Replacing your AED pads or battery
AED pads and batteries expire on a fixed schedule whether the device is ever used or not, and they are the single most common reason an AED fails when it is needed. In the largest published analysis of FDA-reported AED events, 40,787 cases, batteries accounted for 23.2 per cent of failures and pads and connectors for 23.7 per cent, so 46.9 per cent of all AED failures are consumables (DeLuca et al., Annals of Emergency Medicine, 2012, PMID 21872969). Below is every current replacement part with its price and service life, verified against seller product data on 12 September 2026.
| Model | Adult pads | Battery | Pediatric option | 10 year consumable cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philips HeartStart OnSite | M5071A $99.00, 2 years | M5070A $249.00, 4 years | Separate M5072A cartridge, prescription only | About $894 |
| Philips HeartStart FRx | SMART Pads II 989803139261 $89.00, 2 years | M5070A $249.00, 4 years | Infant/Child Key $139.00, reusable | About $854 |
| ZOLL AED Plus | CPR-D Padz 8900-0800-01 $230.00, 5 years | Lithium set of 10 $100.00, 5 years | Pedi-padz II $155.00, 2 years | About $330, the lowest we track |
| ZOLL AED 3 | CPR Uni-padz 8900-000280-01 $234.00, 5 years | 8000-000696 $201.00, 5 years | None needed, Uni-padz cover children | About $435 |
| Defibtech Lifeline | DDP-100 $75.15 | DBP-1400 $229.10 | DDP-200P $130.25 | About $530 |
| Defibtech Lifeline VIEW | DDP-2001 $83.05 | DCF-2003 $240.45 | DDP-2002 $136.40 | About $813 |
| HeartSine Samaritan PAD | Pad-Pak-01 $236.00, pads and battery in one cartridge | Included in the Pad-Pak, there is no separate battery | Pediatric Pad-Pak PAD-PAK-02 $279.00 | About $472 |
| Cardiac Science Powerheart G5 | XELAED001C $88.00 | XBTAED001A $495.00, 4 years | XELAED003C $127.00 | About $1,342, the highest we track |
| Physio-Control LIFEPAK CR2 | Quik-Step 11101-000021 $196.00, adult and child in one set | LIFEPAK CR2 lithium battery $341.00, about 4 years | None needed, the Quik-Step set covers children | About $1,074 |
Prices verified against the public product data of AED Leader on 30 September 2026. Service life is the manufacturer figure where one is published; where it is not, check the expiry date printed on the part itself. Ten year consumable cost is our own calculation from those part prices and service lives.
Three things owners get wrong
- Buying the wrong Philips pad. The FRx uses SMART Pads II, part 989803139261. SMART Pads III belong to the FR3, a different device. The OnSite uses M5071A and the two are not interchangeable.
- Assuming the pediatric part is optional. On a ZOLL AED Plus, Pedi-padz II cost $155.00 and last two years, which is about $775 across a ten year life. On a ZOLL AED 3 or a LIFEPAK CR2 the pads already cover children and that cost is zero.
- Tracking the wrong date. HeartSine combines the pads and battery into one Pad-Pak cartridge, so there is a single expiry to track. Every other model here has two parts on two separate clocks.
Full replacement schedule by model is on our AED pads and batteries page. If you are still choosing a device, the ten year running cost is usually a bigger number than the discount you are negotiating: see every AED brand ranked by price and ten year cost.
Owning an AED means ensuring it remains functional and ready for use. Different AED makes and models have various maintenance needs. Some need more attention than others. You must understand these requirements. They will keep your device working well and meet your AED owner obligations.
Before discussing maintaining different AED models, we must know their importance. Proper AED maintenance must be a priority.
Why is the maintenance of an AED so essential?
The short answer: so your AED is ready to save a life!
AEDs are unique devices. They often sit unused for long periods. They must be ready for sudden, life-or-death emergencies.
Neglecting AED maintenance can have devastating consequences. If the device isn’t checked, it may fail. The electrode pads and batteries could expire. This failure could mean the difference between life and death in an emergency.
Listen to Kevin recount his harrowing experience. An AED arrived without the essential electrode pads. It highlights the need for proper maintenance.
Imagine the devastation of using a dead AED on a cardiac arrest.
As the AED’s owner, imagine the guilt and sorrow you would feel in such a tragedy. You may also worry about being liable for negligence. It would be a serious concern, beyond the emotional toll.
AED maintenance is also important to protect against liabilities.
What is the connection between AED maintenance, legal liability, and effective risk management?
All 50 states have AED Good Samaritan laws. They encourage people, businesses, and organizations to invest in life-saving devices. These laws protect AED owners and users. But many states attach a condition: the device must be managed and maintained per the manufacturer’s guidelines to keep those protections valid.
AED maintenance is more than a best practice or a responsible choice, it is an essential rule.
To protect yourself under Good Samaritan laws, follow your device’s maintenance guidelines. They are in the manufacturer’s instructions. Also, keep proper documentation. Not meeting these requirements could risk your access to these legal safeguards.
Several lawsuits have arisen over the years involving AED owners. They failed to meet maintenance requirements. As a result, their devices malfunctioned at critical moments.
- Two AEDs were available at a health club, but neither was functional.
- AEDs at school under lock and key
- The sports field requires an AED, but no AED is available.
State laws stress the need for proper AED maintenance. They make it clear that owners must meet and document these requirements. Regular maintenance reduces liability. It ensures you can fix any issues with the manufacturer.
AED Maintenance Helps Owners Address Device Issues with the Manufacturer
What should you do if your AED’s battery fails before its guaranteed lifespan?
If you ask the manufacturer for a replacement battery, they will likely want proof of proper device maintenance. If you don’t follow their maintenance guidelines or provide docs, you may struggle to get coverage.
The manufacturer may request maintenance logs if your device has a warranty issue. They want to verify that you followed their guidelines.
How do you maintain an AED?
Maintaining an AED can be challenging. There is no universal maintenance protocol. Requirements differ between models. Some devices demand time-consuming, costly, and complex upkeep. For instance, one AED model even requires a daily visual inspection by its owner.
Refer to the summary of maintenance requirements and resources below to:
- Ensure you completely understand how to maintain the AEDs you own.
- Maintenance burden should inform which AED model you buy. Remember, simpler, less burdensome maintenance is usually better.
AED Maintenance Checklist
A designated person should perform these steps to check the AED. This will ensure it is ready for use in emergencies.
1. Examine the general condition of the AED by inspecting it in detail.
Check the case. It must be clean and undamaged. Ensure PPE, a shaver, and a tool to remove jewelry are present. Look for any signs of wear or damage. Verify if the status indicator light signals a need for maintenance.
2. Press the start button (or open the cover) to begin. Confirm activation. Instructions for use should play automatically.
Turn off the device. The status indicator should show a green light. This means it is ready for use.
3. Check for any audio alarm or visual service notice on the unit.
Alerts may appear as a blinking red light, an “X” instead of a checkmark, or even a blank screen.
4. Check batteries and replace any expired batteries.
AED batteries may power the device during a test. But someone should replace expired batteries. They may fail before someone uses or inspects them. Order new batteries and complete the installation without delay. It’s also wise to keep a backup battery available for future needs.
5. Inspect AED pads.
Someone may have expired, used, or damaged the AED pads. They need replacement if cracks appear or if they have stressed wiring. Replace them without delay. Consider keeping a backup set, especially for frequent users like EMT teams.
Further AED Maintenance: Batteries and Adhesive Electrode Pads
Designers create automated external defibrillators that are easy for users to operate. Yet, they still need regular checks. Follow the manufacturer’s inspection schedule; most organisations also do a documented visual check at least monthly. Each AED is a portable, specialized device. It relies on a manufacturer-specific battery. Neglecting the battery could cause a failed rescue in a cardiac arrest.
AEDs use electrode pads on the victim’s chest. Inspect and replace them as the manufacturer directs. Like batteries, outdated or used pads can jeopardize a rescue. Worn pads may fail to detect abnormal heart rhythms or deliver a shock when needed.
Check-up and Record of Maintenance
An appointed person or office should conduct inspections of AEDs on a regular basis. Do this per a fixed schedule and the manufacturer’s guidelines. Document all checks, repairs, or replacements. Store records in a secure manner for future reference. Pre-printed maintenance checklists can simplify this process.
Extra AED maintenance tips
Placement, Mounting, and Case
- Store the AED in a central, accessible location. Use proper signs and a defibrillator cabinet. Public-access AEDs run on non-rechargeable batteries and do not need an outlet; only alarmed or heated cabinets need power. Protect the device from extreme temperatures and weather while maintaining easy accessibility.
- Some AEDs, like the Heartsine Samaritan models, are built for durability. Consider these options if the device will be exposed to, moved often, or roughly handled. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Start once you install the AED.
- Inform and train staff on the AED.
- Register your AED with local emergency services. This can save lives in the event of a nearby cardiac arrest. It lets dispatchers guide first responders to your device. In some states, this registration is a legal requirement.
- The AED designee must consult the manufacturer’s manual for maintenance procedures and instructions.
Practicing Active Maintenance
Many defibrillators do automatic self-tests. But, regular maintenance is vital. It ensures peak performance when needed.
- Follow the manufacturer’s inspection schedule, and check more often if needed. Most organisations do documented monthly inspections for AEDs.
- Keep a record of inspections using a checklist. Use one from the manufacturer, a generic pre-printed version, or one that you create.
- If your unit carries a computer data card, verify its presence and correct loading.
- Record, restore, and refresh after any use.
- Record all details of a use.
- Download and share any cardiac emergency event record from the machine data card if needed.
- Restore the battery to full charge if it is rechargeable. Do a checkup to confirm the machine is functioning correctly and in ready mode.
- Clean the machine and replace pads and secondary supplies as necessary.
- To ensure readiness, buy backup batteries and pads. Check the battery installation and recharge the backup battery as needed.
FAQs
How often should an AED be checked?
You should check an AED at least monthly per manufacturer guidelines. Regular AED inspections ensure the device is ready for emergencies. In some cases, experts may recommend weekly or daily visual checks. This is especially true for devices used often or in high-risk areas.
What does an AED inspection involve?
An AED inspection involves three checks. First, verify the status indicator light. Second, ensure the batteries and pads are not expired. Third, check for damage or missing accessories. Keeping a record of these inspections is crucial for compliance and reliability.
How does the AED Plus self-test work?
The AED Plus runs automatic self-tests. They check its systems, battery, and electrode pads. This feature cuts manual testing but can’t replace regular inspections. They ensure everything works.
Why is AED service important?
Regular AED service ensures the device is operational during emergencies. Proper service, including AED maintenance, prevents malfunctions. It also ensures compliance with legal and manufacturer standards.
Conclusion
Regular AED service and maintenance is essential. They ensure the device works during emergencies. By maintaining AEDs, inspecting them, and fixing issues, you follow the manufacturer. You also help save lives. Proper care and documentation are vital. They keep your AED reliable and ready for use.
