AED batteries are the most crucial element in any Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Without a charged and operating battery, an AED will not be rescue ready and can’t shock a victim of sudden cardiac arrest.

What battery does an automated external defibrillator use? Is it possible to recharge an AED battery? If not, how often do I need to change my defibrillator battery? How much does a replacement AED battery cost? Because we are known as an AED superstore, we’ll answer all of your key questions in this blog post.

AED Defibrillator Batteries

• Philips, Physio-Control, Defibtech, Heartsine, Zoll, and Cardiac Science are the 6 main FDA-approved manufacturers of AEDs in the US. Each has its own battery for each model they manufacture. The Philips brand uses the same battery for two different models of AEDs, which is the only company that does so.
• Most AED batteries are lithium batteries, which have a longer shelf and standby life than other battery types and extend the time between when replacement AED batteries must be replaced.
• Shelf Life: Amount of time the battery can be stored out of the AED before installing. This is useful for extra AED replacement batteries.
• Standby Life: Amount of time the battery lasts installed in the AED and in standby ready for service mode.
• The majority of AEDs on the market today have non-rechargeable batteries, so they must be replaced regularly yet each manufacturer and even model has different lengths of time before they need to be replaced.
• The most common type of AEDs with rechargeable batteries are for critical care and EMS. They must be taken out of service between charges, and they are typically more expensive because additional charging equipment is required to maintain the AED battery.

Something to Consider: It is prudent to analyze the cost associated with each battery versus the longer battery expirations to make your decision. Don’t forget to consider the Opportunity Cost associated with managing and changing batteries and pads more frequently.

If you are changing a lot of pads or batteries more often you could be missing out on managing other projects instead of managing replacement AED batteries.

Note that breaking down the price of the battery per year of lifespan seems to be a good way of analyzing the ongoing cost of ownership with different AEDs but it omits the most important and often overlooked variable you must consider.

Lifespan of AED

Assume you’re comparing the cost of ownership of different AEDs over a period of time. You must factor in the frequency with which you must replace the battery and electrode pads.

Because all new AEDs come with a set of adult electrode pads as well as a battery you must factor into your equation the amount of time before the first set of accessories needs to be replaced. Finding the right battery for your needs is complicated but we can assist you in finding the best AED for your needs.

Here is an example to help you understand how the different batteries come into play. Assume you are considering a Philips Onsite AED and plan to own the AED for 10 years.

Philips HeartStart OnSite AED

• Expected Life of AED: 10 Years
• AED Battery Life: 4 years – This means you will need to replace the battery two times during the 10-year expected life of the AED. One time at the end of the 4th year and one time at the end of the 8th year.
• Replacement Cost Per Battery: $174
• Total Cost of Battery Replacement Over 10-Year Life (2 x $174 = $348 additional cost to keep your AED functioning)
• Battery Cost/10 years = $34.80 per year of ownership for the AED battery

How Often Should AED Batteries be Replaced?

Because we are the premier AED superstore in the US, we help companies decide what AED and emergency equipment is best for your organization.

The lifespan and cost of the AED battery are two important items to consider when buying an AED. In addition, AEDs also have electrode pads that expire and must be replaced. For this blog post, we will be focusing on the AED batteries although both the pads and batteries should be factored into calculating the ongoing cost of ownership of your AED.

In general, AED batteries in the United States have a lifespan of two to seven years, depending on the model.

Expiration Dates for Most AEDs

All brands and models in the US have a clear expiration date printed on the battery. There are a few exceptions here:

Philips HeartStart OnSite AED Battery

The Philips HeartStart defibrillator battery has a 4-year standby life (life while installed in the AED and in standby mode) and a 5-year shelf life (when new, uninstalled in the AED).

What is unique with the Philips battery is that there is no expiration date printed on the battery.

Expiration Date (How to determine your expiration date?)

The Philips AED battery M5070a does not display an “Expiration Date” on the battery but instead displays an “Install Before” date.

Date Battery is Installed

It is very important to record the date you install your Philips battery into your AED for service. When the battery is installed in the device you have 4 years from that date until the battery expires.

*Our free AED management software will make managing one or any number of AEDs you own, simple and easy.

 Shelf Life

 The “Install Before” date represents the Shelf Life of the battery (new and uninstalled in an AED). This date is typically 5 years from the date of purchase. For example, if the “Install Before” date was 2023-05 you could store the battery and safely insert it in your AED during May 2023 to start your 4-year use of the battery giving you an expiration date of May 2027.

Cardiac Science G5 AED Battery

How to determine your expiration date?

Knowing when to change your G5 battery can be a little confusing. On the battery, there is no “Expiration Date” but rather a “Manufactured on Date.”

Date Battery Installed

It’s critical to note the date you placed the G5 battery in your AED for service. When the battery is installed in the device you have 4 years from that date until the battery expires. At AED USA we are known as the largest AED superstore in the country. Our free AED management software will make managing one or any number of AEDs you own, simple and easy.

Shelf Life

The battery has a 5-year shelf life (New and Uninstalled) calculated from the “Manufactured on Date”. For example, if the “Manufactured on Date” was 2018-05 you could store the battery and safely insert it in your AED to start your 4-year use of the battery anytime until 2023-05.

In summary, it is extremely important to verify your AEDs are functioning properly with monthly readiness checks. In addition, utilize our free AEDMD management software to track the expiration dates and expiration reminders for all your AED disposables as well as perform monthly readiness checks right on your mobile device. Contact us at AED USA to assist you with setting up your free AEDMD management login.