Longlife Battery Smoke Alarms

A sealed battery smoke alarm typically lasts exactly 10 years from installation, with the integrated lithium battery designed to power the unit throughout its entire operational lifespan.

The battery in sealed smoke alarms cannot be replaced - these units are designed for complete replacement after 10 years, ensuring both battery and sensor components remain within optimal operating specifications.

Sealed battery smoke alarms cost more initially but often prove economical over their lifespan when considering the elimination of battery replacement costs and reduced maintenance requirements.

Sealed battery smoke alarms from reputable manufacturers meet Grade F1 and F2 standards under BS 5839-6, making them suitable for most domestic applications where battery-powered detection is appropriate.

To ensure your smoke alarm is functioning properly, it's essential to test it regularly.

Steps to Test a Smoke Alarm

1. Check the Date: Ensure the smoke alarm is not older than 10 years. If it is, replace it.
2. Press the Test Button: Locate the test button on the smoke alarm. Press and hold it for a few seconds. You should hear a loud alarm sound, indicating that the unit is working. DO NOT USE REAL FIRE, VAPES, OR CIGARETTES TO TEST SMOKE ALARMS. This can damage the smoke alarm and void any warranty. For more detailed guidance, please consult the manual provided with your smoke alarm.
3. Clean the Alarm: Dust and debris can affect the alarm's performance. Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to clean the outside and inside of the alarm.
4. Document the Test: Keep a record of when you tested the alarm and any maintenance performed. This helps ensure regular checks.

Frequency of Testing

• Monthly: Test the smoke alarm every month.
• Annually: Clean your alarm. If your alarm is sounding a low battery warning, replace the batteries.
• Every 10 Years: Replace the entire smoke alarm unit.

Regular testing and maintenance of your smoke alarm can significantly enhance your safety and preparedness in case of a fire.

Sign up to our free smoke alarm reminder service to receive regular reminders by email or text message.

• 9V alkaline batteries last 12-18 months
• Lithium batteries last around 5 years (some lithium cells are also rechargeable, and when used in a mains-powered alarm may last for the entire functional lifespan of the alarm)
• Sealed lithium batteries last the lifetime of the alarm (usually 7-10 years)

Please note: the actual lifetime of your batteries depends on how often the alarms are tested or activated, as sounding the alarm draws more power than when the alarms are "waiting" to detect fire. You should also read your alarm's manual to make sure you only use the recommended types and brands of batteries, as failing to follow these instructions may cause the alarm to malfunction, not alerting you in the event of a fire, and might also invalidate the warranty.

Batteries in radio-interlinked alarms tend to expire quicker than in standalone units as they are regularly sending and receiving signals from other units in the network, therefore, reducing the lifespan of the batteries. If you opt for a sealed long-life battery then these would last the lifetime of the alarm.

We recommend long-life battery-powered smoke alarms for B&Bs as they contain 10-year lithium batteries, which last the full life of the detector. We also offer a radio-interlinked option so that if one alarm detects a fire, all connected alarms go off.

Alternatively, you can install mains powered alarms which are also available with long-life backup batteries and wireless interlinking.