How To Change Batteries in a Smoke Detector

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 3,000 people in the U.S. lose their lives in residential fires every year. Fortunately, you can prevent such a tragedy simply by keeping working batteries in your home smoke detector. In fact, several studies have shown that a working smoke alarm cuts the chance of dying from a fire in half.

It's time to replace the batteries if the detector starts emitting a warning sound like chirping or beeping. Even without such a warning, it's a good idea to change the batteries at least once a year. Though it's easy to put off this five-minute task, working batteries in your smoke alarm could mean the difference between escape and tragedy in the event of a fire.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Owner's manual
• New batteries (check owner's manual for size)

1. Check the power source. Make sure your detector does run on batteries, since some are hard-wired to a home's electricity.

2. 
    
   Press the button to test the batteries.

   Press the button on the smoke alarm cover to test the batteries. Replace the batteries if the horn doesn't sound.

3. 
    
   Remove the detector.

   Take the smoke detector down. Turn it counterclockwise and pull down, or follow manufacturer's instructions if your detector is installed differently.

4. 
    
   Some detectors have a battery tray.

   Remove the cover. Follow manufacturer's instructions to remove the cover or take out the battery tray.

5. 
    
   Put in fresh batteries.

   Replace the batteries. Remove the old batteries and put the new ones in. Make sure the new batteries are fresh and have never been used.

6. Press the test button on the smoke detector again to make sure the new batteries work.

7. 
    
   Line up the slots and turn clockwise.

   Return the smoke alarm to its mount by fitting it into the holder slots and turning it clockwise.

Tips & Warnings

• Test your smoke detector once a month. Replace all smoke alarms after 10 years, even if they still seem to be working. Pair the replacement of batteries with another seasonal routine, such as resetting clocks in fall or spring.
• If the test button does not work, replace the alarm immediately. Never disable your smoke detector, even if it seems to be a nuisance when you are cooking or showering.

References

• U.S. Fire Administration

Resources

• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission