A fire alarm is an essential tool to keep you safe when a fire occurs. However, it can also annoy people if it malfunctions or is active while you are doing something, such as cooking. Turning off a fire alarm may be as simple as pressing a button or it can be more complicated, depending on the unit.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Turning Off the Battery Powered Fire Alarm
Step 1. Locate the active unit
Look for an active alarm unit in your home. In addition to the sound, an active alarm will display a rapidly flashing red light on the front. Since these alarms are disconnected from each other, they will not trigger other units to activate so there is no need to worry.
Some battery-powered fire alarms also connect wirelessly with other alarm panels
Step 2. Reset the alarm
To turn off most battery-powered alarms, all you have to do is press the button on the front of the unit for a few seconds. If you are using an older model, the alarm may need to be removed from the ceiling and the button behind it may need to be pressed.
For some models, pressing the button for more than two seconds can trigger programming mode, not turn it off
Step 3. Replace or remove the alarm battery if the unit will not reset
If resetting the unit does not turn off the alarm, there may be a problem with the battery. Remove the detector screws from the wall or ceiling and replace the battery. After that, reset the device. If the alarm is still active, remove the entire battery.
- Newer alarm units may be equipped with a built-in 10 year battery. Do not attempt to remove the battery from this unit. You will have to replace the entire unit, if it turns out to be damaged.
- If the alarm sounds intermittent and incomplete, it is a sign that the battery is running low or the unit is faulty.
Step 4. Replace the malfunctioning fire alarm unit
If after a few days the alarm still sounds on its own after replacing the battery, you may need to replace it. Battery-powered fire alarms can be purchased at most supermarkets and home improvement stores. Depending on the quality of the unit, this unit is usually sold at a price range of IDR 100,000 to IDR 500,000.
- There are many countries where the replacement of fire alarms should not be more than ten years, or according to the time stated on the manufacturer's instructions.
- Check with your nearest Fire Department or Red Cross office to find out if they sell discounted fire alarms or free alarms.
- Make sure you install a unit that matches the current alarm unit to avoid confusion, especially if the unit is connected wirelessly.
Method 2 of 4: Turning Off the Wired Fire Alarm
Step 1. Reset each alarm
Since wired fire alarms are usually connected to other units, one active alarm can trigger another. To turn it off, you must reset at least one unit by pressing a button on the front, side, or back. For newer alarms, you will need to remove the screws from the wall or ceiling to press the reset button.
- Most connected fire alarms will display which unit's sensor is active, usually marked with a fast flashing red or green light. Resetting an alarm may result in you losing the information, but there are many models that have an “alarm memory” function.
- If only one alarm is active, your alarm unit may have malfunctioned. A short chirping sound indicates that the battery is running low or its service life is nearing the end.
- If the alarm unit is controlled via the keypad, immediately read the product manual to deactivate it.
Step 2. Press the circuit breaker if the alarm does not work after reset
If the alarm is not directed to a specific circuit, you just need to cut off the current to that unit. Otherwise, you will have to cut off some of the current that is connected to parts of your house.
- Circuit breakers are usually in garages, basements, or building maintenance cabinets.
- If you cut off electricity to the entire room, first unplug the electronic devices in the area to prevent a short circuit.
- In some countries, you are prohibited from installing all fire alarms in one circuit so that an alarm will continue to function when one circuit is disconnected.
Step 3. Disconnect each fire alarm
If the alarm is still active, you may need to remove the entire unit. To do this, turn the alarm counterclockwise and then pull it off the wall or ceiling. Disconnect the cable connecting the alarm to the house. If necessary, remove the spare battery as well. Repeat this process on all alarm units.
There are many manuals that instruct you to turn off the electricity first before disconnecting the power cord on the alarm. This method can reduce the risk of being electrocuted if there is a problem with the high-voltage connector or cable.
Step 4. Contact the apartment manager or the fire department if necessary
If you're trying to turn off an alarm that's connected to a commercial building system, apartment complex, or dormitory, chances are you shouldn't and can't do it yourself. For that, contact the apartment manager or the nearest fire department to ask them to turn it off.
- While most alarm systems can be turned off remotely, there are also alarms that must be turned off immediately.
- For the safety of others, there are regulations that forbid people without permission from the fire department to turn off the alarm.
Step 5. Repair or replace a faulty fire alarm
If your alarm goes off on its own when there is no fire, you may need to replace the unit or repair the wiring harness. Replacement units are usually sold at a price range of IDR 100,000 to IDR 500,000 and can be purchased at supermarkets or household supply stores. If the new unit malfunctions as well, immediately contact an electrician to check the wiring in the house.
Make sure the replacement unit matches the cable system or power connection of the other unit. You can also replace all units at the same time with the same model
Method 3 of 4: Turning Off Fire Alarm
Step 1. Press the mute button if you are using a modern alarm
In recent years, there have been many companies making alarms with a silent button. This feature is able to temporarily turn off the alarm so you can cook, smoke, or do other things that would normally trigger a fire alarm. Look for buttons without labels for alarm units or buttons that say “Mute”, “Mute”, or so on.
- Multiple mute buttons combined with a test alarm button.
- The feature to temporarily turn off the alarm does not work on some models except when the alarm is already on.
- Most mute buttons can ensure an alarm for 10 to 20 minutes.
Step 2. Unplug the power source from the alarm unit to turn it off
If your alarm doesn't have a mute button, or if you need to keep it off for a long time, try turning the power source off straight away. Rotate your alarm counterclockwise, then pull it off. If your fire alarm is wired, pull the cord attached to the wall or ceiling and remove the spare battery. If your alarm is battery powered, simply remove the battery.
- On some alarm models, the battery may be hidden behind a screwed-in panel or a cover.
- Newer models of alarms may not have a non-removable battery and may last up to 10 years. Do not try to remove the battery. You must replace the entire unit if it is damaged.
Step 3. Read the user manual if necessary
Every fire alarm is different, and there are many products that are designed to be difficult to turn off accidentally. If you can't find the power button or alarm power source, look up the user manual for information. If you don't have a physical copy, there are many companies that keep manuals digitally on their websites.
Method 4 of 4: Turning Off the Commercial Fire Alarm
Step 1. Locate the fire alarm control panel
Usually, fire alarms for large commercial buildings can be controlled by the main panel. These panels are usually placed in a special electrical room or in a building guard room.
Step 2. Access the alarm control panel
If the panel is covered with a protective case, you will need to use a key to open it and access the control panel. Once it opens, you need to enter the verification code or enter the controller key into the panel. This method allows you to use the alarm control panel.
Step 3. Follow the instructions on the control panel to turn off the fire alarm
Every commercial fire alarm has a different system. This means, each unit has a different procedure for shutting down. However, this usually requires you to select one of the “fire zones” or active units, then press the “mute” or “reset” button. There are also systems that need to be completely shut down to deactivate the alarm.
Tips
- The term "hardwired" means that each unit uses the household electrical connection, regardless of whether the units are connected to each other, or is also referred to as "interconnected."
- Some interconnected units may be battery powered and connected via radio frequency.
- Newer model alarm units may have permanent batteries that can last up to 10 years or more. This alarm should have a button to turn it off permanently.
- “interconnected” alarms may use a different system to indicate which unit is active. This is usually indicated by a fast flashing red or green light.
- The hardwired fire alarm is connected to an alarm system which may be turned off via the control panel so “unplugging” the unit from the wall or ceiling may not be useful. However, the control panel may have a “mute” function to turn off the entire system and a “problem” indicator to show which sensors are active.
- Fire alarms that go off frequently and “disturb” comfort should be checked immediately and repaired. A false alarm that goes off can cause you to ignore the real one, thereby wasting valuable time during an emergency.
Warning
- Before turning off an active alarm, make sure there is no real fire. If so, get out of the building immediately and call the fire department.
- In many countries, turning off or sabotaging fire alarms is a crime without the permission of the property owner or the authorities. Turning off the alarm also risks injuring yourself and damaging the occupied building when a real fire occurs.
- Some installation regulations require you to install a "safety" so that the alarm cannot be removed or sabotaged without damaging the entire unit.
- A remotely monitored fire alarm or anti-fire system can trigger an automatic response from the alarm company or fire department if a malfunction or attempted sabotage is detected in the sensor.
