Why does the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommend that home smoke alarms be replaced after 10 years?
Like all devices with electronic components, smoke alarms have a limited effective service life. As electronic devices, smoke alarms are subject to random failures. In 10 years there is roughly a 30% probability of failure before replacement. After 15 years, the chances are better than 50/50 that your alarm has failed. That is too big a risk to take. Replacing alarms after 10 years protects against the accumulated chance of failure, but monthly testing is still your first, best means of making sure your alarm will work. How long do the batteries for my alarm system last? The system battery in the alarm panel is a rechargeable type that is kept charged automatically. The backup battery in the control panel should be replaced at least every five years. If you have wireless sensors the batteries are disposable. However, these batteries last many months or even years and only rarely need replacement. You may notice that a wireless device in a high traffic area such as a hallway or entry ma
As electronic devices, smoke alarms are subject to random failures. In 10 years there is roughly a 30% probability of failure before replacement. After 15 years, the chances are better than 50/50 that your alarm has failed. That is too big a risk to take. Replacing alarms after 10 years protects against the accumulated chance of failure, but monthly testing is still your first, best means of making sure your alarm will work.
Related Questions
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