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How often should AC-powered smoke detectors be replaced?

Emergency Management Alert, March 14, 2006

Battery replacement tip for smoke detectors

This week's tip is provided by Steve MacArthur of The Greeley Company, HCPro's consulting division, in answer to this frequently asked question.

Q: How often should AC-powered smoke detectors be replaced? Are recommendations for replacement similar to those for battery-powered units, which are to be changed every 10 years?

A: As with so many concerns relative to the Life Safety Code©, the answer is, "It depends." Check with the manufacturer to see if it has a recommended replacement frequency; this may vary among manufacturers. Speak to the person within your facility who is testing and maintaining the smoke detectors to ensure that the units are working properly within the appropriate parameters and that units that need replacing get replaced. Schedules for replacement may be outlined in the maintenance and testing contract for your facility. If you decide to go the scheduled replacement route, I recommend you stagger the schedule over a couple of years or so; that way you won't run afoul of the folks in finance. You might also want to resort to that time-honored approach of checking with the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). The AHJ, generally a good source of advice, may show a preference in how you manage this process.

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