Quote:
Originally Posted by vinnytalk
You want to get the new built in battery, unit and battery lasts 10 years, then it warns you to replace the entire unit.
Don't get the 10 year unit with a 9 volt battery, you may have to still replace the battery.
You can order online, also once you leave First alert you have to change the mounting plate and wire connection all comes with new unit....
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Basically, there are two types of smoke detectors, the type with replaceable batteries and the type that are sealed and have a non-replaceable battery. The replaceable battery type come with a 9-volt alkaline battery, but you can replace the battery with a 10-year lithium battery, and it will last as long as the sealed type. The real difference in the two types of smoke detectors is that, if your house does not have a hardwired smoke alarm system, the smoke detectors with a replaceable battery will not comply with the building code. When you add a smoke detector to a non-wired system, you must use the sealed type of smoke detector to comply with the code. But, if you are replacing smoke detectors in a hardwired system, it is fine to use the smoke detectors that have replaceable batteries. If you want them to last 10 years, then just replace the battery with a lithium battery, which is the same type used in the sealed detectors. So, this is just a building code issue. All of the newer houses in The Villages have a hardwired smoke alarm systems, so you do not need the sealed detectors.