There’s a lot of responsibility when it comes to running a household. Dusting, cleaning and maintaining every system are time-consuming tasks. The household’s smoke detectors often go overlooked. Studies have proven time and time again that these detectors save lives every year. They need sufficient power to keep on running, however. Northeast Battery’s team wants you to be safe, so practice these steps toward changing a smoke-detector battery in your home. This tool is priceless in an emergency.
1. Time it Right
Good Housekeeping offers a clever way to remember smoke-detector batteries by matching their replacement with Daylight Savings Time. Most batteries last about 6 months within a standard, smoke detector. You’ll remember to deal with the detector when the task is associated with changing the clocks.
There will always be advertisements for the time change, which reduces the risk of forgetting about the detectors.
2. Follow the Chirp
Changing batteries twice a year might be complicated by a premature battery failure. Every detector will chirp as an indication that the battery is low. Follow the chirp’s noise when it begins. One person might stand under a single detector to verify the chirp’s location. Replace this battery regardless of the time of year. The chirp will continue otherwise.
3. Remove the Housing
Each smoke detector has a slightly different design. Removing the housing might require a turn, a clip removal or gently prying it open. Take a look at the directions on the unit or the included guidance from your recent purchase. Don’t damage the housing. It protects the sensing mechanism, horn and battery within.
4. Pull the Battery
With the housing off, you’ll reveal the battery. It’s typically a 9V-battery that snaps into place. They tend to be the most sturdy batteries so that malfunctions or draining issues don’t occur from misalignment.
Remove the battery with your fingers. Never use a hand tool, such as a screwdriver, to pry the battery out. Electrical shocks can still happen and compromise your home fire safety.
5. Install a Fresh Battery
Be aware of the battery’s orientation inside the detector’s housing. Installing it in the wrong direction will lead to no power and possible danger in the home.
The 9V-battery should slide with ease into the open compartment. Always use a brand-new battery. Give it a slight jostling to verify that it’s making connection with the housing’s terminals.
6. Reattach the Housing
Reattach the top housing. Follow the same instructions for removal. Avoid any forced movements with the housing. These detectors are often made of plastic. They can snap or crack if mishandled.
Most models give off a satisfying sound when the top is properly sealed to the base. It might give off a popping or snapping sound. Wiggle the top housing to verify that it’s truly attached. It can vibrate off and fall to the floor if it’s not connected at the right points.
7. Test the Alarm
Every detector has a test button on the outside housing. Carefully press this button before finishing up with the detector’s maintenance. It should give off a loud beep or whistle, depending on the brand. This sound indicates that the detector is ready for use.
8. Consider Disposable Units
As an alternative measure, try disposable detectors in the home. You don’t have to change the battery twice a year. In fact, the battery lasts up to 10 years, reports the U.S. Fire Administration. At that expiration time, you simply remove the entire unit and replace it with a new one.
Keep in mind that you’ll have to set a reminder to perform this replacement in 10 years. Each unit has an expiration date on its housing.
Contact Northeast Battery today with your battery questions. Household safety should be at the top of everyone’s list. The simple act of changing batteries in your detectors will protect you during a fire emergency. Extra minutes for the family can mean the difference between a close call and tragedy.