Home AED Annual Inspection & Readiness

ContextMost consumer AEDs perform automatic internal self-tests daily or weekly and report the result via a visible indicator — typically a small LED window on the case or a colored light that flashes periodically. Find yours; consult the manual if needed. A green or ready indicator means the last self-test passed. An amber, red, or absent indicator means the device is flagging a fault and should not be considered ready for use until the issue is resolved with the manufacturer.

ContextAED batteries have two distinct end-of-life points: a standby lifespan (typically 4–7 years from installation) and a post-use lifespan (reduced sharply after delivering shocks in a real event). Write the installation date on the battery label in permanent marker if it is not already there. Most replacement batteries cost $150–$350 depending on model. Budget for replacement before the lifespan elapses — do not wait for the indicator to fail, because some battery failures are silent until the device is needed.

ContextBeyond the install lifespan, batteries also carry a printed manufacturing expiration date. This date can elapse before the installation lifespan does if the battery spent time on a warehouse or store shelf before you purchased it. Check both dates: the earlier of the two governs when replacement is required. If the manufacturing expiration date is within 12 months, order a replacement now so you have it on hand before the battery expires.

ContextElectrode pads contain a conductive gel that slowly dries out, degrading adhesion and electrical contact quality over time. All AED pads are single-use and carry a printed expiration date, typically 2–5 years from the manufacture date. Expired pads must be replaced immediately — they should not be used even in a confirmed cardiac arrest, as poor contact reduces shock efficacy. Write the expiry date on a label on the outside of the carry case so every future annual check begins with a glance rather than a dig through the bag. Replacement pads typically cost $30–$100 depending on the brand and pad type.

ContextEven unexpired pads can fail if the foil vacuum seal has been compromised. Hold each package up to a light and look for any bubbling, puckering, or deformation in the foil. Then press the package gently between your palms — a properly sealed package should feel uniformly firm with no soft or spongy spots. A soft area means the vacuum is gone and the gel is drying out. If either pad package feels suspect, replace both regardless of the printed expiry date. Running two mismatched pad sets from different purchase dates creates confusion in an emergency; replace as a pair.

ContextAdult and pediatric pads are not interchangeable. Pediatric pads — or a pediatric attenuator key/cable adapter on certain models — reduce delivered shock energy to a range appropriate for children under age 8 or under approximately 55 lbs. Most home AEDs ship with adult pads only. If your household includes young children, verify that your device either has a separate pediatric pad set stored with it or supports a pediatric key, and that the relevant accessory is present and unexpired. Not all pediatric accessories are cross-compatible across brands; use only manufacturer-approved combinations.

ContextMost modern AEDs run automatic internal self-tests on a daily or weekly schedule and record a pass/fail result. The method to initiate or review this log varies by model — some require pressing a recessed test button, others display a date-stamped result on a small screen, and some transmit results to a companion app. Consult your manual for the specific procedure. If the device shows no self-test history, has failed its last test, or you cannot confirm a test occurred within the past 30 days, treat the device as unverified and contact the manufacturer before relying on it.

ContextAn AED's spoken instructions are its primary interface during an emergency. A panicked bystander with no medical training must be able to hear every word over a noisy environment — crying, shouting, background noise. Power the device on in a quiet room and step back 10 feet. Prompts should be clearly intelligible without straining. Some units have a configurable volume setting accessible through a configuration menu; if yours is adjustable and sounds low, increase it now. A muffled, distorted, or absent audio prompt requires service — a bystander who misses a critical instruction during actual use could apply pads incorrectly or delay a shock.

ContextPhysical damage to the outer casing can compromise internal circuitry even when the self-test passes. Examine the case around the battery compartment, lid hinge, connector port covers, and display window. Look for hairline cracks, impact dents, discoloration from heat or UV, and any warping or staining that could indicate past moisture exposure. AEDs stored in garages, sheds, or vehicles are especially vulnerable to temperature cycling and humidity. If you find cracks or moisture indicators, do not attempt to repair the casing yourself — contact the manufacturer, as internal damage may not be visible externally.

ContextConnector ports are the most mechanically critical interface on an AED — a pad that cannot connect properly will not deliver a shock regardless of battery status. In storage, rubber port covers should be seated firmly and intact. Pull each cover gently to confirm it reseats cleanly. Look inside connector openings for lint, grit, or oxidation on the metal contacts. If debris is present, clear it gently with a dry cotton swab; never use liquid. Corroded or green-tinted contacts should be reported to the manufacturer, as cleaning them yourself may void warranty coverage.

ContextThe case or cabinet is the AED's only physical protection between annual inspections. Verify that all latches close and snap firmly. Examine foam inserts — compressed or crumbling foam no longer absorbs shock and should be replaced. If the AED is wall-mounted, grip the mount bracket and apply gentle lateral pressure to confirm it is secure; a mount that shifts even slightly should be re-anchored. On public or shared-home cabinets with tamper-evident seals, a broken seal indicates the device was accessed — confirm it was accessed for a legitimate reason and replace the seal.

ContextMost AED carry cases include these five items, and each is necessary in real-world use. A wet or excessively hairy chest dramatically reduces pad adhesion — the razor and wipe exist specifically for this. The barrier mask protects both rescuer and victim during CPR breaths. The trauma scissors or shears allow rapid clothing removal without wasting time. Disposable gloves protect the rescuer. Check that every item is present, sealed, and not expired. A complete accessory replacement kit typically costs under $20 and takes one online order. Missing any item means a degraded response in an actual event.

ContextUnder the stress of a cardiac arrest, even certified CPR responders benefit from a visible prompt. The quick-reference card reduces the cognitive load on whoever is coordinating the response. Check that the card is present, dry, and readable — not smudged, water-damaged, or so faded the text is unclear. If the card is missing or damaged, download the current version from the manufacturer's website and laminate a fresh copy. The guide should cover both adult compression-to-breath ratios and the specific pad placement diagram for your device model.

ContextAEDs are frequently moved for events, renovations, or spring cleaning — and never returned to their original spot. The only location that matters is the one every household member has memorized. Walk to the device now and confirm it is exactly where everyone expects it to be. If your household layout has changed since the AED was placed, reassess the location with a single criterion: it should be reachable in under 90 seconds from any room in the building. Knowing the rough location is not the same as confirming it; confirm physically.

ContextUnder the cognitive disruption of witnessing a cardiac arrest, people default to instinct over memory. A clearly visible AED sign eliminates the need to remember. The sign should be at eye level, unobstructed by furniture or decor, and visible from the direction a person would approach. Standard AED signs are available from most medical suppliers for under $10. If your device is inside a cabinet or bag, a sign on the wall directly above or beside it is essential. In multi-story homes, consider whether the current single-floor placement leaves upper-floor rooms with a retrieval gap exceeding 90 seconds.

ContextMost AEDs are rated for storage between 32°F–122°F (0°C–50°C), but the gel in electrode pads and lithium battery performance degrade faster at temperature extremes. If your device is stored in a garage, shed, sunroom, or vehicle — locations that routinely exceed 90°F in summer or drop below freezing in winter — the rated pad and battery lifespans may be shortened. Check whether your storage environment is within a more conservative 60°F–85°F range for most of the year. If it is not, relocate the device or increase inspection frequency to every 6 months.

ContextOne person will often be administering CPR; a second must retrieve the device. Knowledge of where it is stored degrades over time — especially after holidays, guests, or rearranged furniture. Ask each person who should know — by name — to walk to the AED without being led. If anyone hesitates, guesses the wrong room, or cannot locate it within 30 seconds, do a brief walkthrough now and repeat the test in 48 hours. This costs two minutes and costs nothing. Uncertain location knowledge is functionally equivalent to not having a device at all.

ContextThe American Heart Association recommends CPR skills renewal every two years, but research consistently shows motor memory for chest compressions fades meaningfully within 3–6 months without practice. Record the date and certifying organization for each person in your household. Online-only CPR courses do not build the muscle memory required for effective 2-inch compression depth; hands-on courses with mannequin practice are strongly preferred. Note: knowing how to use an AED without also being trained in CPR compressions substantially limits your effectiveness, as compressions maintain circulation between shock delivery cycles.

ContextIf a first-time visitor, houseguest, or delivery person is the only adult present during a cardiac arrest, they need immediate, self-contained guidance. Post a laminated card near the device listing: the local emergency number, your full street address including apartment or unit number (people forget their own address under stress), and a numbered four-step AED use guide. Update this card whenever your address changes, your emergency contacts change, or you replace the AED with a different model. The card should be legible in poor lighting.

ContextA written inspection log creates a verifiable maintenance trail and helps identify developing issues over time — for example, a battery whose indicator has been showing a marginal status across two consecutive annual checks may be degrading ahead of schedule. The log does not need to be elaborate: a notebook entry or a shared digital document works equally well. Include the inspection date, the name of the inspector, battery indicator color and behavior, pad expiry dates, self-test result, and a note on any actions taken or parts ordered. Future inspectors — including you — will benefit from seeing what was found in prior years.

ContextThe single most common reason AEDs are found out of specification is that the next check was never scheduled. After completing this inspection, immediately set a calendar reminder for 12 months from today. If any component — pads, battery, or accessories — expires within 18 months of today, set a separate reminder at least 60 days before that expiry date so you have time to order and receive replacements before they are needed. A reminder on the carry case itself — a label with the next due date written in permanent marker — serves as a physical backup to any digital reminder.