What is the recommendation for when a smoke alarm/detector should be replaced?

• A. Every Five Years
• B. When It Chirps
• C. Every Ten Years
• D. Every Year

Answer: (C)

Smoke alarms are designed to last for a limited time because their sensors and electronics drift with age. The standard guideline is to replace the alarm about ten years from when it was installed or manufactured. After a decade, the probability that the device will reliably detect smoke decreases, so replacing it then helps ensure dependable protection. Some detectors are sold as sealed ten-year units, but the practical rule is the same: replace at ten years. If the device begins to chirp, that signals a battery issue or end of life and should be addressed, but it doesn’t set a replacement schedule by itself—the ten-year interval is the recommended rule of thumb.