Smoke alarms with 10-year batteries may hurt more than help, critics say
Some states are considering smoke detectors with long-life batteries and a hush button (to stop nuisance alarms) in an effort to have more working detectors in homes.
States such as Oregon and New York, for example, are looking to ban through legislation the sale of smoke alarms that do not have 10-year batteries and hush buttons.
But, critics point out, only the ionization-type smoke alarm can use a 10-year battery. The photoelectric smoke alarms require more power to operate and, therefore, the battery will not last 10 years.
According to the fire alarm industry, the 10-year battery alarms will cost more, thereby deterring some consumers from installing them.
