How do I check when my smoke alarm expires?

How to check when your smoke alarm expires

The short answer

Twist the alarm off its base or open the battery cover, as you would to change the battery, and look for a date on the back or under the battery. The Building and Plumbing Commission says to replace alarms according to the manufacturer's specifications, generally after ten years. If the date has passed, or you can't find a date at all, treat the alarm as due for replacement.

Where to find the date

Most alarms have a manufacture date or a 'replace by' date on a label on the back. The Building and Plumbing Commission notes that new units have an expiry date under the battery. Some installers also write the date on the side. Read it carefully: a replace-by date is the date to act on, while a manufacture date means counting forward by the life the maker states, usually ten years.

Sealed and hardwired alarms

Many newer alarms have a sealed battery designed to last the life of the alarm, so the whole unit is replaced at the end. Hardwired alarms run on mains power with a backup battery. Anyone can change that battery, but a hardwired alarm must be installed by a qualified electrician, so replacing one is a job for us. If your alarms are interconnected, so one sets off the rest, they need to stay a compatible set.

Expired, unmarked or chirping

An alarm past its date, or one with no date at all, may still beep on test, but passing the test doesn't mean it's still within its design life. Replace it rather than wait for it to fail. Chirping that continues after a fresh battery usually means the alarm has reached the end of its life.

While you're checking dates, press and hold the test button on each alarm until it beeps. Fire Rescue Victoria suggests testing every month.

Renters and landlords

Rental providers must make sure every smoke alarm is correctly installed and working, and since 25 November 2025 all Victorian rentals need an annual smoke alarm safety check. Renters can change a battery, but should report an expired or faulty alarm to the provider. A smoke alarm that isn't working is an urgent repair.

Services that can help

Smoke Alarm ReplacementExpired, faulty or chirping alarms swapped for new ones.Smoke Alarm InstallationHardwired, interconnected smoke alarms fitted, tested and replaced.Hardwired Smoke Alarm InstallationMains-powered alarms with battery backup, fitted properly.

Sources for this answer

4 sources, with the date each was checked

1.Building and Plumbing Commission (formerly Victorian Building Authority): replace the smoke alarm in accordance with manufacturer's specifications – generally after ten years. New units have an expiry date located under the battery. Accessed 30 September 2026.
2.Consumer Affairs Victoria: A hard-wired smoke alarm must be installed by a qualified electrician, but anyone can change a smoke alarm battery. Accessed 30 September 2026.
3.Fire Rescue Victoria: TEST your smoke alarm batteries Every month Press and hold the test button until the smoke alarm beeps three times. Accessed 30 September 2026.
4.Consumer Affairs Victoria: a cooling appliance or service provided by the rental provider is not working the property does not meet minimum standards a safety-related device, such as a smoke alarm or pool fence, is not working Accessed 30 September 2026.

General information for homes in Victoria. Every installation is different, so treat this as a starting point. Where this answer refers to Victorian safety or rental rules, the sources above have the current requirements.