Smoke detector false alarms

@charlesmace​ the Smoke Detector works by having a detection chamber that triggers when small particles get inside. This is the only way that an alarm event can be triggered from the Smoke Detector.

But of course, while the Detector is designed to trigger from smoke, it can also trigger from other particles. The most common would be from dust.

To prevent future false alarms, we suggest taking the unit down and vacuuming around the grill to keep it clean, on a semi-regular basis.

@davey_d​ 

I've had similar issues as those noted above. I don't understand why they NEED to be cleaned. Regular residential smoke detectors don't require cleaning, and I've had them for years without issue. If the detector is that sensitive to dust, then it's not designed correctly. Not your fault, as I doubt you were the designer.

Additionally, it doesn't make sense why this happens after months of no issue, and then constantly once it happens once, as well as why only some detectors do it and others are just fine.

I do think SimpliSafe should refund people for the cost of the detectors that have this issue, but I'm guessing that's not within the current policies.

@davey_d​ Nope. Very clean, no spiders, etc. The fire dept. said it’s probably faulty or to change the batteries. I changed them and it’s been fine. So are the batteries 6 month batteries or 5 year batteries? 

@charlesmace​ it should not be possible for a low battery to cause a false alarm. If anything, a low battery might weaken the signal or stop it entirely, so it would prevent alarms from happening at all.

If you're worried though, our Support team is happy to continue troubleshooting, and even replace the unit if necessary.

Hi dmanfredi1999,

If you are still experiencing false alarms after following our troubleshooting steps, please give us a call at 800-548-9508 so our Support team can assist you further!