How to Change the Batteries in a Smoke Detector on a Vaulted Ceiling

Smoke detectors are crucial to the safety of everyone in the house. Many reported cases of home fires weren't caught in time due to smoke detectors that weren't installed correctly or that didn't have batteries. Replacing the batteries in your smoke detector is the least you can do for the safety in your home, even when it's a tall order.

Things You'll Need

• Ladder

Instructions

1. Bring a very tall ladder into the room with the smoke detector on the vaulted ceiling. If the smoke detector is near the wall, use a long lean-to ladder like many people use on the outside of their homes. If the smoke detector is not near any walls, you will need a 12-foot or 16-foot "A-frame" ladder. If you don't own a ladder, rent one from a tool rental shop or home improvement store.

2. Put the batteries in an easy-to-reach pocket, pouch or tool belt. Climb the ladder until you can easily reach the detector, but do not climb up onto the top step.

3. Open the smoke detector by looking for and then pulling the tab. Be very careful at this height. After the detector is opened, remove the old batteries, paying attention to the direction the positive and negative poles are facing.

4. Put the new batteries in the smoke detector. Close the smoke detector until it snaps. Push the button on the detector to test that the batteries were installed correctly.

Tips & Warnings

• Replace the batteries with lithium batteries, which may last as much as 7 to 10 years.

• If you can't buy or rent a ladder. The local fire department may be willing to help.

• Any number of contractors may have the equipment to help you reach your smoke detector if you wish to hire them or rent their equipment.

• Make sure the ladder is level and safe. You may want someone else to hold the ladder.

Resources

• Michael Bluejay: Your Guide to Types of Household Batteries