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Original poster

My smoke alarm is chirping low battery and I've no replacement battery

41 replies

JustMyName · 18/01/2020 07:25

I didn't get to bed until 2.30 am and have slept poorly for several nights now due to an injured shoulder and now my smoke alarm decides to alert me that the battery is low Sad I've no replacement battery in the house, so looks like I'm going to have to get up and go and buy one. I know, I should keep a replacement battery in ...

I've never had to do this since my divorce, so no idea how to do it. I'm being totally pathetic and lying in bed crying from tiredness, pain and frustration! I don't even know if I can replace it as I can't stretch my left arm up due to my shoulder injury.

Totally fed up!

OP posts:
PristineCondition · 18/01/2020 07:30

go get a battery and Knock on a neighbour and ask for help to do it if your not able.
It's no different to changing other batteries, just open up and out in.

Original poster
JustMyName · 18/01/2020 07:32

Thanks. I'll feel really pathetic if I do that Sad

Will it set the alarm off when I take the battery out or put the new one in?

OP posts:
megletthesecond · 18/01/2020 07:33

Oh bless you Flowers.
It's not hard to change the battery, no different to a toy. Can you ask a nice neighbour or text a nearby friend?

DaddysGirl36 · 18/01/2020 07:33

Where I live, the local fire brigade will come & fit smoke alarms free of charge & put them in the best places. I got 2 put in. Really helpful when I ended up renting the house out. Never had to replace batteries as I think they run on the house electric but very low. Did replace them after about 10 years with the fire brigade again

Original poster
JustMyName · 18/01/2020 07:33

No friends nearby and don't really know the neighbours, only to say hello.

OP posts:
TheWomanTheyCallJayne · 18/01/2020 07:35

There must be something in the house you could borrow one from for a little bit until you can but more.

icecreamsundae32 · 18/01/2020 07:35

I ended up buying a new one as even when I replaced the battery it still wouldn't stop beeping!

Original poster
JustMyName · 18/01/2020 07:36

Sorry, meant to say thanks!

How will I know if they run off the mains?

It'll be a 9v battery won't it? I've just been looking at it, can't even work out how to open it Sad

OP posts:
KellyHall · 18/01/2020 07:36

Maybe it's time to get to know your neighbours!

Having a support network will help in the long run as well as get your smoke alarm sorted.

Original poster
JustMyName · 18/01/2020 07:36

I really don't think I've anything that has a 9v battery in it. Everything seems to use AA batteries.

OP posts:
Original poster
JustMyName · 18/01/2020 07:38

Yes I know. I've lived here since October, but no one really ventures out much in winter. And they're all quite old as it's a street of bungalows.

OP posts:
HerLadySheep · 18/01/2020 07:40

It's quite likely that the smoke alarm unscrews, easy to do with one hand, and then changing the battery is simple, but yes, it's usually a square battery.
Sorry you've had a bad start to the day, I hope it improves.

WiseUpJanetWeiss · 18/01/2020 07:41

Some are easier than others to fit OP, and depends whether they are wired in. Ours have a little sliding drawer at the side that you pull out while the alarm is still attached to the ceiling, and the battery is fairly easy to change. Others you have to screw off. Maybe post a photo and see if anyone can advise? (Not me, sadly - I’m off out in a moment but mumsnetters are very knowledgeable)

FWIW if you were my new neighbour and came to me for help I’d be round with my stepladders and a 9v battery right away. Most people are kind and like to help.

Hope you get it sorted.

slipperywhensparticus · 18/01/2020 07:41

Can you take it off the wall and put it in your car for now?

WombatStewForTea · 18/01/2020 07:42

Generally you twist the alarm and it comes away from the base. Then you replace the battery and normal and screw it back on.
Mine are mains powered but the back up batteries still need replacing

SunnySomer · 18/01/2020 07:43

It will be fine for you to take the batteries out, get some more sleep, then when you’ve had some sleep go and get the correct batteries.
It’s a horrible irritating noise, but just removing the batteries will stop it.

MonsieurChaCha · 18/01/2020 07:43

You can do this and you will feel good when it's done. Post a photo and we can help

KidCaneGoat · 18/01/2020 07:45

Just twist it anti-clockwise and it should click off. Some are AA batteries rather than 9v. If they are, then lithium batteries are definitely worth the extra money. They last so much longer. It won’t go off when you put batteries in but might chirrup

Original poster
JustMyName · 18/01/2020 07:46

Thanks everyone. It's so loud and I'm so noise sensitive Sad I've shut all the doors and am hiding in bed, feeling crap. I know I need to man up and look at it, if I can remove the battery I will and hope it stops. I've no idea if it's hard wired or not.

OP posts:
Palavah · 18/01/2020 07:48

Look it up on YouTube especially if you can see the make/model of the smoke alarm. It's not usually difficult but it can be fiddly.

FoxRedBitch · 18/01/2020 07:48

Send me a pic (or put on here) I have to test smoke alarms every day as part of my job so I may be able to help with changing the battery.

Original poster
JustMyName · 18/01/2020 07:48

Photo attached

My smoke alarm is chirping low battery and I've no replacement battery
OP posts:
KidCaneGoat · 18/01/2020 07:50

Not sure about that one. Can you see if you can take it off? The chirruping will send you nuts!

Original poster
JustMyName · 18/01/2020 07:50

Thank you, you're all so kind! Sorry I'm being pathetic. It's been a rough few months.

OP posts:
MonsieurChaCha · 18/01/2020 07:52

The cover flips down, on one of the short edges will be a bit sticking out. Pull it down while also slightly away from the unit to get past the latch