Smoke detectors are devices fitted in buildings to detect smoke which is an indication of fire. When they detect smoke they trigger an alarm which alerts those concerned to take immediate action. However, most people are not sure how long the smoke detectors last before they can be replaced. Show
We shall discuss the parameters to consider before the replacement of smoke detector battery or the entire detector. The correct maintenance practices are important before we consider a replacement. 1. How Long Do Smoke Detectors Last?According to the Australian standard 3786, an ideal smoke detector hard-wired with a good lithium battery should last 10 years. After which they should be replaced. During the ten years, smoke detectors are predisposed to different wear and tear factors. Which include electrical corrosion, accumulation of dust particles, small insects and other airborne contaminants. After ten years, smoke detectors become less effective and have to be replaced. Failure to replace puts your household at risk of fire outbreaks which will cause unnecessary loss of property or even worse deaths. 2. What to Consider When Replacing Smoke Detectors?Check the dateFirst, check the manufacture date. Remove the smoke detector from the wall or ceiling board and check from behind the manufacture date. Always remember it needs to be replaced after 10 years. If the date is less than 10 years then return it to its usual position otherwise replace it. Replacing the Battery of Smoke DetectorsWhile good quality lithium batteries in smoke detectors will give you up to 10 years of service, some batteries used in other detectors will require replacement after every three years. At the end of their lifespan, you will hear a sharp chirping from your detector which is an indication they require replacement. Without the battery being functional the smoke detector is of no use. The battery supplies power for the constant services going on in the detector and the occasional services like alarm triggers and the flashing lights. How Often Should You Replace Smoke Detector BatteriesAs soon as your detector sound a warning (a chirp or beep), its battery should be replaced. It should be done once a year. Some manufacturers recommend that it should be done twice a year. The first time should be when you are switching to the daylight time saving mode and the second time should be while switching it back to the standard time mode. After the change of battery return the detector to its position and test if it is working. Press the test button on the interface of the detector to confirm it is working. A similar test by just pressing the button should be done every month to ensure it is working. 3. How to Maintain Smoke Alarms?A smoke alarm will only work well if it is correctly installed and regularly checked. One with a missing or dead battery is similar to not having one. Below are some maintenance recommendations of smoke alarms. Those powered by 9-volt batteries: They should be tested every month and the battery replaced once a year. The whole smoke alarm should be replaced after 10 years. Those powered by a lithium battery: They require testing every month and should be replaced according to the manufacturer recommendation since the lithium battery is in-built and cannot be replaced or shoul not be replaced. Those hard wired in to your home’s electricity system: Test them on a monthly basis, replace the battery (back-up) once every year and the entire smoke alarm after 10 years. You may also like: What Causes Smoke Alarms Intermittent and Consistent Chirping The Clever Homeowner is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.  Hard wired smoke detectors may seem to be permanent solutions to fire safety in your home, but they do require some maintenance. Hard wired smoke detectors have back-up batteries which should be tested once a month and replaced once a year. If the electrical power goes out in your home, it’s critical that even your hard wired smoke detectors have working batteries in case of a fire. Three out of five fire deaths in the home result from nonfunctioning smoke alarms. Learn More About Smoke Detectors:
How to Replace the Battery In a Hard Wired Smoke Detector
How to Remember to Replace the Battery In a Hard Wired Smoke DetectorThe International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) recommends changing your smoke detector batteries each November when you set your clocks back as Daylight Saving Time ends. The IAFC conducts public service announcements each year to remind us to change smoke detector batteries. So, whenever your clocks “fall back,” change your smoke detector battery. Other options for remembering to change your battery include marking your new calendar at the beginning of each year. You can also set reminders in your smartphone’s calendar app. Marking either your paper or electronic calendar is also a good way to remember to test your smoke detector’s battery each month. Some people replace their battery on January 1st of each year and then test their battery on the first of each month after that. Whatever you can do to make a regular habit of changing and testing your battery is a good idea! If You are Renting Your Home or ApartmentCheck with your landlord to see when the smoke detector was installed. If the landlord is uncertain, check the unit itself for date of manufacture. All smoke detectors, including hard wired units, should be replaced every ten years. If you’re unsure when the battery was last replaced, replace it immediately and then once yearly after that. And don’t forget to test the battery every month! How Long Do Batteries Last In a Smoke Detector?Smoke Detector Facts
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How long does a 9V battery last in a smoke detector?Testing and Changing Your Fire Alarm Battery
If your smoke alarms are powered by a nine-volt battery, the battery should be replaced every 6 months, while the alarm itself should be replaced once every 10 years. For 10-year lithium-powered fire detectors, you won't need to replace the battery.
How long does a battery usually last in a smoke detector?The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends changing the batteries in your smoke detectors every 6 months.
How long do batteries last in hard wired smoke detectors?Back up batteries in mains powered alarms can either be a replaceable 9-volt version (these require replacing once per year) or there are some mains powered alarms that contain a 10-year-life rechargeable lithium backup battery. With this type of alarm, you don't need to replace any batteries.
Do smoke alarm batteries last 10 years?Ten-year sealed battery smoke alarms are powered by sealed lithium batteries that have a life span of ten years.
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How often should batteries be replaced in smoke detectors
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