(NFPA) The long-standing “Change Your Clocks, Change Your Batteries” campaign encourages the public to change their smoke alarm and CO alarm batteries when turning back clocks in the fall and ahead in the spring. On March 13th states throughout the US turned their clocks forward for Daylight Savings Time. Many people will use this opportunity to change their home’s smoke alarm & CO alarm batteries as well.
Because working smoke alarms & CO alarms are a critical element of home fire safety, NFPA supports any and all efforts to reinforce the importance of working batteries. However, today’s smoke alarms and CO alarms are not all designed the same, making battery messaging more nuanced.
Following is information to help make sure all smoke alarms have working batteries, accounting for the multiple types of smoke alarms on the market and their varying battery requirements:
– Smoke alarms or CO alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
– Smoke alarms or CO alams with any other type of battery need a new battery at least once a year. If that alarm chirps, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
– When replacing a battery, follow manufacturer’s list of batteries on the back of the alarm or manufacturer’s instructions. Manufacturer’s instructions are specific to the batteries (brand and model) that must be used. The smoke alarm may not work properly if a different kind of battery is used.
