How often do you replace the smoke alarm itself, not just the battery?

Every 10 years. Test it monthly.

Start playing free

The Just Right card

Too littleWhen it stops chirping
Too muchEvery year
Just rightEvery 10 years

Huh, didn't know that: The date the alarm was made is printed on the back.

The dad joke
Why did the firefighter wear red suspenders? To keep his pants up.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Every 10 years. The sensors wear out with age. Replace the whole alarm every 10 years and push the test button once a month. The date it was made is printed on the back.

  1. U.S. Fire Administration smoke alarm guidance www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/prepare-for-fire/smoke-alarms/index.html
    Age matters when it comes to smoke alarms. They need to be replaced 10 years from the manufacture date.
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. Kidde manufacture date location www.kidde.com/support/smoke-alarms/manufacture-date-location
    The manufacture date code is stamped on the label located on the back of the alarm.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.