Yes, mains powered smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years, even if they are connected to your home's electrical system. This is because the sensors within the detector degrade over time, making them less effective at detecting smoke. Additionally, dust and contaminants can accumulate on the sensors, further reducing their sensitivity.
Key Reasons for Replacement and Action Steps
Sensor Life
The sensors in smoke detectors have a limited lifespan, typically about 10 years, even with hardwired units.
Dust and Contaminants
Dust and other airborne particles can accumulate on the sensors over time, affecting their ability to detect smoke.
Testing and Maintenance
While you should test your smoke detectors monthly and replace the batteries annually, these actions do not extend the life of the sensor itself.
Replacement
When a smoke detector is 10 years old, it is recommended to replace the entire unit, even if it is hardwired.
Interconnectivity
If your smoke detectors are interconnected, it is best to replace them with new, compatible interconnected units from the same manufacturer.
Safety
Regularly replacing smoke detectors is essential to maintaining a safe home environment.