector. If this is the case try a photoelectric smoke detector at this location. They are less sensitive because they require larger particulates to set them off.
I would relocate your existing detector closer to your furnace and dryer. A smoke detector IS NOT a carbon monoxide detector! I would also recommend purchasing one of these for the reasons listed in this forum.
Good Luck!

Answer 3

BE VERY CAREFUL... There might be high levels of carbon monoxide in your basement!!! Is your smoke detector also a carbon monoxide detector? Is your dryer a gas dryer? There could also be a small crack in your furnace that is causing the problem. Call the gas company and ask them to send someone out to check for a carbon monoxide leak. Sometimes they won't even charge you. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and kills thousands of unsuspecting people each year. Make sure you have good air ventilation in your basement and don't spend a lot of time down there just in case.

Check ou this link...
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/carbon-monoxide/DS00648


Causes

Carbon monoxide poisoning is caused by inhaling carbon monoxide fumes. When there's too much carbon monoxide in the air, your body will replace the oxygen in the hemoglobin of your red blood cells with carbon monoxide. This keeps life-sustaining oxygen from reaching your tissues and organs.

Various appliances fueled by wood or gas produce carbon monoxide, including:

* Fuel-burning space heaters
* Furnaces
* Charcoal grills
* Cooking ranges
* Water heaters
* Fireplaces
* Portable generators, including those often used on houseboats
* Wood-burning stoves
* Car and truck engines

Normally the amount of carbon monoxide produced by these sources isn't cause for concern. But if appliances aren't kept in good working order or if they're used in a closed or partially closed space — such as using a charcoal grill indoors or running your car in a closed garage — the carbon monoxide can build to dangerous levels. Even swimming behind a motorboat or riding in the back of an enclosed pickup truck can be dangerous.

Answer 4

the battery is probably going dead. but I would get a carbon monoxide detector for your furnace just to bo on the safe side also try moving your smoke detector toward the bottom of the stairs or at least away from the furnace and dryer..hope this helps

Answer 5

The sensor going bad or low battery could make them sound off
Are you sure it is a smoke detector and not a carbon monoxide detector ?
There may be a leak in the exhust vent in the heating system.

Answer 6

Does it go off when the dryer is on? If so, the dryer vent has a hole in it and the humidity from the exhaust is setting off the alarm.

Re-locate the detector in a nearby, but central location wheras if any smoke did accumulate it would go off.


Do you have any adolescents living in the house? maybe they are secretly smoking cigarettes in the area

Answer 7

the smoke detector has a small short in it and that can not be fixed so that means u gotta buy a new one . or just not replace it . take this advice from a pro my dad is an electtrision / plummer / home builder / constuction worker / painter he does it all verry well makes a few mistakes here and there on the plumming part but nothing else .

Answer 8

Is it making a chirping sound? If so you probably need to change your battery. Smoke detectors will sometimes go off if the battery needs changed.

Answer 9

Sounds like your detecter may be too sensitive.Check for temperature and feel of walls with your hands to see if they are hot at the time the alarm sounds on the unit.If everything checks out to your satisfaction then you should look at replacing your current detecter.Also be sure to try fresh batteries in the one you already have first.

Answer 10

Your batteries may be running low cause my smoke detector did go off not to long ago and lt was the batteries. check and see lf lt needs new batteries.