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Nest Protect False Alarms and Failed Smoke Sensor

Why is my Nest Protect sounding false smoke alarms, and my Nest app says ‘The smoke sensor has failed’?

If Nest Protect sounds a smoke alarm when there is no smoke, or if it chirps and your Nest app says there’s a sensor failure, then it needs your attention. In some cases, this occurs because dust got into the smoke chamber or steam has set it off. Dusting your Nest Protect and placing it away from any sources of steam can solve the issue.

Dusting your Nest Protect

All photoelectric smoke alarms can be impacted by dust. So it’s important to keep your Nest Protect free of dust during the installation process and to clean it if dust is building up. Nest Protect constantly monitors its sensors, to ensure that they’re working properly, so if dust interferes with the smoke sensor Nest Protect can let you know. But it’s still important to keep an eye out for dust build-up to help keep your Nest Protect clean and working properly.

There are two signs that dust may have made it into the smoke chamber:

  • Nest Protect begins to chirp and the Nest app says “The smoke sensor has failed”.
  • Nest Protect sounds a Heads Up or Emergency Alarm saying there’s smoke, even though there isn’t.

Nest takes steps during the manufacturing process to ensure that your Nest Protect remains dust-free. We also package it with a dust cap to keep dust out during the shipping process.

However, dust can get into your Nest Protect in several ways. For example, removing the old smoke alarm during installation can stir up dust. This is especially true with wired Protects which have wires running through the wall or ceiling. Dust can also accumulate on your Nest Protect over time, like it can on your furniture and other appliances in your home

Please note: Idency no longer supply nest products. Take a look at our other smarthome brands: https://idency.com/product-category/idencyhome/

Take a look at the next-gen Safire products:

Safire Indoor & Outdoor Security Camera

Safire Wireless Indoor & Outdoor IP Wifi Smart Home CCTV Camera

Safire Indoor Security Camera

Safire Indoor IP Wifi Smart Home CCTV Camera

For more information and general guidance on our products & services, please contact us.


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