Do all smoke detectors last 10 years?

Author: Prof. Bryon Kub  |  Last update: Monday, November 3, 2025

All smoke alarms have a strict working lifetime of 10 years. This means they require replacement every 10 years to keep your home and family safe. This is the same for all types of smoke alarms, whether you have photoelectric or ionisation, hardwired or battery alarms in your home.

Do you really need to replace smoke detectors every 10 years?

Test smoke alarms every month by pressing their test buttons. If your alarms use regular batteries, swap in fresh batteries at least once a year. A “chirping” sound means that it's time to change batteries. Because alarm sensors wear out, replace each alarm at least every 10 years.

What smoke alarms have a 10-year warranty?

Red Smoke Alarms have been designed to a high quality and are known for their reliability, that is why Red Smoke Alarms can offer a 10-year warranty across its entire smoke alarm range, offering you peace of mind for now and the long term.

How do I know if my smoke detector is outdated?

Check the manufacture dates on your smoke alarms today! smoke alarm from the wall or ceiling. back of the alarm for the date of manufacture. should be replaced 10 years from the date of manufacture.

What is the life expectancy of a smoke detector?

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, most alarms have a life span of 8-10 years. After this time, the entire unit should be replaced. Most alarms have the date of manufacture inside the unit. If you cannot find the date, replace it.

Why Smoke Detectors Have a Ten Year Lifespan

How many years does a hardwired smoke detector last?

Every 10 years

Replace your smoke alarm. Some models last as little as 5 years. This includes battery operated and hard-wired alarms. All smoke alarms have an expiration date.

Do I need an electrician to replace hardwired smoke detectors?

Can I install a hardwired smoke detector myself? While it is technically possible, it is not recommended. Working with your home's electrical system can be dangerous and complex, best left to a qualified electrician.

How do you know if a hard wired smoke detector is bad?

If your smoke detectors are yellowing, chirping non-stop, or going off unexpectedly, it's time to call in our electrical pros from Integrity Home Solutions. We can inspect and replace hardwired smoke detectors or install them if you don't have them in place already. Don't take a chance on your family's safety.

Do hardwired smoke alarms need to be replaced?

New smoke alarms with a long lasting lithium battery have a 10 year lifespan to ensure you and your family can feel the highest level of security. Existing hard-wired, 240 volt smoke alarms must be replaced with new hard-wired smoke alarms and this can only be done by a licensed electrician.

What is the end-of-life of a smoke detector?

All smoke detectors should be replaced at least every 10 years and tested regularly to ensure the alarm is functioning properly. At the end of ten years, the smoke detectors will give an end-of-life warning letting you know to replace the alarm.

What states require 10-year smoke detectors?

In the vast majority of states, all solely battery-operated alarms sold within California, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey and New York must be 10-Year.

Why is my new 10-year smoke alarm beeping?

Your smoke detectors don't have an inside voice — for your safety. If you hear your smoke detector beeping in brief chirps every 30-60 seconds, it's probably time to replace the battery. Or you might need to clean out the dust, check the battery connections or replace the whole smoke alarm.

What if my smoke alarm is over 10 years old?

Previously, the replacement of smoke alarms older than 10 years was merely a recommendation. However, with the updated legislation, it has become a mandatory requirement. The rationale behind this change is rooted in the reliability and effectiveness of smoke alarms.

How much does it cost to replace smoke detectors?

The cost of a new detector ranges between $10 and $80. A professional charges between $40 and $100 per hour based on their level of experience and the complexity of the job. It should not take longer than an hour for the replacement.

How long do Kidde smoke detectors last?

Kidde recommends replacing your smoke alarms every5/ 10 years, and carbon monoxide alarms every 7/10 years. If you don't know how old your alarm is, look for the manufacturing date code on the back of the alarm(s) or simply replace them to avoid any danger​.

What is the life expectancy of a hardwired smoke alarm?

"Replace all smoke alarms, including those that use ten-year batteries and hard-wired alarms, when they are ten years old or sooner if they don't respond properly when tested." Each smoke detector should be replaced 10 years after the date of installation.

What smoke detectors do fire departments recommend?

Since no one can predict what type of fire might start in their home, the U.S. Fire Administration recommends that every home and place where people sleep have: Both ionization AND photoelectric smoke alarms, OR.

Which is better, a hard wired or battery smoke detector?

As it's unlikely that both the power and battery will fail at the same time, hard wired smoke alarms offer an extremely reliable form of protection. Furthermore, because hardwired smoke alarms are connected to the power supply, they will sound indefinitely until they are turned off.

What does a red light on a hard wired smoke detector mean?

Sometimes the red light on your smoke detector means nothing is wrong. Many smoke detectors use an LED light to show you that everything's working properly. If your device's on/off button has a stale red light, it likely means the system is working properly.

How to stop a hardwired smoke detector from chirping?

Wired Alarms
  1. Shut off your home's main power breaker.
  2. Disconnect the alarm unit's power cable.
  3. Take the alarm down.
  4. Take out the backup battery.
  5. Hold the test button for 15 seconds to drain any residual charge.
  6. Re-install or replace the backup battery.
  7. Reconnect the alarm to the power cable.
  8. Replace the alarm.

Is it easy to replace a hardwired smoke detector?

To be installed correctly, hardwired smoke detectors require more than just the common sense needed to install battery-operated smoke detectors. To ensure they function seamlessly and avoid potential dangers, these units need to be replaced and installed by a licensed electrician.

Can I replace a hard wired smoke detector with a battery operated one?

If your home was built after 1986, it will have at least one hard wired smoke alarm connected directly to your electrical panel. It is not acceptable to replace a hard wired alarm with one that is battery operated. A home must maintain at least the same level of protection as originally required.

How do you test a hardwired smoke detector?

But, in general, the USFA states most battery-powered and hardwired smoke detectors can be tested in the following way:
  1. Alert family members that you will be testing the alarm. ...
  2. Station a family member at the furthest point away from the alarm in your home. ...
  3. Press and hold the test button on the smoke detector.

Who can I call to change my smoke detector?

If you feel unsafe getting on a ladder to replace your hardwired smoke detector, call a licensed electrician or local handyman to knock this project off your to-do list.

Previous article
What are the 4 pieces of CIP?
Next article
Is it safe to leave oven on for heat?