Battery Operated Smoke Alarms

How often should I replace my smoke alarms?

It’s generally recommended that smoke alarms be replaced every ten years. Depending on their location and upkeep, smoke alarms can wear out over time. If you’re unsure when a smoke alarm was installed or if you believe it’s close to approaching its ten year end of life cycle, you should replace it immediately.

Where should I install smoke alarms?

Early detection of smoke, carbon monoxide, and natural gas is key to saving lives. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends installing a smoke alarm on every level of your home, including finished attics and basements. You are also encouraged to install a smoke detector inside every bedroom (or areas where people may sleep) and at the top of certain stairways.

Do I need three kinds of detectors or can one do it all?

You never know what kind of hazard will strike your home, or when. That’s why we recommend technology that can detect carbon monoxide (CO) as well as smoke and fire. You’ll get the most protection from detectors that can quickly and accurately respond to a range of threats.

What are “nuisance alarms”? Why are they a concern?

A smoke alarm that goes off when there’s no emergency is annoying. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), these “nuisance alarms” are the leading reason why homeowners intentionally disable their smoke detectors. A survey conducted by the NFPA found that smoke alarms sounded in only half of the home fires reported to U.S. fire departments, and almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

Why does my smoke alarm "chirp" approximately once every minute?

The smoke alarm chirps to indicate a "low battery" condition, meaning the battery needs to be replaced. Battery powered smoke alarms will chirp a minimum of 30 days before the battery completely loses power.

AC powered smoke alarms with battery backup will chirp indefinitely assuming AC power is present; if battery power is low, or battery is removed; until a fresh battery is installed. Approved replacement batteries are listed on the back of each smoke alarm and in the user's manual.

Certain model smoke alarms with a silence button (designed to silence the alarm during a nuisance alarm) may chirp to indicate the smoke alarm is in silence mode. The chirp will stop after approximately 8 minutes and the smoke alarm will return to its normal operation.

Why should I go with battery operated smoke alarms?

USI Battery Operated Smoke Alarms expand the number of installation options by bypassing the traditional hardwired setup. Available as standalone and combination alarms, USI Battery Powered Smoke Detectors offer a wealth of versatility. Universal Security Sensing Plus Alarms use multi-criteria detection that’s capable of identifying both types of fires (fast flaming and slow smoldering). Sensing Plus Smoke Alarms also implement 10 year permanent power via the use of a lithium-free battery. This selection of battery powered smoke alarms conform to UL 217 Standard 8th Edition and UL 2034 Standard 4th Edition. Bring your home up to code while protecting your surroundings from the many dangers linked to the undetected presence of smoke and fire.

What is Ten Year Permanent Power?

USI Ten Year Sealed Battery Alarms include a combination of features exclusive to the USI brand. All USI Ten Year Sealed Battery Detectors include a 10 Year Dual Warranty that's applicable to both the alarm and battery. Overall peace of mind is bolstered to an even greater extent as all USI branded Ten Year Sealed Battery Alarms begin their protection cycle upon activation. Protection upon activation removes the guessing game usually associated with an alarm's longevity and performance. USI has also elected to utilize lithium free 10 year batteries that encourage an eco-friendly approach to the disposal process. Unlike alkaline and lithium powered alarms, USI 10 Year Sealed Battery Detectors can safely be disposed in an eco-conscious manner.