Most homeowners know they should change the batteries in their smoke detectors—but did you know there are other electrical safety devices in your home that have a recommended replacement schedule?

Unlike electrical wiring, which can often last 50 years or more, some electrical safety devices gradually wear out over time—even if they appear to be working perfectly.

Replacing these components before they fail is one of the simplest ways to keep your home and family protected.

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1. Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector Batteries

Recommended replacement: Every year

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are only effective if they have power. While many modern alarms include sealed 10-year batteries, many homes still rely on replaceable batteries.

Even if the alarm hasn’t started chirping, replacing the batteries once a year helps ensure the detector will operate when you need it most.

Good Habits

• Replace batteries once every year.
• Test every detector monthly using the TEST button.
• Never remove batteries to stop nuisance alarms—instead, address the cause or replace the detector if necessary.

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2. Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Recommended replacement: Every 10 years

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have an expiration date.

Over time, the internal sensors become less reliable and may not detect smoke or carbon monoxide as quickly as they did when new. Because of this, manufacturers and fire safety organizations recommend replacing the entire detector every 10 years, even if it still appears to function during a test.

How to Check the Age

Look on the back or side of the detector for the manufacture date. If it’s more than 10 years old, it’s time for a replacement.

If you don’t see a date or aren’t sure how old the detector is, replacing it is the safest option.

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3. Whole-Home Surge Protectors

Recommended replacement: Approximately every 5–10 years, or after a major power surge or lightning strike

Many homeowners assume a surge protector lasts forever.

In reality, whole-home surge protectors work by absorbing excess voltage during power surges. Each surge slightly reduces their ability to protect your home’s electrical system. Large lightning events or repeated utility surges can eventually wear them out.

The good news is that many modern surge protection devices include an indicator light showing whether they’re still providing protection.

Signs It May Be Time to Replace

• The protection status light indicates a fault or failure.
• The device has experienced a known lightning strike or significant power surge.
• The manufacturer recommends replacement based on age.
• The unit is approaching 5–10 years old.

Replacing a worn surge protector helps ensure your home’s appliances and electronics remain protected from future electrical surges.

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What About the Rest of Your Electrical System?

The good news is that most electrical components do not require routine replacement.

Items such as:

• Electrical wiring
• Circuit breakers
• Electrical outlets
• Light switches

are generally replaced only if they become damaged, wear out, fail testing, or no longer meet the needs of the home.

However, it’s still a good idea to periodically:

• Test GFCI outlets using the TEST and RESET buttons.
• Test AFCI breakers if equipped.
• Watch for outlets or switches that become warm, discolored, loose, or stop working properly.
• Schedule a professional electrical inspection if your home is older or you’ve noticed electrical concerns.

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Protect Your Home Before Problems Start

Many electrical safety devices are designed to work silently in the background for years. Because they don’t show obvious signs of wear, it’s easy to forget they won’t last forever.

Replacing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every 10 years, installing fresh batteries annually when applicable, and maintaining your whole-home surge protection are simple, affordable steps that can significantly improve your home’s electrical safety.