How Often Should You Change the Batteries in Your Smoke Detector?The smoke detectors s throughout your home help play a crucial role in keeping you and your family safe by alerting you to potential dangers. However, smoke alarms are no use if they do not have working batteries. It is important that you take the time to check and test home smoke detectors often and change the batteries to ensure they are working properly. Show
What Smoke Alarm Do You Have?The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends changing the batteries in your smoke alarm every 6 months. At First Alert, we offer 10-year smoke alarms that have a built-in 10-year battery, which eliminates the need for battery replacements for the life of the detectors. We also offer hardwire fire alarms with a battery backup, for protection during power outages. Testing and Changing Your Fire Alarm BatteryIt is recommended you test your detectors at least once a month to ensure they are working properly. 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. Instead, the entire alarm should be replaced after 10 years have passed from the manufacture date on the back of the alarm. If your alarm is hardwired into your home’s electrical system, replace the backup battery at least every 6 months and replace the smoke alarm itself once every 10 years. Signs You Need to Replace the Batteries In Your Smoke DetectorYou’ll likely notice a high-pitched chirping noise coming from your fire alarm if the batteries need to be replaced. It is best to be proactive and change the batteries in your smoke detectors before the low battery chirp occurs. When you change the batteries in one fire alarm, make sure you change the batteries in the rest of the detectors in your home as well. A helpful reminder to check your smoke alarms and change the batteries every 6 months is Daylight Saving Time. Check your fire detectors when you change your clocks. Installing smoke detectors will help keep you and your family safe. Browse our website to learn more about fire alarms or other fire-related equipment such as fire escape ladders, fire extinguishers, and more! Download Article Download Article House fires are a serious danger. Many fatalities occur during fires at night, in homes that either don't have a smoke detector or have a non-functional one installed. Maintaining your smoke detectors properly can cut the chances of dying in a house fire significantly. Learn more about how to maintain your smoke detectors to protect your life and property.
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Advertisement ReferencesAbout This ArticleArticle SummaryX To change the batteries in your non-wired smoke detector, start by removing the detector from its mounting on the ceiling either by twisting or sliding it out. Then, open the covering to access the battery inside. Make sure you check to see which type of battery your detector needs, since it will fail if you replace the existing battery with the wrong kind. When you install the new battery, make sure the negative and positive terminals match up with the markings on the detector before closing the cover. Before you return your smoke detector to its mounting, press the button on the detector to test the battery and make sure you’ve installed it correctly. For tips on how to change a battery in a wire smoke detector, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 559,938 times. Did this article help you?How do I know if my smoke detector is low on battery?Low Battery
As the battery in a smoke alarm gets weak, the smoke alarm will “chirp” about once a minute to let you know that the battery needs to be replaced. Note: Only the device with a low battery will chirp. The other interconnected alarms should be silent.
What happens if you don't change the batteries in a smoke detector?A smoke alarm will eventually stop chirping if you do nothing. Once the battery has run out completely, the device will switch to residual power. Eventually, this will also drain and the device won't have enough power to beep and let you know it's out of power. You should change the battery before this happens.
Why is red light on smoke detector?Your alarm manufacturer may have included a blinking red light to let you know it's time to test the alarm again. The Batteries are Low: Usually accompanied by a loud beep, a blinking red light could mean the batteries in the unit are low. Consider adding fresh batteries and running a test to make sure it's working.
What does a smoke detector sound like when battery is low?Here's a simple guide: Smoke alarms alert you with three beeps in a row. Carbon monoxide alarms alert you with four beeps. A single chirp means the battery is low or the detector should be replaced.
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