When Should You Change Smoke Alarm Batteries?

11/12/2021 (Permalink)

When Should Smoke Alarm Batteries Be Replaced?

Some smoke alarms contain batteries that should be changed every year. Others have long-life 10-year batteries or are hardwired to the electricity in your home. The following methods can help you determine the frequency with which you need to replace smoke alarm batteries.

Check the Power Source

There are three common fire alarm power sources:

• Replaceable nine-volt batteries
• Non-replaceable 10-year lithium long-life batteries
• Hardwired alarms with back-up batteries

Check the configuration of an alarm to identify the battery type. It is important to know which power source all of the alarms in your home use. Maintain fire alarms in every bedroom and outside of each sleeping area in addition to one alarm on each floor of your home, including the basement.

Regularly Test the Alarms

Test each smoke alarm on a monthly basis regardless of the power source. Most alarm units have a test button that you can press to ensure that the alarm is drawing power. If the test function does not work, try replacing the battery or alarm or scheduling repairs for a hardwired system. Do not wait to repair a malfunctioning smoke detector, as this device can save lives in the event of a fire.

Replace the Batteries

You should replace:

• Nine-volt batteries every year, and smoke detectors every 10 years
• 10-year long-life lithium detectors every 10 years
• Back-up batteries in hardwired alarms once a year

Maintaining a smoke alarm can help to insure the safety of the residents of your home in the event of a fire. Do not wait for a smoke detector to alert you that it has low power or needs to be replaced. Know the battery type and regularly test alarms to ensure that these devices are in working order. If a fire damages building materials or contents in your home, contact fire damage mitigation and restoration experts located in Mariner, FL.