Nuisance or False Alarm

What To Do If You Have a Nuisance or False Alarm

Smoke Alarm Hush, Cleaning & Reset Instructions

How to Temporarily Silence Your Alarm (Hush® Feature)

The Hush® feature on most smoke alarms allows you to temporarily lower the sensitivity of the smoke sensor for up to 10 minutes. This feature should only be used when a known non-emergency condition (such as cooking smoke or steam) activates the alarm.

• For hardwired or wireless interconnected alarms, only hushing the initiating unit will silence all other units.
• Look for the unit flashing RED or GREEN once per second while in alarm mode — this is the initiating unit.
• Press the “Test/Hush” button on that unit.
• If smoke is light, the alarm will silence immediately.
• If smoke or debris is too dense, the alarm may override the Hush feature.
• The unit will automatically reset after approximately 8 minutes if the air has cleared.
• Pressing the Test/Hush button again will end the hush period.

How to Clean and Reset Your Alarm

False alarms are most commonly caused by debris, dust, insects, or particles interfering with the sensor.

Step 1: Identify the Initiating Unit

For interconnected systems, locate the unit flashing RED or GREEN once per second. If the alarm has stopped, the initiating unit may flash for 1.5 seconds every 10 seconds.

Step 2: Clean the Alarm

• Disconnect the alarm from power.
• Remove the battery (if applicable).
• Hold the unit by its edge.
• Use compressed air (such as keyboard cleaner) to blow thoroughly through the side vents.

Ionization Alarm:Use compressed air on sensor openings (example: i12060 model).

Photoelectric Alarm:Use compressed air on sensor openings (example: P3010 model).

Resetting a Hardwired Unit with Battery Backup

• Remove the alarm from the mounting bracket.
• Disconnect the power.
• Remove the battery.
• Press and hold the Test button for 5 seconds.
• Reconnect power.
• Reinstall the battery.

Note: The unit will chirp once when power is restored but should not continue chirping.

Resetting a Battery-Only Unit

• Press and hold the Test button.

Note: The unit will chirp once when the battery is reinstalled.

When to Call a Professional

If your smoke alarm continues to false alarm after cleaning and resetting, it may need replacement or professional inspection. Persistent false alarms can indicate sensor failure, wiring issues, or environmental interference.

CWC Security provides professional inspection, replacement, and compliance services for residential and commercial life safety systems.

Need Help With a False Alarm?

Contact CWC Security for professional troubleshooting and service.