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For more information on what you need to know when buying and installing a defibrillator, from costs to training, storage and useful things to keep with your defibrillator, please read our Defibrillator guide for first time buyers.
Pads and batteries
Do pads and batteries have a shelf life?
Yes. Both pads and batteries expire and will need replacing even if the defibrillator hasn’t been used.
The typical shelf life of pads and batteries is 2 to 5 years, depending on the defibrillator model – please check your user manual, consult the product detail page on our website or check the expiry date on your pad or battery.
Pad and battery expiry dates are typically displayed next to an hourglass or egg timer symbol.
Can pads be re-used?
How long do the batteries last?
Typical battery life is 2 to 5 years, however this depends on the defibrillator model. Please check your user manual, consult the product detail page on our website or check the expiry date on your pad or battery.
Pad and battery expiry dates are typically displayed next to an hourglass or egg timer symbol.
How do I dispose of used or old batteries?
How do I dispose of used or expired pads?
Unused or expired electrode pads contain no hazardous material, so they can be disposed of as general waste.
If the pads have been used, they may have been contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials, so this should be disposed of appropriately, i.e. as infectious waste.
When disposing of used and unused pads, the electrode wire should be cut.
Do I need to service the defibrillator?
How would I know if there were a problem with the defibrillator? How often do I need to test it and is it easy to do?
All defibrillators that we sell self-test on a daily, weekly or monthly basis – so the device would signal with a flashing light or audible alert if there was a problem, for example, pads not correctly connected, or low battery. Defibrillators also run through a self-test when activated, prior to use.
We suggest you inspect the defibrillator regularly to ensure the pads are in date, and the battery hasn’t expired. Use our defibrillator checklist to help.
Pad and battery expiry dates are typically displayed next to an hourglass or egg timer symbol.
Free resources
Download our free defibrillator maintenance posters.
Defibrillator checklist
Use our defibrillator maintenance checklist to keep track of your inspections and your pad and battery expiry dates.
Defibrillator location poster
Use our defibrillator location poster to update signs around your workplace so everyone knows where their nearest def...
Defibrillators - a guide for rescuers
Read our guide to understand what a defibrillator is, when you should use one, and who can use a defibrillator.
