How to Take Out the Battery in a Home Smoke Alarm

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends testing your smoke alarm at least once per month and replacing the battery, if necessary. Many smoke alarms or detectors emit intermittent chirps as the battery drains down. When the battery fails, replace it as soon as possible. The process of removing the battery in most smoke alarms is the same.

Stool or ladder (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Place a step stool or small ladder beneath the smoke alarm, if you cannot access it without one. Step onto the stool or ladder to access the alarm.
- 2
  Grasp the bottom edge of the smoke alarm with your hand. Twist it counterclockwise a few inches to unlock the cover. Pull it downward.
- 3
  Unplug the connection from the unit, if necessary. The covers for some smoke alarms may be attached to the base ceiling unit by a plug. If so, simply pull the plug away. Inspect the back of the cover to determine if the battery is inside. On some models, the battery pay be mounted in the upper-half of the unit, instead of the part you removed.
- 4
  Pull the battery out of its tray and unplug the connection from it, if necessary. Some smoke detectors use nine-volt batteries that attach to a plug. Others simply slide out.

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