Smoke Alarms checking and maintenance

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Why you need working smoke alarms

When you’re asleep, you lose your sense of smell. Don’t assume your smoke alarms are working. Press the button to check.

Smoke alarm maintenance guide

How to maintain and check some alarms regularly.

Once a month


Press the test button to sound the alarm. (Use a broom handle if you can't reach the button).

Every six months


Vacuum or dust your smoke alarms to help avoid false alarms.

Every year


Check the expiry date, usually located on the bottom or side of the alarm. If there's no expiry date, it's best to replace the alarm.




If you have a 9V battery alarm, replace the battery every year. Your alarms will start to beep regularly if the battery is low.

Every 10 years


Replace all smoke alarms with new long-life photoelectric smoke alarms.

For hard-wired smoke alarms


Follow the testing and maintenance schedule provided by the installer.