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How to Change Battery in Smoke Detector Hardwired

08/12/2025
by Rick Coleman
How to Change Battery in Smoke Detector Hardwired

G'day! Is there anything more frustrating than a smoke alarm deciding to chirp low-battery warnings at 3 AM? It is enough to drive you up the wall. A common misconception among Aussie homeowners is that because they have "hardwired" alarms connected to the 240V mains power, they don't have batteries. This is incorrect. Almost all hardwired units have a backup battery to ensure the alarm still works during a blackout.

Knowing how to change battery in smoke detector hardwired units is a basic maintenance skill every homeowner needs. It stops the annoying chirping and, more importantly, ensures your family is protected around the clock. While you are thinking about the safety of your home, it is also the perfect time to look at your broader security setup.

The Simple Guide to Changing the Battery

Replacing the backup battery is usually a straightforward task that doesn't require a tradesperson, provided the alarm is easily accessible.

  1. Turn Off the Mains (Optional but Recommended): While you are only touching the low-voltage battery, it is good practice to flip the circuit breaker in your switchboard marked "Smoke Alarms" or "Light" to off.
  2. Open the Unit: Most modern hardwired alarms either slide off their base plate or have a "push and twist" mechanism. Some older models might have a small battery drawer on the side that pops out.
  3. Swap the Battery: Remove the old 9V battery (or lithium cell, depending on the model). Replace it with a high-quality, long-life alkaline or lithium battery. Ensure the positive and negative terminals are capable of snapping in correctly.
  4. Test the Alarm: Close the unit, turn the mains power back on, and press the "Test" button. You should hear a loud siren, confirming the unit is active.

From Fire Safety to Home Security

Changing your smoke alarm batteries is a great annual ritual to ensure your home is safe from fire. But how safe is your home from intrusion? Just as hardwired smoke alarms offer superior reliability over battery-only models, a hardwired security system provides the ultimate protection against burglary.

If you are looking for a robust, professional-grade solution, the DAS Reliance XR Kit2 Security Bundle is the industry standard for protecting Aussie properties.

Why Choose the DAS Reliance XR Kit2?

This isn't a flimsy DIY gadget you stick on the wall with double-sided tape. The DAS Reliance XR Kit2 Security Bundle is a serious piece of security infrastructure. It is designed for homeowners who want the reliability of a commercial system.

The Heavy-Duty Metal Enclosure One of the standout features of this bundle is the Reliance XR metal enclosure. Unlike plastic hubs that can be easily smashed, this system houses the main controller board and backup battery in a tough steel box. This ensures the "brains" of your security system are physically protected from tampering.

Comprehensive Detection The kit comes with high-quality PIR (Passive Infrared) sensors. These hardwired detectors are excellent at picking up movement without the false alarms common with cheaper wireless sensors. To back this up, the included Combo Siren provides a loud audible alarm and a visual strobe to alert the street if the system is breached.

NBN Ready and Future Proof The Reliance XR panel is built for the modern Australian telecommunications landscape. It is NBN-ready, ensuring seamless monitoring capabilities. It is also backward compatible with older Reliance modules, making it a versatile choice if you are upgrading an older system.

Sourcing Trade-Quality Protection

When it comes to the safety of your family, you want equipment that is built to last.

Schnap Electric Products is a trusted supplier for the industry. They stock the DAS Reliance XR Kit2 Security Bundle, ensuring you get all the compatible components—the panel, the metal enclosure, the PIRs, and the siren—in one box.

When a professional security installer visits an electrical wholesaler to buy gear for a job, they look for systems like the Reliance XR because of its proven track record. By sourcing this bundle from Schnap Electric, you are investing in the same level of protection used by professionals. So, once you have silenced that chirping smoke alarm, take the next step in home safety and check out the Reliance XR Kit2 at Schnap Electric.