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John T Smith
Community Expert
John T SmithCommunity Expert
Community Expert
October 17, 2018
Question

Smoke alarm false alarms

  • October 17, 2018
  • 2 replies
  • 1463 views

We have 9 Kidde P12040 smoke alarms and have 3 false alarms in the last month, each time a different one of the 9 alarms

Does anyone have experience with the First Alert BRK 7010B smoke alarm?

ADDED

Called Kidde, was told to use only Energizer 522 or Duracell MN1604 and change every year, NOT long life Lithium batteries

I've used Lithium batteries for at least a dozen years, in 3 different houses, and have always thought they were better... now, I wonder ???

    This topic has been closed for replies.

    2 replies

    OldBob1957
    OldBob1957
    Inspiring
    October 19, 2018

    I am not certain this is correct, but some of my recent reading (since seeing this thread) has indicated that there can be a voltage difference between an alkaline and a lithium battery of the same "size"; with the lithium coming in slightly lower than the alkaline. This could effect performance.

    Certainly the smoke and CO2 detectors I have (not sure of the brand) specifically state to use ONLY alkaline batteries for the back-up.

    --OB

    Edit to add: @ Peru Bob: I like the idea of the ten year non-replaceable battery. Obviously those units (detector and battery) were designed to work together.I will have to look for those next time I upgrade. Thanks for the head-up.

    Peru Bob
    Community Expert
    Peru BobCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    October 17, 2018

    How old are the detectors?

    Were they false alarms or low battery indications?

    John T Smith
    Community Expert
    John T SmithCommunity ExpertAuthor
    Community Expert
    October 17, 2018

    Detectors were all installed June 2015

    New Lithium batteries installed February 2018 to replace original Kidde label batteries

    Energizer L522 have 09-17 factory date on the bottom, and good until 2027 on the side

    Lithium are "supposed" to last at least 5 years in a smoke alarm... February to October is 8 months

    After Kidde said to NOT use Lithium in their P12040 alarms, my next step is going to buy a box of "approved" batteries and make a note to change once a year

    I do find it interesting that the "battery industry" says use long life Lithium, but Kidde says no

    Peru Bob
    Community Expert
    Peru BobCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    October 17, 2018

    Are these 120V with battery backup or just battery?

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