How often do fire alarms need to be replaced from date of manufacture?

How often do fire alarms need to be replaced from date of manufacture?

• A. Every 5 years
• B. Every 20 years
• C. Every 10 yrs
• D. Every 15 years

Answer: (C)

Ten years from the date of manufacture. Smoke alarms have a limited lifespan because sensors and electronics lose sensitivity over time, and dust or corrosion can affect performance. To keep reliability high, codes and manufacturers specify replacing the entire unit after about a decade. Replacing sooner (five years) isn’t necessary, while waiting longer (fifteen or twenty years) increases the risk of failure to detect a fire. Some units may have a sealed 10‑year battery, but the detector itself is typically replaced at the 10‑year mark to ensure overall operation stays trustworthy.

Ten years from the date of manufacture. Smoke alarms have a limited lifespan because sensors and electronics lose sensitivity over time, and dust or corrosion can affect performance. To keep reliability high, codes and manufacturers specify replacing the entire unit after about a decade. Replacing sooner (five years) isn’t necessary, while waiting longer (fifteen or twenty years) increases the risk of failure to detect a fire. Some units may have a sealed 10‑year battery, but the detector itself is typically replaced at the 10‑year mark to ensure overall operation stays trustworthy.