How To Deactivate First Alert 10 Year Smoke Alarm? [Answered]

To deactivate the first alert 10-year smoke alarm just press the silence button and keep it pressed until the alarm stops. The location of the silence button will depend on the fire alarm model. But normally it is either around the first alert logo or front and center of the alarm, or at the top of the alarm. If you can’t find the button then look for it in the user manual.

To get an even better idea of smoke detectors and what causes them to let the alarm go off keep reading this article. 

How To Silence First Alert 10-Year Smoke Alarm?

Just press the silence button to stop the smoke alarm. The button’s position differs from the model. But don’t worry the table below shows the list of some of the fire alarms along with their position of the silence button.

First Alert Smoke Detector Model

Silence Button Position

0827B Button located beneath the First Alert logo
3120B At the top of the alarm above the First Alert logo 
7010B At the top of the alarm above the First Alert logo 
7020B SL On the alarm’s edge, to the left of the First Alert icon/logo
7030B SL On the alarm’s edge, to the left of the First Alert icon/logo
9120B Button located beneath the First Alert logo
CO400 Front and center of the alarm
CO605 Front and center of the alarm
CO615 Below the digital display on the left
P1010 Atom/Micro Alarm Button on the alarm’s side
P1210 / PR710 Rectangular button on the left of the logo
PC1210 / PRC710 Rectangular button on the left of the logo
PC1210V / PRC710V Rectangular button on the left of the logo
SA340 Button located beneath the First Alert logo
SC7010B At the top of the alarm above the First Alert logo 
SC9120B Button located beneath the First Alert logo
SCO5 At the top of the alarm above the First Alert logo 
SCO500 At the top of the alarm above the First Alert logo 
SCO5CN At the top of the alarm above the First Alert logo 

If you still have any trouble finding them, check the user manual of the product.

How To Turn Off First Alert Smoke Alarm?

To turn off your first smoke alarm, just take out the battery. But if you wish to remove or disconnect it, you need to do more than that. 

First, rotate your first alert smoke alarm counterclockwise. Then take it out of the mounting bracket. You’ve to twist it a little to disengage the lock pin from the mounting bracket.

If it is a hardwired first-alert smoke alarm then just turn off the power from the circuit breaker. Then just like the nonhardware option take off the mounting bracket and twist out to disengage the lock pin. 

Why the Unexpected Alarm?

First Alert 10 Year Smoke Alarm

An unexpected alarm can happen for a lot of reasons from a power outage issue to the device getting expired. Make sure to troubleshoot the smoke alarm properly before getting to a solution. 

Let’s go through each of the reasons in detail. 

Review 1: System Expiration Check

Check the expiration date of the smoke alarm. If it has been more than 10 years of use then it is time to change the detector. These alarms can last without any problem for about 7 to 10 years. 

If it is way past the expiration date then chances are the blinks and beep are because of surpassing its expiry date. 

Review 2: Clogged Fire Alarm

If the sensor of the smoke detector gets clogged by dirt, debris, or bugs then it will not work properly. The result will be an unwanted beep. 

It’s possible that an alarm can be triggered by the debris or the spiderweb. It’s one of the common causes of false fire alarms. To prevent it, the alarm unit’s chamber should be cleaned from time to time. 

Since you’re dealing with the sensor, cleaning smoke detectors should be done with utmost care. Uninstall the alarm first and then clean it with a soft brush. 

For a video demonstration check this

 

It can also be cleaned with compressed air. Reinstall the alarm after cleaning it.

Review 3: Location of The Alarm

If the smoke detector is placed near moving air or any source of stream then it can trigger a beep. Besides, don’t place it in the bathroom as well since the steam can trigger the alarm.

In addition, the alarm must not be placed under direct sunlight, fluorescent lighting, or any HVAC vents. Placing in one of these places increases the chance of receiving false alarms.

Furthermore, too much light creates heat which may give a wrong signal to the sensor.

Review 4: Power Outage Problem

A loose hot wire connection can cause an AC or DC fire alarm to lose power. It has the same effect as power failures. When the power is restored, the system may buzz for a while.

It is a systematic malfunction that can be solved by a technician. Also, make sure to check the fire suppression system for any malfunction.

Review 5: Battery-Powered Alarm Installed Above Junction Box

Your first alert 10-year smoke alarm must never be installed on top of a junction box if it is battery-operated. Installing them in a junction box causes false alarms pretty often.

Alarms installed over the junction box have to be electrically operated. Whether it’s any combination like gas, CO, or any smoke alarm.

how to deactivate first alert smoke alarm
Source: Good Housekeeping

Plus the alarm unit shouldn’t be connected in the same line with a lot of current loads. It causes false alarms. Rather something like an EST3 fire alarm panel would be a good choice.

If all the above scenarios are not the cause, then it’s probably had a malfunction.  Nevertheless, you should consult a professional fire alarm technician. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What do 3 loud repeating beeps mean in first alert smoke detectors?

If the smoke detector gives three beeps, it means it detects smoke in the home. The beeping sound will be very loud as the sequences are at 85 decibels. Thus ensuring that even the people who are asleep hear the emergency sound.

What do 4 loud repeating beeps mean in first alert smoke detectors?

Four loud repeating beep sounds mean the carbon monoxide level in your house is high. The alarm sound will ring at 85 decibels. So, it’ll be very noisy. The right course of action will be to open up the doors and windows. Also, call the fire department or emergency services.

Why is my first alert smoke detector chirping 3 times per minute?

The first alert alarm chirping three times every minute indicates malfunction warnings. It’s probably faced a mechanical or electrical issue or the alarm has gone out of date. If it has reached the expiration date then replace it soon.

Conclusion

Now you know how to deactivate the first 10-year smoke alarm. Hopefully, you found the answers you sought. Be sure to check your smoke detectors regularly.

Also, remember to check the warranty expiration date before changing or repairing the detectors. Stay safe!