The First Alert BRK smoke detector is wired directly into your home’s electrical system. These mechanisms come with a battery backup, as well as a mute button. The battery backup ensures the warning system works, even if the power is out. The mute features can silence nuisance or unneeded alarms created by shower steam or cooking smoke.

There is no question these modern, innovative alarms are ideal for protecting your family and home. However, the quandary of how to change the battery comes up often. Many homeowners wonder how to ensure the battery backup power continues working if the unit is hardwired into their home’s electrical system. As a result, they may call in the pros a few times each year to take care of this process.

While the team at Teague Electric has no problem helping you out with routine battery changes, this is a job you can handle on your own. Here you will find a quick tutorial and step-by-step guide to easily and quickly ensure your batteries continue to work without fail.

Step 1: Remove the Smoke Alarm from the Mounting Bracket

The first step is to remove the smoke alarm from the mounting bracket. If the unit is locked onto the bracket, you will have to deactivate the bracket lock.

Step 1a: Deactivate the Bracket Lock

• Use a flathead screwdriver and place it in between the unit’s mounting bracket and the mounting bracket pin.

• You can remove the smoke alarm from the mounting bracket by turning the alarm and the screwdriver left (counterclockwise) at the same time.

Step 2: Remove the Locking Pin

Use the flathead screwdriver to remove the pin from the battery compartment lock. (If you are planning to relock the compartment, which is typically wanted for commercial properties, then be sure to save it).

Step 3: Remove and Replace the Batteries

While it may be tempting to purchase cheap batteries to save a bit of money, it is best to invest a little more money. Purchase some high-quality batteries that will last for at least six months. Remember, these are backup batteries, so they won’t be used all the time.

Step 4: Replace the Pin to Lock the Battery Compartment

The battery compartment can be relocked by replacing the pin and closing the battery door. Reinsert the locking pin you removed in the lock.

Step 5: Test the Smoke Alarm

Prior to reattaching the unit to the base, make sure to test it to ensure the batteries are working. Once you are confident it is working you can reattach the smoke alarm to the mounting bracket.

It is a good idea to change the batteries a few times a year. This will help ensure the smoke alarm continues working properly and be able to protect your home, family or business.

Make sure that if your smoke detectors are connected to a home security system, you contact your monitoring company to put the system on test and possibly power the system down during this process. This will help to avoid a false alarm to your fire department.