Frequently Asked Questions

NEMA and its Signaling, Protection and Communication Section members cannot guarantee the legal accuracy, thoroughness, or currentness of the information contained on this site/page. The contents of this site are informational only and general in nature, and should not be considered a substitute for specific product information/instructions or legal and/or compliance advice. To obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information, please consult the manufacturer of your life safety device or any applicable legal sources or authorities having jurisdiction, as appropriate.

Smoke Detection Technology

1. I get a false alarm from my smoke detector. Why does my smoke detection device sound when I can't see smoke?
2. Why doesn’t my smoke alarm sound when I push the test button?
3. Why does my smoke alarm go off when I install a battery or turn on the AC power?
4. My smoke detection device keeps chirping, even with a new battery. What is causing this?
5. Ionization smoke detection vs. Photoelectric type smoke detection - what is the difference?
6. I'm ready to change my smoke alarm battery - what replacement batteries can I use?
7. I lost my smoke detection device owner's manual. How can I get a new one?
8. It is recommended that alarms are replaced after 10 years. Why does the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommend that home smoke alarms be replaced after 10 years?
9. I have a "remote control smoke alarm " - a smoke detection device that states that you can use your TV remote control to silence or test this alarm - that will not operate. What should I do?
10. How long will the battery last in my smoke detection device?
11. What is the proper placement of smoke alarms?

Carbon Monoxide Technology

1. What causes carbon monoxide? What are some common sources of carbon monoxide?
2. What is carbon monoxide?
3. Is carbon monoxide heavier than air? What is the diffusion of carbon monoxide in air?
4. What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
5. Why is carbon monoxide dangerous? What is the cause of carbon monoxide poisoning?
6. What are unsafe levels of carbon monoxide? Are there safe carbon monoxide levels?
7. What does "Move to Fresh Air" printed on my carbon monoxide alarm mean?
8. What should I do when the carbon monoxide detection device sounds?
9. Why didn't the emergency responder find CO gas after an alarm?
10. Will carbon monoxide alarms detect explosive gas leaks?
11. What is the life of a typical carbon monoxide detection device? How long will a CO alarm last?
12. Where should I install carbon monoxide detection devices? What is proper carbon monoxide detection device placement?
13. Is there anywhere I shouldn't install carbon monoxide detection devices?
14. Is it a carbon monoxide false alarm when my CO alarm sounds when there doesn't seem to be a problem?
15. How many carbon monoxide detection devices should I have in my home?
16. I wonder where to install carbon monoxide alarms, particularly how high off the floor?
17. Why does the red light flash on my carbon monoxide alarm? Do I have CO?
18. Can you reset a plug-in CO alarm with the test - silence button?
19. Can I unplug the CO alarm to silence or reset it, or do I need to leave it plugged in?
20. What is the proper way to do a carbon monoxide alarm test?
21. Can I do a CO alarm test in any other way besides pressing the test button?
22. Can I remove the battery from the CO alarm to silence or reset it?
23. My battery powered CO alarm keeps chirping. Tell me how to get a carbon monoxide alarm to stop chirping.
24. Why should I leave the carbon monoxide (CO) alarm plugged in all year?
25. Do carbon monoxide alarms and detectors have an audible alarm signal?
26. What is the expected carbon monoxide alarm battery life?
27. I have a "remote control carbon monoxide alarm" - a carbon monoxide alarm that states that you can use your TV remote control to test or silence or test this alarm - that will not operate. What should I do?
28. Why are combination smoke/carbon monoxide alarms not listed in the carbon monoxide section of the California State Fire Marshal (CSFM) Building Materials Listing (BML) Program?