20 Messages
Smoke detector testing procedures and false alarms
Smoke detector test button sends alarm signal to monitoring company
I test my smoke detector once a month. Each month, I press the test button located on the smoke detector. This sounds both the base station and the sounder on the smoke detector. This has been normal for me. This month, however, doing so sent my system to alarm. I was called by the monitoring company. I told them I was simply testing the alarm, and they informed me that the system was not in test mode. However, I have never had to place my system into test mode in the past. They connected me with technical support. After recleaning the device (I also clean it once a month) and running a couple of tests, the support agent decided it may be a hardware problem. She is replacing the device.
New test procedures?
After looking at looking at SimpliSafe's Testing the Smoke Detector instructions, I noticed that it does prescribe the user to place the system into test mode before testing the smoke detector. Is this a new procedure? Or has this always been the case? Because — I reiterate — my smoke detector has never in the past sent an alarm signal to the monitoring company by pressing the test button.
Official Solution
simplisafe_admin
Community Admin
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1.4K Messages
3 hours ago
@sergiovergara We brought this up to our internal teams for more clarity. Pressing the button on the Smoke Detector will test its siren to ensure that it works, but it should not result in a call from our monitoring center. We know you mentioned that you clean your Smoke Detector once a month; could it be possible that while being close to the detector to test and clean it that some dust could've kicked up, causing the device to trigger an actual alarm?
But whenever it comes to testing any SimpliSafe devices, it is best practice to put your system into Test Mode first. This is not a new procedure. We recommend putting the system into Test Mode when checking any SimpliSafe device's connection to the Base Station to ensure that no false alarms are triggered in error.
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captain11
Captain
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6.4K Messages
3 days ago
@sergiovergara I have always tested my smoke and CO sensors as you have described and never had an issue. I do a test on them and the entire system bimonthly but am going to try it right now. Will provide an update shortly on this same post.
Update: Tested the smoke sensor in our laundry room, system NOT in test mode. The device, base and aux siren sounded as expected. No call from monitoring, everything in the testing process as usual. I would call SS tomorrow, ask for a supervisor call back and find out what exactly happened and since when do you supposedly have to put the system in test mode to test smoke and CO sensors! Please post here if you get a chance on the outcome.
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dlpsr
1.6K Messages
2 days ago
Test mode is the original SS way for testing.
Read the directions thoroughly. As per the page linked you're not testing properly. Watch the video. Per their directions not mine. I'm just trying to help.
When I used to test sensors, put it in test mode, supposedly get a robo call or push notification, something. Push a sensor button, base responds, entry sensor. Etc.
You aren't testing correctly. Per their directions.😉🙃
Even in test mode, if you stir enough dust to set off the smoke alarm, ie;
Note: If the Smoke Detector detects particulate consistent with smoke when your system is in Test Mode, the monitoring center will act as if it’s an emergency and respond accordingly for the alarm event.
In the OPs case it was that or as indicated, perhaps a bad device.
Having said all this, Simplisafe still needs to clarify difference between just pushing the test button vs pushing it in test mode.
Other than dust alarm while testing, testing is normal for most smoke etc. alarms, by just pushing the button to test its function.
Of course testing these devices is different than across the Smoke/CO industry and based on their design vs standards of the industry testing.
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