SITERWELL smoke alarm is operated by 9V battery (6LR61 or 6F22), battery life 1 year minimum. With the photoelectric technology, it is more sensitive to detecting slow smolder fires which general thick, black smoke, little heat and may smolder for hours before bursting into flames. The smoke alarm do not contain the radioactive material which is harmless to environment. The smoke alarm should be installed in every room (except the bathroom), and every other area of the home, making sure the people in the home will be able to hear and respond to the alarm sound.