Has your smoke detector started giving the annoying chirp sound? Well, it might be time to replace the old and weak battery with a new one. In case you are not sure what kind of battery for smoke detector you own.
This article will guide you through the right battery to get for your smoke detector so it can protect you and your family from any fire outbreak.
Most home fire deaths are usually a result of fires in homes without smoke detectors or functional smoke alarms.
Your home and family’s safety should be a major priority to you, it’s very important to keep functioning alarms and the right batteries installed. The battery in your smoke detector should be something that you can always rely on, very effectively!
Battery for Smoke Detector
There are different types of batteries you can place in your smoke detector depending on the model. Some come already sealed in the smoke alarm with a 10-Year guarantee on it.
The Alkaline batteries and lithium batteries are also appropriate for 9V smoke detectors and other 9V products.
Although the 10-year long-life lithium batteries can last up to 5 times longer than the alkaline batteries and up to 10 times longer than carbon-zinc batteries.
Fire safety officials recommend that once daylight saving time ends and you turn back the clocks, then it’s a good time to replace your old batteries with new batteries in your smoke alarms.
Note: Do you have a hardwired smoke detector and do you want that battery back up in case of a power failure. Click here to read more about how to change the battery in smoke detector hardwired.
How to Change Smoke Detector Battery
How often do you need to change your smoke detector batteries? Or do you want to wait till the batteries finally die? It’s just better you replace them once you start getting the chirping sound from your smoke detector so you won’t have to spend double of what you are supposed to spend by simply replacing the old batteries.
However, below are what kind of battery for smoke detector you can use.
What kind of Battery for Smoke Detector
Here are the common types of Smoke Detector batteries you can replace your old batteries with:
Alkaline 9V Battery
This is an industry favorite 9-volt battery for battery-operated smoke detector from a mega-brand. It is one of the very best 9v batteries for smoke detectors and also a great option for wireless microphones, guitar pedals, in-ear monitors, radios, security backup systems, and other 9V products.
The only difference between the Energizer Industrial and what you will find in most stores is the way it’s been packaged. Industrials come in cardboard boxes rather than the annoying blister packaging. Although these are cheaper, easy to use, and every bit as powerful as the Energizers you will find hanging on the hooks at checkout. It’s a low-cost replacement battery.
9V has been the most accepted battery of choice for smoke detectors for years now.
1.5V Super Heavy Duty 9V Battery
The 1.5V super heavy duty 9V battery is an ever-ready authentic smoke detector battery. It’s very cost-effective and perfect to purchase in bulk and have a pile in your closet or somewhere to swap in every 6 months.
The replacement frequency is quite high because the shelf life is not as long as other higher quality batteries, but for homeowners willing to climb up on a ladder or stool more often, then the Eveready 1222 is a solid option to save a few bucks. It’s suitable for smoke alarms and CO alarms with a capacity of about 800mAh.
9V Advanced Lithium Battery
This is the most expensive, with the highest quality, longest life battery. They are super rugged and durable batteries used even in medical devices and high-tech alarm systems. A great option for difficult-to-reach places in the home like a high ceiling.
When changing the smoke detector’s battery, this is your best choice which you will never regret. You can try to save a few bucks buying other 9 volt batteries for easier spots and spend a bit more on a LA522 for the fire alarm installed in a corner above the stairs. The LA522 usually lasts a lot longer.
Although Energizer says it has a 10-year shelf life, we don’t recommend you wait that long before replacing it. The LA522 9V battery will last you safely for up to 6-7 years. However, always take precautionary measures and replace your smoke detector batteries more often as your budget allows you.
1.5V AA Lithium Batteries
In recent times, it is more common to see two or three AAs in smoke detectors. The AA batteries have about three times as much energy as a 9V. While using batteries like these, you must check them regularly and replace your smoke detectors’ batteries at least every 6 months.
It’s the longest-lasting AA battery available. It’s an upgrade from standard alkaline AA batteries. AA Lithium batteries have a leak-free guarantee.
What kind of battery for Smoke Detector?
Most times, the smoke alarm battery is usually the AA (cylinder shape) or 9V (rectangular shape) solely dependent on the manufacturing date. The battery type to use should be displayed notably somewhere on the battery itself.
In case you need help replacing or you can’t just figure out how to remove the batteries, you can as well reach out to replacement service providers out there who can give you a hand. You might have your alarms installed up in high ceilings or hard-to-reach places, it’s not bad. At times smoke detectors are electric-powered and hardwired, in case you own this type, you won’t need to worry about replacing batteries except you have a power outage in your home.
How often do I change the batteries in Smoke Detectors?
Most smoke detectors on the market guarantee a 10-year sealed battery or 10 years of battery life, this is wrong! Never risk your family’s safety in the care of a longshot marketing promise. Ignore the manufacturer’s proposed battery life and know what kind of battery for smoke detector and when the old batteries need a replacement.
Temperature, installation location, and how thoroughly the alarms are cleaned and maintained influence the longevity of the battery. The replacement age depends on various factors.
Exchange new batteries to your smoke detectors at least every six months to a year and sleep like a baby without having any chirping sound disturb your sleep. Users commonly change their smoke detectors’ batteries every time they change the clocks backward or forwards. Just do whatever works best for you.
How to Change a Smoke Detector Battery
A long-lived battery smoke detector gives you mental freedom as you don’t have to worry about replacing the battery now and then since it’s integrated with high-tech features.
However, if you have other fire alarms and you can’t figure out how to change the battery, follow the instructions below:
- Remove the body/Cover: Unclip the cover of the smoke detector with a light twist. Once it is opened, you will see a loud horn, the sensing chamber, and the battery itself.
- Replace the battery: Unscrew the old battery and replace it with a new 9-volt lithium battery as most detectors use this one. Ensure the male and female terminals are properly connected.
- Close the cover: Fasten the lid of the smoke detector into its place or replace it if you want.
- Test the smoke detector: To ensure the battery is working optimally, tap the button on the top. The sensor will beep once you press the button. That’s it!
Now, you know what kind of battery for smoke detector you can use to make your Firm alarms work effectively.
For a smoke detector to be a life-saver, it has to be functional at home to its full potential. Apart from knowing what kind of battery for smoke detector to use and how to change the battery on smoke detector, ensure to replace them steadily. This enables you to get your money’s worth from buying these devices and securing your family’s safety optimally.
I hope this article has opened your eyes to what kind of battery for smoke detector you need to use depending on your smoke detector model. Kindly let us know in the comment section if the battery you chose worked perfectly for your smoke detector or not. Thanks for reading thus far.