Do all my 4-year-old battery detectors (builder installed) need to be replace? Only one has ever gone off. No red light or warning. Only one beeped. Are the others dead? Is it difficult to replace. I am an older widow. Should I try out one and then see...
382641
According to US and fire department recommendations--you should change your battery every year as a precaution. If your detectors function off the electrical system, then the battery back-up is your lifesaver, because if the electricity goes out, all you've got is the battery back-up. Most local fire departments are staffed by friendly helpful folks and I'll bet if you call them, they can check them out and change batteries or even units for you.
419859
My brand new one doesn't seem to beep at all, and the instruction book only says that it will "flash", meaning tiny black things blink on and off, that can barely be seen. I'm very puzzled by this, as previous reviewers said that it beeped. I suppose they changed the model. I note that Amazon's product information only says it gives you "alerts". I assumed that meant audible, but it doesn't actually say so. I hope someone can shed some light on this!
844898
I would check that it hasnt been left on by accident, running down the batteries. My kids did this and it also became influenced by other electronics (my son's remote car and truck). So try new batteries and a different location in the house. If that doesn't fix problem, I would ask for replacement. Hope info is helpful.
331414
I don't think there is a "life time" for dependable alert notices. As long as it's up and running, it should give you reliable alerts. Ours just stopped working after one season (two separate radios). We'd plug it back in in spring and it wouldn't function...no lights, no alerts, nothing. Doesn't make sense. But I continue to buy these because they offer a great peace of mind during storm season, even if I have to replace it every season.
390541
Love the unit, but all batteries die in time. Battery should be replaceable, so we all need to check with the manufacture. Have not looked at the unit with that in mind, but now that you brought it up, its another one of those challenge's in life.
506906
That would be my guess (but i'm no expert). did you put in a new battery or is this the old one? i didn't have any lighting issues, but my battery was new. it did take 24 hours for my security alarm (where i put the new battery) to reset itself, but your issue could be completely different. sorry i can't be more help.
1304007
I've also had mine about 2 years but have had no problems with false alarms. The on-board backup battery only lasts about 1 year, and when mine started seeming to give false alarms a couple of times, I found the actual problem was that it was warning me that the battery needed replacing... at least, replacing the battery corrected the alarms. Hope this helps.
1847100
Sensors are always on. The master unit/receiver (alarm) can be muted. You would have to remove the sensor from the window, or door, (thus triggering the alarm) to remove the battery. Best to keep master unit in your bedroom. I have a sensor on my back door AND my daughter's window. You can set different beep quantities for the different sensors.
1211738
I live in Colorado so the police do not care. If it is a problem in your state put a piece of black tape over the lights. The front of the display lights up and beeps like crazy. As a side note the detector has gone off every time a patrol car has had the radar on. I drive about 300 highway miles a week and so far it has always worked.
1909437
I have had mine for several years, works great, probably time to get a new one. The battery level indicator seems to only appear when i have about a minute left, would really like a count down...minutes left or shots left.
1045838
I have two of these. One of mine died recently too. It would beep repeatedly, start up and then just shut off. I didn't pursue it though because I had overfilled it and thought it could be water damage.
378421
Mine were the ones that did not work only after a few months. I cannot answer your question. However if they are not being used the batteries should not be draining to the point that when you need them in a real live EMERGENCY they don't work! You don't have the luxury of stopping to switch out the batteries. My units are being replaced, but if this happens again I will certainly be calling Wagan again! These are new on the market and in my opinion maybe they shouldn't have been launched until ALL of the bugs were worked out. Not let consumers be the guinea pigs!
212405
We've had ours for almost a year now and have not had to change the batteries? How often do you find you have to change them? I'd think once a year would be normal.... we love our doorbell.... change the tune frequently and just wish those outside could hear it too.... our house is too sound proof!
382640
There is a test button on each, that you should be able to change.. They still need batteries changed even though they wired.. see if a nice neighbor will change the batteries. most of the smoke detectors have a 10 year life.. so you should be okay on that. they may just need new 9 volts
663489
On the one page instruction manual it says - "Immediately after inserting the batteries, the desired 4 digit security code must be set, simply press the desired 4 digits on the keypad." Now here is the "Note" following that sentence. "Note: After removing the batteries, press number 4 before installing new ones. The alarm must be re-programmed with your security code each time the batters are removed or replaced." I would say, remove your batteries, press number 4, insert batteries and immediately put in your desired 4 digit security code (the new code). I would think that removing the batteries and re-installing them is like programming it for the first time. If that is true then this is what it says under "Battery Installation" - "after you insert the last of the 4 AA batteries, the alarm will beep very loudly to indicate that the batteries are installed properly. Then immediately press your desired 4-digit code on the pad." If the first instructions doesn't work I'd try what it says under "Battery Installation". FYI - I mounted my units on the wall with the 3M velcro tape that can removed and moved without damaging walls. I wrote the security code on the back with a super fine Sharpie marker. I figure someone trying to break in will not think to remove the unit and look for the code when the alarm is sounding...they'll hopefully be running away :) I hope this helps. If you have anymore questions, feel free to ask. ... Good luck!
244854
A number of years ago I had a similar doorbell and had a problem with that playing when it shouldn't. I was using Duracell batteries and changed to Energizer and it took care of the problem. I had also had a battery-operated clock that quit so I replaced the clock and had the same problem. I had used Duracell batteries so after I changed to Energizer I never had another problem. Needless to say, I never buy Duracell batteries since then. This may not help your problem but that is the experience I had.
2081923
Agree with RIS.Depends on how your old ones are wired, or linked together, if at all.If they are powered by 120 volt house current, and are linked together, the answer would most likely be "no".If your old detectors are battery-operated type, and of the "stand alone" variety, the answer would be "yes".I replaced several of my old "First Alert" battery operated detectors with these, and have had no issues.