Hi everyone, I'm a new user looking for some help/information. I have a DSC alarm/keypad and have run into a issue testing my smoke detectors. Anytime I set one off, I can shut the general alarm off from the keypad with my code, but it won' shut off the individual smoke detector from "beeping". I, of course, tried *72/holding reset but when I do that it says function not available. I've tried around 5 different smoke detectors in my home and all have this issue, so I'm guessing it can't be the detectors, it has to be in the programming or something is wrong in the alarm panel? All smoke detectors/carbon monoxide detectors are hardwired. My carbons reset when I test them, I just put my code into the keypad and it shuts them off. In my panel the board is a PC1864 if that helps. I would appreciate and insight or guesses on what to do. Besides this the alarm is functioning properly, with doors/carbon monoxide detector testing. Once again thank you for taking the time to read this and providing any insight, I really appreciate it. All the best, Rich

 

How are you testing the smoke detectors?

 

Hi,
Thanks for the response. I'm testing them with the canned spray that's suppose to simulate smoke. I got it from the local fire department, it's what they use to test the detectors. Thanks, Rich

 

The aerosol particles can remain in the sensing chamber longer than you would think. After silencing, wait a few minutes before resetting. Or you fan the detector vigorously for 30 seconds. I found both to be effective.

Follow the instructions on use of canned smoke exactly. Spraying too long or too close to the detector might cause problems later.

 

Thanks for the tip, I tried that but no change. So I tried manually testing the detector(pressing in the button) and had the same issue. Keypad won't shut it off/says function not available when I try *72 or holding reset.

 

Never seen a visible test button on a system smoke detector, other than wireless. If it is wireless, the control panel has no way of resetting the smoke; you just have to wait for the chamber to clear.

 

I'm sorry for the confusion. I had a buddy over to help me test, while I stayed at the keypad. He sprayed it too as he said he couldn't find a test button. After your last reply I waited 5 minutes and used a fan to circulate the air but the single detector still was going off. I tried my code again/*72/holding reset it just kept saying function unavailable still. I have to go unplug the backup batteries/power to system to stop it. Once again apologizes about the earlier post, I was going off a buddy on the other side of my house. Thank you

 

Issue was solved, thanks to everyone who posted/took time to read.

 

BigRich
Congratulations! But to quote a song from Grease, "Tell me more, tell me more ...". It might help someone with the same problem.