Reply To: Issues with False Smoke Alarm Activiations in new construction

[Al Bastien]

I do know that there is a built in light sensor in the Kidde smoke alarms. The “intent” is that the unit learns over a period of time when to dim the power on light during the night. I do wonder if this feature somehow has something to do with it causing problems during the night time more often then not.

I can tell you that I installed my units myself in my own construction and the power up cycle was followed…still had them go off in the night.

Here’s what the manual for the unit says:

Ambient Light Sensing
During low light ambient conditions, the green LED will reduce in brightness and intensity. The unit samples the ambient light conditions of the alarm’s location and, if possible, determines a Night/Day cycle.

A valid Night/Day cycle will inhibit Low Battery chirps at night. It will also inhibit End of Unit Life chirps at night if the unit is within the first 30 days of the End of Unit Life period. After 30 days, the chirps will not be inhibited.