I Have A Smoke Alarm On The Ceiling At The Top Of The Stairs In My House.

[sandyRoe]

It's both mains and battery. I guess the battery is dead and the alarm is sounding for a while at all hours of the day and night.
To replace the battery I'd need to stand in a chair and I haven't got the balance anymore to do that safety.
Could I disconnect it from the fuse box or do I need to pay an electrician to do it?

[goodgoalie]

Could you ask a friendly neighbour? I change the batteries in my neighbour's alarms when they give out an intermittent beep to show the battery is low. It's easy to do, takes a few minutes.

[THECORBYLOON]

If there's not a neighbour to do it, could you 'phone the local fire station to see if someone could help?

They might be able to give further advice if they made a visit.

[Buenchico]

If it's on its own circuit, you can simply remove the fuse or switch the circuit breaker off. If it's on the same circuit as other things on your house, then you can't easily disconnect it yourself.

[THECORBYLOON]

You're better to get it fixed rather than disconnect it.

[barry1010]

If you disconnect the fuse it will still chirrup until the battery is totally flat.
If you really can't get anyone to change the battery your local fire service may be the answer.
They provide a 'safe and well' service for the elderly and disabled. They will visit your home, check for any risks and fit free smoke alarms where needed. You should have at least one on every level, in a place easily accessible

[ZebuSanctuary]

It is most likely the backup battery needs replacing.

Deactivating the circuit breaker (mcb) in the consumer unit will not prevent the smoke alarm from sounding since the battery is unlikely to be fully discharged.

Furthermore, if the smoke alarm units are wired into the lighting circuit, switching off the mcb will leave the groundfloor and/or upstairs in darkness during night-time.

Note, the 'chirping' sound might also indicate the whole smoke alarm unit is faulty or in need of replacement (as recommended by the manufacturer).

The safest and cheapest way to replace the battery is either using a small set of steps or call on a neighbour to assist. Failing that, the FBU will be only too happy to advise!

[Hopkirk]

I know it sounds silly, but have a word with your local fire station. They will probably come and do it, if they know you are restricted in mobility.

[roopower]

Try contacting the firemen, it was them who came and put our alarm up.

[Buenchico]

Phone numbers for Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service here:
https://www.nifrs.org/contact-us/

[Hopkirk]

They have a lot of time to kill in between shouts.

[Canary42]

Please see to it ASAP sandy. Beware Sod's law.