Kidde i12010SCO: lights, beeps & chirps explained
Hardwired ionization smoke + CO combo with voice, sealed lithium backup (discontinued). Here is what every light and sound on the Kidde i12010SCO means, how to test and hush it, and when it needs replacing. It's an older model I still find on ceilings across the Lower Mainland. For carbon monoxide protection, see our carbon monoxide alarm installation.
What the lights mean
| Light | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Green, steady | Running on household power. Normal. |
| Red, flashing with the alarm | Smoke or CO detected. |
| Red flash + chirp every 60 s | Low battery (sealed): replace the alarm. |
| Red double flash + chirp every 30 s | End of life. Replace the alarm. |
What the beeps and chirps mean
| Sound | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 3 long beeps, repeating | SMOKE. Get everyone out and call 911. |
| 4 fast beeps + "Warning! Carbon monoxide!" | CARBON MONOXIDE. Get into fresh air and call 911. |
| Chirp every 30 s | End of life or error: replace the alarm. |
Want to hear them? The free app's sound library plays each pattern.
How to
Hush
Press Test/Hush to quiet a nuisance smoke alarm for about 9 minutes. Hush does not work for CO.
CO alarm
Pressing Test/Reset silences it, but it comes back within a few minutes if CO is still there. Get outside and call 911.
How long does it last?
Replace it 10 years after the date printed on the back. The test button can still work after the sensor has worn out, so the date is what counts. Sometimes the date is on the side, but the back is the best place to look. Need one swapped? See smoke alarm replacement and repair.
What replaces it
Today's replacement is the Kidde 30CUA10-VCA ($109.99 installed, plus the $99.99 service fee).
Other alarm guides
Kidde 30CUA10-VCA · Kidde 30CUD10-CA · Kidde 20SA10-CA · Kidde 20SD10-CA · Kidde 900-0235 · Kidde i12010S · Kidde i12040ACA · Kidde 900-0220CA · Kidde P4010ACS
All alarm guides · Chirp codes: Kidde vs First Alert · Kidde smoke alarms in Vancouver