smoke alarm battery Archives - Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

Lithium batteries are becoming the preferred choice for photoelectric smoke alarms due to their superior lifespan compared to traditional 9V alkaline options. A long-lasting smoke alarm battery ensures continuous protection, unlike 9V batteries that need yearly replacement. However, recent media reports have raised concerns about lithium battery safety, with cases of overheating, combustion and fire. This leads to an important question—does the lithium battery inside your smoke alarm pose the same fire risk as other devices? A dependable smoke alarm battery is essential for proper functionality. ZEN interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms feature a sealed 10-year lithium battery, eliminating the need for replacements. Read on to find out more..

Why Lithium Batteries In Photoelectric Smoke Alarms?

Interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms rely on a dependable smoke alarm battery for continuous protection. Lithium batteries are now the preferred choice due to their superior lifespan and reliability compared to traditional 9V alkaline options. Conventional 9V smoke alarm batteries drain quickly and require annual replacement, often leading to the dreaded low battery ‘chirp.’ In frustration, many homeowners remove the battery to silence the noise—only to forget to replace it, leaving their home unprotected.

Lithium batteries have a significantly longer lifespan, designed to last for 10 years, which aligns with the recommended replacement interval for interconnected smoke alarms themselves. This longevity reduces the need for frequent smoke alarm battery changes, minimizing the risk of having photoelectric smoke alarms with a dead battery (or no battery), which could be life-threatening in a fire emergency.

Photoelectric Smoke Alarm Battery

Reliability And Performance

Lithium batteries inside photoelectric smoke alarms are also known for their stable voltage output. Unlike 9V alkaline batteries, which tend to lose power gradually, 3V lithium batteries maintain a consistent voltage until they are almost depleted. This stability is crucial in interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms, where consistent power is needed to ensure reliable operation.

Additionally, lithium batteries perform well in a wide range of temperatures, making them ideal for use in various parts of the home across different states and regions of Australia. The 10-year long life smoke alarm battery sealed inside ZEN photoelectric smoke alarms are non-removeable and non-replaceable. After 10 years the fire alarms (including the smoke alarm battery sealed inside them) are simply swapped out for new fire alarms.

lithium smoke alarm battery inside the ZEN Photoelectric Smoke Alarm

ZEN photoelectric smoke alarms are powered by two small 3V lithium CR14505 batteries shown above

Are The Lithium Batteries Inside My

Photoelectric Smoke Alarms A Fire Hazard?

No they aren’t. There are several reasons why we don’t hear news stories of lithium batteries spontaneously combusting inside photoelectric smoke alarms. The 10-year long life lithium batteries in photoelectric smoke alarms differ in design from lithium-ion batteries used in e-scooters, e-bikes etc. – it is these mobility devices which have seen a massive surge in the frequency of lithium battery fires as reported in the media. Photoelectric smoke alarms contain two small 3V, single-use, lithium batteries sealed within the fire alarm itself. These batteries are non-replaceable and are designed to deplete slowly and steadily over a 10-year lifespan.

At the end of this period, the interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms are disposed of in their entirety (including the smoke alarm battery sealed inside), and new interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms are installed in-situ. The same fire and thermal runaway risks associated with continuous and repeated recharging of large, high energy lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes, e-scooters and other mobility devices are not present with the two small non-rechargeable lithium batteries inside photoelectric smoke alarms.

Furthermore, large high energy lithium batteries used in mobility transportation devices are often physically damaged due to bumps or knocks (riding an e-bike or e-scooter over the curbside or on an uneven concrete footpath etc.) which may contribute to thermal battery runway and pose a significant overheating / fire hazard. The same risk exposure for causing lithium battery damage is not present with photoelectric smoke alarms attached to a ceiling – once installed they do not move or get subjected to damaging dynamic forces.

Interconnected photoelectric smoke alarm battery safety

Safety Benefits of

Interconnected Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

Interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms provide a network of protection throughout the home. If one alarm detects smoke or fire, all connected photoelectric smoke alarms will sound, alerting occupants even if they are in a different part of the house. This is particularly important in larger homes or homes with multiple levels, where a fire might go unnoticed if alarms were not interconnected. The lithium battery’s long life and reliability enhance this system, ensuring that all the interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms are functional and ready to alert occupants in case of an emergency.

When purchasing interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms, it is essential to choose fire alarms that comply with Australian Standard 3786:2014, as indicated by the official Australian Standard red ‘5-tick’s mark on the packaging and the product itself. Product testing required of this standard helps ensure that the smoke alarm poses no electrical danger during normal use. Additionally, interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms should carry the electrical Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM), affirming compliance with Australian electrical safety regulations outlined in Australian Standard 3820:2020. Avoiding cheap imported knock-offs without the RCM mark is crucial for smoke alarm battery safety – have a look at the rear of your photoelectric smoke alarms today – do they have the Regulatory Compliance Mark?

ZEN Smoke Alarms are Australian Standard Certified and contain the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM)

Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

Battery Environmental Considerations

The lithium batteries inside photoelectric smoke alarms are also more environmentally friendly compared to their alkaline counterparts. Fewer replacements mean less waste, which is a positive step towards reducing the environmental impact. Additionally, many lithium batteries are recyclable, which further minimizes their footprint. Lithium-ion batteries are a source of many valuable materials. If recycled, potentially 95% of battery components can be recovered for alternative use or may even be turned into new batteries. B-cycle is Australia’s national battery recycling scheme, supporting a collection network for used batteries.

Photoelectric Smoke Alarm Battery Safety – Conclusion

The smoke alarm battery is a vital component of modern home safety, ensuring continuous protection. Lithium batteries are now the preferred choice due to their long lifespan, reliability, and eco-friendly benefits. Unlike lithium batteries in other devices, the lithium smoke alarm battery is completely sealed and designed for safety, depleting slowly and steadily over a decade, eliminating any risk of overheating or fire hazards. ZEN interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms are powered by a sealed 10-year lithium smoke alarm battery, removing the need for annual replacements. Regularly testing your smoke alarms and replacing them every 10 years ensures they function effectively, providing peace of mind and long-term reliability.

Want to know more? Watch our ZEN Smoke Alarm YouTube channel or call us on 0478 596 402 today

We love talking smoke alarms!

ZEN Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

New Farm, QLD, 4005

Is your 10-year lithium smoke alarm battery a cause for concern? In recent years, Australia has seen a rapid rise in the adoption of lithium-ion battery technology, and Queensland is no exception. These small, lightweight, and highly efficient batteries power everything from smartphones and laptops to e-scooters, e-bikes, and even household renewable energy storage systems. While lithium-ion batteries have revolutionized convenience and energy efficiency, their increasing use has also been linked to a troubling rise in battery-related fires in Queensland homes.

QLD Lithium-Ion Battery Fires Increasing Exponentially

Data collated from Australian state fire departments indicate that more than 450 fires across this country have been linked to lithium-ion batteries since 2021 (including 157 in Queensland). Several of these fires have garnered significant media attention – see below.

Close call! e-scooter battery fires extremely difficult to extinguish

What Is The Cause Of Lithium-Ion Battery Fires?

Numerous factors contribute to this alarming safety trend, but one of the primary culprits behind lithium-ion battery fires is improper charging practices. If incompatible chargers are used, or devices like e-scooters are left charging unattended for extended periods, it can lead to overheating and a subsequent lithium-ion battery fire.

Another common cause of lithium-ion battery fires stems from manufacturing defects in either the battery charger or the battery itself. Poor adherence to quality standards during manufacture can lead to internal faults, increasing the risk of overheating and fire.

E-scooters and e-bikes, due to their nature of use, are often subjected to rough handling and exposure to environmental elements. Consequently, damage to the battery can occur, leading to internal short-circuits and potential fires. Even seemingly minor physical damage to the battery’s protective casing can create a pathway for ‘thermal runaway’, triggering a catastrophic fire event.

When lithium-ion batteries fail, they undergo thermal runaway, involving the violent bursting of one or multiple battery cells, releasing toxic, flammable, and explosive gases, and resulting in an intense, self-sustaining fire. Putting out a lithium-ion battery fire is challenging, as it escalates rapidly with intense heat and cannot be easily extinguished with water or regular fire extinguishers. Additionally, such fires often reignite several times after being extinguished.

ABC report – dangers of lithium-ion batteries in Australia

Is Your 10-Year Smoke Alarm Battery A Fire Hazard?

What about my smoke alarm battery – isn’t it also a lithium-ion battery?

The 10-year long-life lithium smoke alarm battery differs in design from lithium-ion batteries used in e-scooters, e-bikes, and other rechargeable devices. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, which store high amounts of energy and require frequent charging, the smoke alarm battery inside a photoelectric smoke detector consists of two small 3V, single-use lithium batteries that are fully sealed within the alarm.

These non-replaceable batteries are engineered to deplete slowly and steadily over a 10-year lifespan, ensuring a consistent power supply without the need for repetitive re-charging. Once the smoke alarm battery reaches the end of its life, the entire photoelectric smoke alarm is replaced, maintaining optimal fire protection in your home.

Unlike larger lithium-ion batteries, which pose risks such as thermal runaway, overheating, and fire hazards, the smoke alarm battery is specifically designed to be stable, safe, and maintenance-free. The same fire and thermal runaway risks associated with continuous and repeated recharging of large, high energy lithium-ion batteries are not present with the small non-rechargeable lithium smoke alarm battery. By choosing a certified, high-quality smoke alarm such as ZEN Smoke Alarms, homeowners can enjoy reliable fire safety without worrying about smoke alarm battery malfunctions or potential fire hazards.

Photoelectric Smoke Alarm Battery Safety

When purchasing an interconnected photoelectric smoke alarm, it is essential to choose one that complies with Australian Standard 3786:2014, as indicated by the official Australian Standard red ‘5-tick’ mark on both the packaging and the product itself. This certification ensures that the smoke alarm battery and internal components meet strict safety and performance requirements, reducing the risk of electrical faults.

Additionally, the smoke alarm should carry the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM), which confirms compliance with Australian electrical safety regulations as outlined in Australian Standard 3820:2020. This guarantees that the smoke alarm battery and electronic circuits have been rigorously tested for reliability and do not pose an electrical hazard under normal operating conditions.

Avoiding cheap, imported knock-offs without the RCM mark is crucial for smoke alarm battery safety. Non-compliant alarms may fail prematurely or trigger false alarms, putting lives at risk. Investing in a certified, high-quality smoke alarm ensures peace of mind and long-term fire protection for your home.

ZEN interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms – symbols of smoke alarm battery safety compliance

Watch lithium-ion battery fires in this video

Conclusion

The surge in lithium-ion battery fires in Australia calls for a collective effort from manufacturers, regulators, and users to address this growing concern. While the benefits of lithium-ion batteries are undeniable, the risks associated with their usage demand immediate attention. By enhancing safety regulations, improving manufacturing standards, educating and promoting responsible usage and recharging practices, we can embrace the lithium-ion battery revolution in QLD while ensuring a safer and more sustainable future for all.

To further protect your home and loved ones, it is important to have a reliable smoke alarm battery that provides early detection of fire hazards. ZEN photoelectric smoke alarms are designed to detect smouldering fires, including those caused by lithium-ion battery failures, giving you and your family valuable time to respond. Unlike traditional alarms, they feature a safe non-removeable 10-year smoke alarm battery, ensuring maintenance-free operation without the hassle of replacing batteries. For more information on lithium-ion battery fire safety, refer to the QLD Fire Department or fire authorities in other states. Stay informed, stay prepared, and prioritize fire safety in your home.