Statistics from the National Fire Protection Association confirm that three out of five fire deaths result from homes with no smoke or dysfunctional smoke alarms. A functional smoke alarm is necessary for you and your loved ones. One way of ensuring this safety is by installing functional batteries in your smoke detector. But first, Which Batteries for Smoke Detectors?
Back in the day, 9v was the go-to battery for many homeowners. However, the progressive modern world embraces two or three AAs as batteries.
Most people prefer AA batteries for their smoke detectors because they have about three times as much energy as 9V.
While either battery can be used, checking and replacing them every six months is crucial for your home’s safety.
Some states have passed safety laws requiring the use of the 10-year sealed battery smoke alarm. While this is not a requirement for every state, it is advisable to use this battery.
The AAs and 9V batteries are just as good; however, you must constantly replace them every six months.
This feature disadvantages them, giving the 10-year battery smoke detector an upper hand over them. With the latter, you will no longer worry about constant battery replacement.
Are All Smoke Detectors Using the Same Battery?
Smoke alarms use different batteries depending on the year of manufacture. However, most smoke alarms use AA cylinder-shaped batteries or 9V rectangular-shaped batteries. The type of battery you use is easy to identify, as it is often on a conspicuous display somewhere on the battery.
Here are some of the 9-volt batteries you are likely to find in the market for your smoke detector:
- EN22 ENERGIZER INDUSTRIAL ALKALINE 9V BATTERY
This is considered one of the best 9v batteries for your smoke detector. It is a multipurpose battery that can also be used for other applications, such as microphones, guitar pedals, in-ear monitors, radios, security backup systems, and more.
The energizer industrial battery has a different packaging from what you’ll find at the local store. Unlike the local ones that come in blister packaging, the industrial ones come in cardboard boxes.
They are also a cheaper option and as powerful as the energizers you’ll find at your favorite market store.
- 1222 EVEREADY 1.5 SUOER HEAVY DUTY 9V BATTERY
We consider this as the original smoke detector’s battery. It is relatively cheap and cost-effective, especially when bought in bulk.
However, this battery is less durable than you expect. Its short shelf life means you will likely replace it frequently. This battery is an excellent option for homeowners comfortable replacing their smoke alarm’s battery as often as possible.
- LA522 ENERGIZER 9V ADVANCED LITHIUM BATTERY
This battery is of the highest quality on the market but is also the most expensive.
They are super tough and have incredible longevity. While they are commonly used in medical devices, they work excellently in high-tech alarm systems. Because of its high durability will work best for alarms located at hard-to-reach places like the ceiling.
Changing the LA522 energizer is a hassle, but the excellent service it will offer will blind any shortcomings it has.
Use other-volt batteries on smoke detectors located at more accessible spots, but use the advanced lithium battery for those in complex locations as they will last you longer.
While it is said to have a 10-year shelf life, we recommend changing it in about 6-7 years. Even more important, we recommend changing your batteries as frequently as your budget can accommodate.
Takeaway: Most smoke detectors use AA cylinder-shaped batteries or 9v rectangular batteries. If figuring this out challenges you, contacting service providers would be best, especially if your alarms are in hard-to-reach areas.
How Do I Replace the Battery in My Smoke Detector?
Replacing your smoke detector’s batteries is a crucial maintenance measure. Anytime you hear your device chirping, it is primarily an alert that your batteries are about to die and must be replaced as soon as possible.
Homeowners are encouraged to replace their smoke alarms twice a year: once when switching to daylight savings time and once when switching back to daylight standard time.
How you change your smoke detectors’ batteries depends on the type you are using.
A quick tip: smoke detectors are of two types: battery-operated and hardwired. Battery-operated ones are exclusively powered up by batteries, while hardwired ones use electricity and backup batteries as their power source.
If your device has a tamper-resist pin, you must remove it by locking it. Alternatively, if the device has a tamper-resist locking tab, push it open using a screwdriver, twist the alarm then remove it from the bracket.
- Described below is how you can change your smoke detector’s batteries:
- Before replacing the batteries, you must detach your smoke detector from the mounting plate. To do this, twist your alarm in an anti-clockwise direction. (Access the device using a ladder or a chair for safety).
The twisting should release your device, but the mounting plate will remain on the ceiling or the wall.
- If the alarm is battery operated, replace the batteries as directed by the smoke detector instructions. The general rule is to ensure that the battery’s connectors (+ and -) match with metal plates inside the battery compartment.
- Once you have installed the battery, close the compartment door or cover.
- Place the smoke detector back into the mounting bracket and slightly twist it clockwise. By now, it should have engaged.
- Press and hold the test button to test if your detector is back to normal. If it produces a loud beep, it will be functioning. If it fails to sound, you must reopen the battery cover and confirm that the batteries are lined up correctly.
Replacing A Hardwired Smoke Detector with a Backup Battery.
A hardwired smoke detector mainly derives its power from the household power source. The backup batteries are usually a “backup” plan in case of a power outage. Here is how to replace its batteries:
- Before any step, always ensure you have turned off the electrical service panel. Switch off the correct circuit breaker to turn off the household power circuit that supplies power to the smoke detector. ( Switching power off is a safety measure to protect you from electrical shock when handling electric wires.)
- Access the detector using a ladder or a chair.
- Detach the smoke detector from the mounting base by turning it counterclockwise. It is likely tamper-resistant on the mounting bracket if you notice it is not engaging. Push the locking pin into the unit to disengage it. Other units are different, so you may need to pull the pin out from between the base and the detector.
- Avoid immediately pulling off the smoke detector because it is connected to a wiring harness. Instead, tilt the device to the side and identify the wire connecting it to the unit. Once you see it, unplug the wire from your smoke detector or mounting base.
- Open the battery cover on your device, usually located at the back or side of the unit. The negative (-) on the negative mark and the positive (+) on the positive mark. Replace your batteries by correctly matching the terminals.
- Close the battery cover and reconnect the wiring harness to the unit’s base. Now, turn the device clockwise to engage it on the base.
- Go back to the electrical panel and turn the circuit breaker back on.
- Press and hold the test button to test your device’s functionality. A loud beep should indicate that your device has restored normalcy.
Note: Battery replacement procedures also vary between models. Some models have rear-loading batteries, while others have front-loading batteries.
Also, a missing or poorly installed battery will prevent the battery compartment from closing, which may further prevent your alarm from working effectively.
General Tips for Replacing Most Smoke Detector Batteries.
- Red lever. The red lever is also known as a battery reminder finger. Empty the battery compartment, press the finger downward, and press the battery on top. It would help if you also replaced the door.
- In the presence of a ribbon, Drape the ribbon across the empty compartment of the battery, then replace the battery. Doing this will ease the battery extraction process when it’s time to replace it again. Once done, tack the ribbon back into the compartment and replace the battery.
- The door is usually located on the bottom or side of the detector for devices with a front-load door. This feature saves you from the hassle of taking the detector from its mounting bracket to replace the battery. Pry the door with a butter knife (your fingernail should also work just as fine). For some doors, you will have to slide them to the side before they swing open.
- When there’s a side door, pry the door open and push it to its entire length. Please close the door by sliding it back into position. Examine the negative and positive marks on the detector and match the batteries accordingly.
Caution! Do not replace the batteries if they are corroded. Instead, remove the whole alarm system and replace it with a new one.
How to Replace Battery In a Smoke Detector:
Can You Use AA Lithium Batteries in Smoke Detectors?
Alkaline batteries were once the go-to option for smoke detectors. However, since 2014, homeowners have been choosing either two or three AA lithium batteries.
The difference between lithium and alkaline batteries is that they are both made from different materials and constructed differently, reflecting the difference in their performance.
You are advised to use AA-lithium batteries in your smoke detectors as they are an excellent, all-around option for your smoke detector and other electronic devices.
Lithium batteries work exceptionally well with hardwired smoke detectors and last for years. In battery-operated alarms, the lithium will last long in ionizing alarms but won’t last as long in photoelectric detectors. Please check the bottom part of your alarm to determine whether it is ionizing or photoelectric.
Therefore, you can choose whether to use AA lithium or alkaline batteries on your smoke detector. While AA batteries are more costly than lithium, they are also rechargeable, making them a cheaper option.
AA lithium batteries are more reliable than alkaline-based. The alkaline batteries need constant replacement, making them more susceptible to tampering. Tampering with a battery set can have consequences as dire as an alarm failing to work during a crisis.
However, lithium batteries are sealed, built-in batteries that cannot be easily tampered with. Since this type of battery is a legal requirement in some areas, it protects you from being held liable in a fire crisis.
AA lithium batteries are also an excellent option because of their durability. However, while their ‘ultra’ life is expected to last ten years, they would only run for a few years (although longer than alkaline batteries).
The good thing about this life span is that it comes with a warranty, allowing you to replace it at no cost if it dies before the stipulated period.
Caveat: Consumer reports advise against using lithium batteries in smoke detectors unless used on a strict battery replacement schedule. They cite the battery’s high voltage feature as the reason behind the warning.
Accordingly, the lithium batteries will give you a shorter “low battery” warning as an alert for a replacement. This gives the alkaline battery an upper hand over the AA lithium.
Also, while you can always dispose of your alkaline batteries away in the trash, you cannot do this with lithium as they are not eco-friendly. They have to be recycled at facilities that accept them.
Takeaway: You can use AA lithium batteries on your smoke detector, as they are durable and safer than alkaline batteries. They are also more pocket-friendly. However, this does not rule out alkaline batteries, as they are equally good.
Regularly check and replace the batteries on your smoke detector for maximum protection against fire eventualities.
How Long Does a 9V Battery Last in a Smoke Detector?
Regularly replacing your smoke detector’s battery is an excellent way to maintain and keep your loved ones safe. However, you can only do this if you are well-informed about its durability, so let’s find out! I doubt there is any appliance that has no expiry date.
The 9-volt battery smoke detectors are considered the standard and most popular model. The 9v alkaline batteries will last approximately 12-18 months with good maintenance.
You will be required to change these batteries once a year or so. To be safe, always consider replacing the batteries once they hit the 8-year mark.
Long-life batteries
These are lithium batteries. Smoke detectors that use this alarm work differently, as you have to judge by how long the battery will last rather than how long the unit will. WHY? You can never change the lithium battery. You must replace the whole unit once your alarm hits the ten-year mark.
Hardwired detectors
Because they are mostly powered by electricity, you will likely think that hardwired alarms are permanent fixtures in your home. In a way, they are. However, we recommend strictly following the same rules you’d follow while maintaining other smoke detectors.
It would be best to replace the batteries in a hardwired alarm system once yearly, as you do with the 9-volt battery models.
Tip: If you are unsure how long your smoke detector will last, test it out! Regardless of the model, you can always press and hold the test button to ascertain if the device is functioning as expected.
Do this procedure at least once every month for the surety; then, you will be prepared in case of a fire crisis.
You can also ensure that your device lasts longer through other maintenance besides replacing the batteries. For instance, clean your device monthly using a vacuum and wipe off compressed air to eliminate dirt, dust, and debris.
Also, your smoke detector can start chirping before the one-year mark. This usually indicates that you need to replace the batteries as soon as possible.
Do All Smoke Detectors Need Batteries?
Yes, all smoke detectors need batteries. This includes even hardwired smoke detectors. However, not all smoke detectors can be switched out.
As mentioned earlier, some smoke alarm devices come with 10-year tamper-free batteries. With such features, the battery compartments can hardly be opened.
Do You Have to Reset the Smoke Detector After Changing the Battery?
You probably replaced your smoke detector’s batteries because they are chirping and have become a nuisance. For some reason, the smoke detector is still chirping even after replacing the battery. You may need to manually reset the smoke detector to clear the system error. This is how to do it:
Resetting hardwired smoke detectors with battery backups.
- Go to the electrical panel and turn off the primary power source. This will turn off the electrical current running into your smoke detector and protect you from electrical shocks.
- Unmount the smoke detector from its mounting bracket. Loosen it by twisting it in the anti-clockwise direction.
- The device is also connected to a power cable; disconnect it from the smoke detector.
- Open the battery cover and remove the batteries.
- Press the test button and hold it down for about 15 seconds. You will hear an alarm sound briefly; do not panic. It is a sign that the device is working. The alarm will silence after a few minutes.
- Reinstall the batteries in their position and close the battery cover. Carefully reconnect the power cable and return the smoke detector to its mounting bracket. Slightly twist it clockwise to tighten it.
- Return to the electrical panel you switched off and turn it back on. You will again hear a single chirp, which will signify that power has been restored to the unit.
If resetting does not solve your issue, consider troubleshooting for more effective ways to solve it.
Resetting Battery-Powered Smoke Detectors
Battery-operated smoke detectors are less complex than hardwired ones. Resetting them is a walk in the pack. Here is how to do it:
- Open the battery cover and remove the batteries from the smoke detector.
- Press and hold the “test” button for about 15 seconds. You will hear an alarm sound briefly, then it will go silent.
- Reinstall the battery back into the casing and close it. Again, you will hear the smoke detector chirp once. This is to signify that the battery is connected and functional.
Extra tip: If the detector has a blinking red light, press the ‘test,’ ‘silence,’ or ‘hush’ buttons to reset your smoke detector.
If your alarm has a keypad, press the “*72” (star, seven two) to reset it with a keypad.
Can You Use Duracell Batteries In Smoke Detectors?
The battery you use in your smoke alarm matters, as it determines whether or not you will be safe during a crisis. NFPA reports that three out of five fire death cases are from homes with dysfunctional smoke alarms, and a wrong choice of battery could be one cause.
You can use Duracell batteries in your smoke alarm as it would offer you service for a reasonable period. Most times, the Duracell batteries are often compared to energizers.
This comparison will help determine whether you will use Duracell or choose another competitive brand.
Duracell AA batteries are rechargeable and have a longer battery life. While the energizer brand can last 2 to 3.5 hours, Duracell can last between 5 to 6.5 hours.
Duracell is also formulated with power boost ingredients such as AA and AAA alkaline batteries. They contain Duracell’s patented POWER BOOST ingredients, which improve their durability. This will keep your smoke detector functioning for longer.
Duracell has a longer shelf life. It guarantees up to 12 years of storage. You will not have to worry about your battery leaking or potentially going bad after storing it for a while.
Finally, while you can use Duracell for your smoke detector, you can also use it for your everyday devices.
How Long Does a 10-Year Battery Last In a Smoke Detector?
The ten-year smoke alarms are those powered by sealed lithium batteries. From its name, these batteries are designed to last for ten years.
They will offer your home continuous protection for ten years without replacing the batteries. However, NFPA recommends replacing all smoke alarms after every ten years to ensure that the devices are functioning as required.
Here are some of the benefits of owning a ten-year sealed battery in your home:
- It saves you from the hassle of changing batteries every six months. (Life is always busy, the thought of changing batteries can easily escape you).
- Always check whenever the alarm chirps, but in this case, it is unlikely that it’s an alert about the battery. Other regular batteries will likely ruin your peace by constantly chirping to warn you that they are about to run out. You will not experience this with the 10-year battery.
- If an alarm with a 10-year battery chirps, you know it is time to change the alarm system. It is usually an indicator that the system has reached its end of life and you need to replace it.
While it is more expensive than other types of batteries, consider investing in a ten-year battery. Knowing that your home and family have been fully protected for a decade will give you peace of mind.
This investment is also friendly to your pocket. You will not have to endure the cost of constant battery replacement. Besides, the battery pack is sealed, so no one can tamper with your alarm device.
Should I Use Lithium or Alkaline Batteries In My Smoke Detector?
Using alarms with traditional (alkaline) batteries is fine. With proper maintenance, they will serve and protect you just as well.
However, these batteries need a regular replacement, at least once a year. This means that whenever they are about to run out, you will experience constant chirping, which will demand immediate attention. Lithium batteries are different.
Lithium batteries are recommended and preferred over alkaline ones. This battery will last as long as your alarm (an average of 10 years). You can also acquire 9v lithium batteries to upgrade the existing alarm.
While lithium batteries offer total protection, always push the test buttons every month to confirm and ensure your alarm is functional.
Final Thoughts
Smoke detectors effectively protect your home and family against any fire risk. They will alert you in the event of a possible fire. However, they need functioning batteries alongside other maintenance practices to do this. So,
Which Batteries for Smoke Detectors?
Smoke detectors usually use the 9Vs and two or three AAs batteries, depending on the year of manufacture.
We hope this article will help you next time you want to replace the batteries in your smoke alarm. If you replace it and the alarm still chirps, reset the device using the instructions provided in the article.
Let us know in the comments what you think. Best of luck!