The average life of a battery used to keep a fire alarm system going in case of a power failure is 5 years. That means that half of the batteries are useless at the end of 5 years. Batteries should be replaced long before that. Show
The NFPA Code indicates when to replace the batteries, but the NFPA Code only indicates the worst case scenario. By Douglas Krantz The 2007 NFPA72 shows in Table 10.4.4, Item 6(d)(1), that the sealed lead-acid batteries used for battery backup in fire alarm systems need to be replaced within 5 years of manufacture. The NFPA wants the batteries replaced because the battery capacity is down to about 80% by that time. Battery capacity, the amount of amphours in a battery, changes over time. In the first few months after manufacture, the amphour capacity of the average battery increases a few percent. For several years, this capacity doesn't change much. Near the end of the battery's useful life, the amphour capacity starts to taper off. At 5 years, it's down to about 80% of rated capacity. If the NFPA requires replacement at 5 years, why do most fire alarm service companies replace the batteries after 3 or 4 years? The answer is timing. At about the same time each year, fire alarm systems are inspected. Because the battery's stamped date code is the manufactures secret, the service company has to go by the date of installation, not by the date of manufacture. The trouble is, after manufacture, it's usually a month or two before the batteries are installed in the first place. This month or two gets added to the NFPA's 5 years, making the total time more than 5 years from the date of installation. Rather than figuring out the date code stamped on the battery, and then trying to time the replacement at exactly 5 years, most fire alarm service companies decide to replace the batteries after 3 or 4 years of service. That way, usually, the batteries are replaced before they go bad.  This is part of our ongoing series on the basics of owning a home. Don’t wait for the chirp. Like opening your mail or cleaning out your coffee pot, changing your smoke alarm batteries tends to land on the list of things you’ll get to one day. But it’s a pretty important task (as is opening your mail, heh heh) and it’s never too late to get in the habit. One way to remember is with the simple phrase, “change your clocks, change your batteries.” When you turn the clocks back after Daylight Saving Time ends in the fall, switch out the batteries in your smoke alarms. Yep, just once a year — not so bad, right? But it’s a good idea to test them once a month, too. It’ll give you peace of mind that they’re in good working condition. But what about your other questions, like which batteries are the best to buy, and when should you switch out the alarms themselves? Below is a brief dive into the science of maintaining smoke alarms. Which batteries do smoke detectors need?Most use 9-volt alkaline (you know, those rectangular boxes with two prongs at the end?) but some use AA. It’ll be specified in the battery compartments in your smoke alarms, so have a look to be sure. Can you use rechargeable batteries in a smoke detector?Using rechargeable batteries in something as important as a smoke alarm isn’t typically advised, since their charge levels aren’t reliable. Can you use lithium batteries in a smoke detector?Lithium batteries carry more charge than alkaline so they may last longer, but they tend to be more expensive. Plus, you can throw alkaline batteries away in the trash, but lithiums must be recycled at facilities that accept them. Do all smoke detectors need batteries?Yes, but not all can be switched out. Some smoke alarms come with 10-year tamper-free batteries, meaning the battery compartments cannot be opened and the devices can be used for a decade. Others are hardwired to your home’s electrical system and have backup batteries in case you lose power. When should you replace your smoke alarms? The alarms will have expiration dates written on the back, but every 10 years is recommended. Onto the next home maintenance project?
What happens if you don't replace battery in smoke alarm?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.
How do you know when smoke alarm battery needs changing?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.
How long do 9V batteries last in smoke detectors?9-Volt Battery
The 9-volt battery smoke detectors are the standard and most common model. These detectors require you to change out your batteries once every year or so. After they hit the 8-year mark you should consider replacing it. A 9-volt battery detector can live up to 10 years if you take care of it.
Do smoke alarm batteries last 10 years?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.
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How often do smoke alarm batteries need to be replaced
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