Whether you have a battery-powered smoke alarm or one that is hardwired to the home’s electrical system, you need to replace its batteries regularly.

Smoke detectors that use 9-volt or AA batteries should be changed at least once per year. For alarms that use lithium batteries, it’s recommended that you change the whole unit every 10 years.

9V Batteries

Smoke alarm batteries typically use a 9V alkaline battery. However, some detectors will also use an AA battery. Check your manual to see if this is the case for your smoke alarm.

As a rule, you should change the batteries in your smoke alarms every six months to a year. Detectors that go off frequently at night will often need to be replaced sooner than this.

Most smoke alarms will have a button that you can press to test the battery. If it is faulty, you will need to replace it immediately.

AA Batteries

Smoke detectors often use two or three AA batteries. These have three times more energy than 9V batteries, so they can last much longer.

If you’re using AA batteries, make sure you check them regularly and replace them every six months. This helps ensure your smoke alarms work correctly and help keep your family safe.

AA batteries are cylindrical batteries with physical dimensions of 14.5 x 50.5 mm (0.57 x 1.99 inches). They are commonly used in smaller devices that require low power such as TV remote controls and kitchen timers.

AA Lithium Batteries

AA Lithium Batteries are a good alternative to standard alkaline AA batteries for smoke alarms and other devices. They offer longer shelf life, higher capacity and less weight than their alkaline counterparts.

Compared to alkaline AA batteries, lithium AA batteries offer a high voltage and can deliver up to 600 mA of current on demand. This makes them the ideal choice for smoke alarms that require frequent testing and short periods of high power demand.

Smoke detectors that use sealed, ten-year lithium batteries are becoming increasingly common. They’re typically located in hardwired units, but some areas are requiring battery-only photoelectric units for new construction.

AA Rechargeable Batteries

AA batteries are the most common type of cylindrical dry cell and are widely used in thousands of electronic devices. They come in a variety of chemistries including alkaline and lithium, with rechargeables gaining popularity lately.

Unless you have a non-replaceable 10-year smoke detector, the National Fire Protection Association recommends changing your smoke alarm batteries every 6 months. This is because smoke alarms use some current when in standby’ mode and when they are activated.

Rechargeable AA batteries measure their capacity in milliamp hours (mAh), with the higher the number, the longer they can run your device. They are also easier to recharge than their standard counterparts.

AA Specialty Batteries

AA Specialty Batteries pack a lot of power into a small space, giving your devices (like smoke detectors, watches or car alarms) long-lasting power. They are also commonly used for wireless doorbells, remotes, and medical devices.

Whether it’s a high voltage lithium coin cell battery or a nickel-zinc AA battery, specialty batteries offer long-lasting power that’s optimised for efficiency.

If your smoke alarm has a chirping sound or isn’t working, it’s time to replace its batteries. You can do this easily with a brand new GP lithium or alkaline battery.

AA Alkaline Batteries

Alkaline batteries are a great choice for smoke alarms because they produce a much longer “low battery” warning than lithium batteries. Unlike lithium, they also have a much more gradual voltage drop-off during use.

General use alkaline batteries are available in various sizes, including AA, AAA, C, D and 9V. They are used in a variety of applications such as clocks, remote controls and flashlights.

They offer a low replacement rate and excellent performance, particularly in low-drain devices such as flashlights, portable radios, clocks, alarm clocks and toys. They are also ideal for a wide range of electronics, such as digital cameras and wireless keyboards.