Troubleshooting Common Smoke Detector Issues

Move Your Smoke Detector

If you’d like to reposition your smoke detector to a safer or more convenient spot, follow the steps below based on your model:

• Hardwired units:
  1. Open the Brinks Home App.
  2. Tap Support.
  3. Contact us to schedule a technician visit and get guidance.
• Battery-powered units: you can move these yourself:
  • Choose a ceiling or wall location at least 10 ft from cooking appliances.
  • Avoid corners, air vents, fans, or dusty areas.
  • Use the included mounting template and screws.

  After mounting:

  1. Open the Brinks Home App.
  2. Tap Devices → Smoke Detectors.
  3. Select your detector.
  4. Tap Test to confirm it is online.

Stop the Beeping

If your detector is chirping or beeping unexpectedly, this usually indicates a warning or error. Use the App to identify and clear it:

1. Open the Brinks Home App.
2. Tap Devices → Smoke Detectors.
3. Look under your detector for any warning or error code.

• If you see an error code:
  1. Contact us for help clearing it.
• If no code appears, check the detector’s age:
  1. In the App, tap Device Info to view “Date of Manufacture.”
  2. If it’s over 10 years old, contact us to order a replacement.
• If it’s under 10 years old:

  Please contact us—we’ll walk you through removing and re-adding your detector in the Brinks Home App to clear any lingering issues.

Fix False Alarms

If your detector sounds when there’s no smoke, check your model and follow the steps below:

• Hardwired units:
  1. In the App, tap Devices → Smoke Detectors → Device Info → Programming and confirm settings match your panel.
  2. Inspect the wiring at the base. If wires are loose or damaged, contact us.
  3. If the detector is over 10 years old, contact us to order a replacement.
• Wireless units:
  1. In the App, tap Devices → Smoke Detectors → Device Settings → Sensitivity and lower the sensitivity.
  2. Ensure no steam, dust, or sprays are near the detector. Gently blow out any dust, then remount and test.
  3. If false alarms continue, contact us to order a replacement unit.

Restore Connection (Loss of Supervision)

A “Loss of Supervision” message means your system isn’t receiving regular check-ins from the detector. Try these fixes:

1. If the detector is in a detached building more than 50 ft from the panel:
   1. You may need a separate system or wireless bridge.
   2. Contact us to explore options and schedule any required services.
2. For units within range: identify your model:
   • Hardwired units:
     1. Ensure power wiring at the base is secure and undamaged.
     2. Verify programming under Device Info in the App.
   • Wireless units:
     1. If you recently saw a low-battery alert, replace the battery first (see Change a Low Battery).
     2. Clean any corrosion in the battery compartment.
     3. Press the tamper switch while moving closer to the panel, then remount and test.
3. If it still won’t reconnect:
   1. Contact us for further troubleshooting or to schedule a technician visit.

Change a Low Battery

Your App will display a low-battery alert under Devices → Smoke Detectors. Replace it as follows:

1. Press and twist the detector off its mounting plate.
2. Swap in the manufacturer-approved battery.
3. Press the tamper switch 10 times to reset.
4. Remount the detector and tap Test in the App.

If the warning persists:

Contact us—we’ll help you clear it and ensure your detector is functioning.

Test Detector Activation

Confirm your detector will sound when needed:

1. Open the Brinks Home App.
2. Tap Devices → Smoke Detectors → Test.
3. The detector should chirp loudly.

If it does not:

• Hardwired:
  1. Check the wiring at the detector base for damage or loose connections.
  2. Contact us to schedule a technician visit or further troubleshoot.
• Wireless:
  1. Replace the battery and ensure the detector is within panel range.
  2. If it still won’t test, contact us for assistance.

Handle a Damaged Detector

If your detector is cracked, corroded, or otherwise damaged:

1. Remove it from the wall or ceiling and inspect it.
2. Hardwired:
   1. Contact us to arrange a repair technician visit.
3. Wireless:
   1. Contact us to order a replacement unit and get setup help.

Clear a Tamper Error

A tamper alert means your system thinks the detector was removed. To clear it:

1. Press the detector firmly onto its mounting plate until it clicks.
2. In the App, tap Devices → Smoke Detectors → Clear Error.
3. If it remains, remove the detector, press its tamper switch 10 times, remount, then clear again.
4. If the error still won’t clear:
   1. Contact us for help clearing the tamper alert.