How do I check the age of my alarm?

If you need to perform a fire alarm safety check, it’s worth confirming the age of your alarms. To check the age of the alarm, look for the date code label on the side of the alarm. It includes the year it was made and a “Replace by” date.

Like any safety device, alarms don’t last forever, and older units may not provide the same level of protection as they did when new. Most of our alarms have a 10-year life. After that, they should be replaced to help ensure the best protection for your home. If you’d like to understand why that replacement point matters, see our guide on why fire alarms should be replaced every 10 years.

In the video below, we show the quickest way to check the age of your alarm using the information printed on the unit itself.

How do I Find the Date Code Label and Check the “Replace by” Date

If you’re wondering how to check these details on your own alarm, whether a carbon monoxide, smoke or heat alarm, this is the fastest route: locate the label, then look for the year it was made and the “Replace by” date. All of our alarms have a date code label on the side that includes:

• The alarm model (for example, you might see something like Ei3028)
• A date code that shows when the alarm was made (the year it was made is shown on the label)
• A clear “Replace by” date (for example, “Replace By: Jan 2030”)

What If I Can’t Find the Label?

If the label on your alarm is hard to see, try checking the side of the alarm carefully for the printed date code panel. If you still can’t confirm the age, you may want to consider replacing it or contact our team to find the right alarm for you. This is especially useful if you’ve moved into a home with old fire alarms already fitted, or you suspect your smoke alarms are 10 years old or older.

What To Do With Old Smoke Alarms?

Once an alarm reaches its recommended replacement date, the next step is to replace it. Start by checking the “Replace by” date first so you know whether it’s due. For disposal, always follow your local authority guidance for electrical items for the safest way to dispose of old smoke alarms.

If your alarm is due for replacement and you’re not sure what to choose next, try our Product Selector to get a recommendation based on your home and your needs.

Age of Fire Alarm FAQs

How to check a carbon monoxide alarm’s age?

To check the age of your carbon monoxide alarm, check the unit for the same kind of date code label and any printed replacement information. The label is the quickest way to confirm when it was made and when it should be replaced.

My smoke alarms are more than 10 years old. Should I replace them?

Most of our alarms at Aico have a 10-year life, and the label shows a recommended “Replace by” date. If yours is at or past that date, it’s time to replace it.