How to Choose a Smoke Detector

Depending on your situation and your preference, you can choose to go with a battery-operated detector or one that is hard-wired (AC-powered) to your electrical system. The important thing is that you have smoke detectors mounted in your living and work space.

Lithium Batteries
Standard 9-volt Batteries
Smoke Detectors
AC-powered Smoke Detectors
Combination Smoke/carbon Monoxide Detectors
Lithium-powered Smoke Detectors

Instructions

- 1
  Decide if you want a battery-operated smoke detector or a detector that runs on electricity. AC-powered smoke detectors with battery backup are the most desirable smoke detectors to have. Lithium 10-year battery-powered detectors are the second-best choice. Regular 9-volt battery-powered detectors are the cheapest, but least desirable type of detector.
- 2
  Keep in mind that building codes in most states require all new homes or additions to be equipped with hard-wired smoke detectors.
- 3
  Know that all smoke detectors need to be tested monthly.
- 4
  Change the batteries when you change your clocks - at the beginning of daylight-saving time in the spring, and again when returning to standard time in the fall.
- 5
  Replace all smoke detectors after 10 years.

How to Change the Batteries in Your Smoke Detector

How to Put Out a Kitchen Fire

Smoke Detectors