Lifespan of a Commercial Smoke Detector in the United Kingdom

Testing

• The smoke alarm device will probably last you between 8 and 10 years; however, different models can vary--for example, a combination gas and smoke detector typically lasts 7 years--and so you should regularly test that the device is in working order. Also, during this time, ensure that the battery is charged and replace it if need be. Eventually, the device itself will need replacing with a brand new smoke detector.

Sealed Battery Devices

• Many commercial smoke detectors are sealed battery devices, which means that the battery is contained inside the device and will generally last as long as the device itself: in most cases, this is around 10 years. As a result, businesses using these devices don't need to worry about replacing the battery but will need to buy a new device near the expiration date. They should still be regularly tested to ensure that the device is in working order.

In Ionization Devices

• One of the most common types of smoke detectors used by businesses and in industry, for example, by garages, an ionization detector is cheap and works by using a tiny amount of radioactive material in its sensor. This kind of detector tends not to pick up on smoke caused by slow-burning substances but is better at detecting liquid fires, which burn faster. After around 10 years, the battery in this kind of smoke detector can run low, which can impair the ability of an ionization device to notice smoke.

Optical Detectors

• It is recommended that businesses fit their premises with a combination of optical and ionization devices in order to detect fires caused by different materials. Optical detectors utilize photoelectric processes to pick up smoke and are often used in rooms in a building where lots of wiring could cause a large amount of smoke particles to appear during a fire.

  Models of these detectors vary by manufacturer, but most come as dual supply units, with an alkaline back-up battery which ensures a 4-year standby supply in the event of power failure. Once this battery runs out, another battery can be purchased to enable a further 6 years of battery life.

Lithium Batteries

• Lithium batteries are used by some devices intended for commercial use; usually these are optical smoke detectors. These batteries generally last between 8 and 10 years and include models such as the lithium ultra life battery.