Battery FAQ’s

Should we unplug or remove the alarm’s 9-volt battery when we go on vacation?

The only purpose of an alarm is to alert someone nearby of a problem or event. If no one is around to notice, the alert is wasted. So your choice, just make sure to reinstall the battery when you return.

How long will a new 9-volt battery last?

Most regular 9-volt batteries sold today have a shelf life of 5 years while lithium batteries usually have a shelf life of 10 years. If your alarm does not go off, the battery remains dormant and can last as long as its shelf life.

When there is a problem with my radon system, how long will a new 9-volt battery sound the audible alarm or make the LED flash?

On average, the audible alarm can sound loudly for 5 to 10 days. The flashing LED can still be bright for 20 to 30 days. Lithium batteries can last much longer. BTW, the longer the alarm sounds or flashes, the less volts will remain in the battery. As available voltage drops, the sound or brightness will decrease. Please address any radon mitigation system problem as soon as the alarm notifies you.

Why don’t your battery alarms have an automatic built-in low battery indicator?

As batteries lose their voltage, the amount of potential energy that remains is minimal. If we equipped our alarms with a low battery audible alarm, the sound would also be minimal. Any light would be dim. There is only so much a low battery can do and it isn’t much. Our alarms are extremely efficient and only need to be tested monthly by manually pressing the test button to see if it is still as loud as you would like. If not, replace battery but if your alarm doesn’t “alert” and diminish battery strength, you will be testing your battery for many years before you need replacement!

Why isn’t there a “System On” light for battery powered models?

All of our battery powered models have been designed with the intentional absence of a “System On” light which allows them to remain active without battery replacement for years. For alarms with a “System On” light, please select one of our energy efficient plug-in models.

Important Information From The National Fire Protection Agency:

9-volt batteries can be dangerous. The positive and negative posts are close together. If a metal object touches the two posts of a 9-volt battery, it can cause a short circuit. This can make enough heat to start a fire.

It is unsafe to store 9-volt batteries in a drawer near paper clips, coins, pens, or other batteries. Do not store common household items such as steel wool, aluminum foil, and keys near 9-volt batteries. If these items tough the two posts, there is a greater risk of a fire starting.

Weak batteries may have enough charge to cause a fire. Some fires have started in the trash when 9-volt batteries were thrown away with other metal items.

Storing 9-volt batteries

Keep batteries in original packaging until you are ready to use them. If loose, keep the posts covered with masking, duct, or electrical tape. Prevent the posts from coming in contact with metal objects. Keep them some place safe.