Since smoke detectors are meant to get your attention, it can be hard to focus on anything else when they’re going off. At 85 decibels or more, the sound can even hurt your ears. Fortunately, changing your smoke alarm batteries will often resolve the issue. If your smoke alarm is making a beeping noise it’s usually a sign you need to replace the battery.
Both hardwired smoke detectors and battery-operated ones need batteries. Hardwired alarms have a backup battery that may need to be replaced. Since battery-operated smoke detectors won’t work at all without a battery, you may want to change the battery regularly.
You can follow these simple steps to replace your smoke alarm battery.
1. Remove the Smoke Detector Cover
Take down your smoke detector and examine it with your user’s manual nearby. If you’re changing the batteries on a hard-wired smoke detector, you should first shut off the power at your circuit breaker.
On some models, you can just twist the cover off, while you’ll need to snap the cover out of place on others. In some cases, you may need to use a screwdriver to remove the plastic cover. If you’re not sure, consult the user’s manual.
2. Remove the Old Battery from the Detector
Before smoke alarm battery replacement, you need to take out the old battery. Note whether you will need a 9v, AA, or lithium battery replacement as different models use different batteries. If you’re using a 9v or AA battery, remember where the negative and positive connections are.
Changing a battery in a smoke detector is also a good time to verify your smoke detector is in good shape. Look for any signs of undue wear and tear, such as broken pieces, loose wiring or leaking batteries. If you notice problems or if your smoke detector is very old, it may be time to replace the whole detector for your safety.
3. Insert the New Battery
Always use a new battery when replacing it in your smoke detector and make sure you’re replacing the battery with the right kind, whether that’s AA, lithium, or 9v. If you’re not sure, consult the user’s manual.
When inserting the new battery, verify that the negative and positive connections match up. The inside of the smoke detector and the exterior of your battery may have plus signs (+) for positive connections and minus signs (-) for negative connections.
4. Reattach to Base and Test the Detector
Once your new battery is in correctly, put the cover back on the smoke detector and reattach the base that connects the detector to your wall. If you have a hard-wired system, turn on the power again.
You can test the smoke detector to make sure the battery is working correctly. Most smoke detectors have a test button — press it for a few seconds and it will emit a sound if it’s working correctly. If the smoke detector test fails, check whether you used the right battery or try a fresh battery. Next, replace the smoke detector entirely.
Do You Need More Help?
Learning how to replace smoke alarm batteries is relatively easy. However, if you need a better alarm system or want to switch to a hard-wired smoke detector, Wayne Alarm Systems can help.
If you have a commercial property or run a business from home, we’ll make sure your fire system complies with local laws. We can also help you choose the right alarm and security systems for your home or business. Wayne Alarm Systems has been in business for 50 years and we’re UL-listed and a Five Diamond monitoring center.
To put our years of experience to work for you, contact Wayne Alarm Systems and schedule a free security consultation or get a free quote today.
