How to Dismantle a Smoke Alarm

If your smoke alarm is chirping or beeping at close intervals, warning that the battery needs to be replaced, you can partially dismantle your smoke alarm to replace the battery. Fully dismantling a smoke detector or alarm is not recommended, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Smoke alarms contain Americium-241, a radioactive substance. Although Americium-241 is harmless in your smoke alarm in such a small amount, you should not expose yourself to the substance if at all possible.

Things You'll Need

Screwdriver

Butter knife

Instructions

- 1
  Slide the smoke alarm off its bracket or screws.
- 2
  Set the smoke alarm or detector face down on a flat surface. Unscrew the back plate from the detector with a screwdriver, if needed.
- 3
  Remove the cover over the battery, if required. In some cases, the battery cover may be screwed in. Unscrew the cover, if it is.
- 4
  Pull the ribbon or use a butter knife to pry the battery out of place.

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