Kidde i12040ACA: lights, beeps & chirps explained
Hardwired ionization smoke alarm with 9V battery backup. Here is what every light and sound on the Kidde i12040ACA 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.
What the lights mean
| Light | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Green, steady | Running on household power. Normal. |
| Red, on about 1.5 s every 20 s | Memory: this alarm went off earlier. |
| Red, every 10 s | Hush mode. |
What the beeps and chirps mean
| Sound | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 3 long beeps, repeating | SMOKE. Get everyone out and call 911. |
| Chirp about once a minute | Low battery. Replace the 9V battery. |
Want to hear them? The free app's sound library plays each pattern.
How to
Battery
Uses a 9V alkaline battery. Replace it yearly, or right away when it chirps.
Hush
Press Test/Hush to quiet a nuisance alarm for about 7 to 8 minutes.
End of life
No end-of-life warning: replace it 10 years after the date on the back.
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 20SA10-CA ($69.99 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 i12010SCO · Kidde 900-0220CA · Kidde P4010ACS
All alarm guides · Chirp codes: Kidde vs First Alert · Kidde smoke alarms in Vancouver