Smoke Alarms Only Last 7–10 Years - When Was Yours Installed?

We removed this smoke alarm from a Melbourne home recently.

It was manufactured in October 2016.

Most smoke alarms are designed to last 7–10 years.

After that, replacement is recommended.

Many homeowners don’t realise smoke alarms have a limited service life. If it still beeps when you press the test button, it feels fine.

But that button only checks the battery and sounder.

It doesn’t confirm the sensing chamber is still performing accurately.

Why 7–10 Years?

Inside every smoke alarm is a smoke-sensing chamber.

Over time:

• Dust and debris build up

• Sensors drift out of calibration

• Electronic components degrade

As sensitivity drops, response time can increase.

That’s why manufacturers and safety authorities recommend replacement within 7–10 years, with 10 years being the absolute maximum.

How to Tell If Yours Is Due

Turn the alarm over and look for the manufacture date.

If it’s approaching 7–10 years old, it should be inspected.

Across Richmond and surrounding Melbourne suburbs, we regularly find at least one outdated alarm in homes we visit.

Have Your Smoke Alarms Checked Properly

We inspect:

• Manufacture date

• Correct location

• Power supply

• Interconnection

• Compliance with current standards

If replacement is required, we install compliant units correctly and safely.

It’s a small check - but a critical one.

Book a Smoke Alarm Inspection

If you’re unsure how old your smoke alarms are, we can check them for you.

Blunt’s Electrical
9428 6770
Servicing Richmond and Melbourne inner suburbs.