What are the different kinds of AED Batteries?

Each of the 7 AED brands available in Canada has created different kinds of model-specific batteries for their AEDs. The brands are: Cardiac-Science, Defibtech, Heartsine, Philips, Physio Control, Schiller, and Zoll. We have outlined a battery comparison and explanation below in hopes of making the choice of which AED to purchase a little easier.

Before we continue on, we need to clarify two different battery life definitions: 

• Battery Life/Shelf Life refers to the life that a battery comes with before it must be installed. It will usually have an ‘install by’ date. For example: Philips has a battery life (or shelf life) of 4 years before it needs to be installed into an AED.

• Standby Life refers to the amount of time a battery will last after installation in the device. For example, Philips has a 4 year standby life.
  • This means that a Philips battery will last for 8 years after you receive it. 4 years as a ‘spare’ and 4 years installed.

Rechargeable Batteries vs Non-Rechargeable Batteries

The type of battery your AED requires can impact the weight, cost, and maintenance of the device. AED batteries are either non-rechargeable lithium batteries or rechargeable long-lasting batteries; there are pros and cons to both depending on your AED use and care. Regardless of the differences, all batteries need to be checked regularly. Those undergoing more frequent use will need to be replaced more often.

Rechargeable Batteries

It is always recommended to ensure that your battery is fully charged in case of an emergency.

• Pros: 
  • Recharging is more practical, efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective for high-use environments. 
• Cons: 
  • Charging time varies between manufacturers. 
  • They have a limited battery lifespan. 
  • They require more maintenance since they have to be recharged frequently.

Non-Rechargeable Batteries

It is always recommended to have a spare battery on hand. 

• Pros: 
  • They have an extended battery life, assuming it remains in standby mode when not in use. 
  • They are easy to use and require limited maintenance. 
• Cons:
  • Replacing batteries can become expensive to replace depending on the amount of use.
  • Lithium batteries should be recycled properly to reduce the environmental impact. 

Cardiac-Science AED Batteries

Cardiac-Science AEDs use a different battery than most. While still lithium-based, the battery includes a feature that has a memory chip to store information and operating history. 

• Pros: 
  • Batteries includes a full 4-year operational performance guarantee.
  • Both rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries are available for the Powerheart AED G3 Pro model. 
  • It has a Battery Standby Life of 4 years 
  • The rescue ready indicator shows the battery status. 
  • The Powerheart G3 battery will operate up to 290 shocks at full charge.
• Cons:
  • These have a higher than average price due to the memory feature, retailing at $398 each.

Defibtech AED Batteries

The Defibtech AED uses model-specific, non-rechargeable lithium batteries. 

• Pros: 
  • It has a Battery Standby Life of 5-7 years depending on the battery.
    • The semi-automatic AED battery has a 5-year battery life. 
    • The fully automatic AED battery has a 7-year battery life. 
• Cons: 
  • The Lifeline battery operates fewer shocks than others, at up to 125 shocks per battery or 8 hours of continuous use. In comparison, the Lifeline View battery operates at almost double that capacity.

Heartsine AED Batteries

Unlike most AEDs, the Heartsine battery and electrode pads are combined. 

• Pros: 
  • This reduces the accessories that need replacing and maintenance since the battery and electrode pads are combined. This means that they have the same expiration date. 
  • The battery has a Standby Life of 4 years. 
• Cons: 
  • This battery and electrode combination bundle only lasts for 60 shocks, so it needs to be replaced more frequently. 

Philips AED Batteries

Philips AEDs have single unit lithium batteries that are long-lasting, easy to replace, and efficient. 

• Pros: 
  • They have a 4 year warranty after install and can be used more than once in that time, making them reliable for any emergency during this time period. 
  • Batteries are easy to replace and can be purchased as a single unit prior to the expiry of your current battery.
  • It has a Battery Standby Life of 4 years. 
• Cons: 
  • Replacing batteries can become expensive if the AED is in frequent use. A Philips Onsite/FRx battery has a listed operating capacity of 200 shocks.   

The Philips In-Home, OnSite, and FRx AEDs use the Onsite/FRx Battery. Purchase it here for $164.00.

Physio Control AED Batteries

Physio Control AEDs, like Heartsine, come with an electrode pad and charging pack bundle. 

• Pros: 
  • Maintenance is easy given that the electrode pads and charging pack come together as one item. 
  • It has a Battery Standby Life of 2-4 years depending on the AED model and battery. 
• Cons: 
  • Due to the charging pack, the AED requires time to charge the internal battery.
    • Always make sure the battery is charged so you are ready for an emergency situation.
  • The Lifepak 1000 battery will automatically turn off after 5 minutes of no activity to conserve battery life, delaying responsiveness.

Schiller AED Batteries

Schiller has created the smallest AED with a non-rechargeable lithium battery, the Schiller FRED Easyport. Schiller also carried the FRED PA-1 AED. 

• Pros: 
  • These have a 6 year battery life. 
  • These have a Battery Standby Life of 5 years. 
  • The FRED PA-1 will automatically conduct self-tests for electrode expiration and battery capacity which will send you an alert via email when either needs replacing. 
• Cons: 
  • Being the smallest AED, the Easyport battery is only capable of administering 40 shocks before needing to be replaced.

Zoll AED Batteries

The Zoll AED Plus is different from most because it requires Duracell type 123 lithium batteries. 

• Pros: 
  • You do not need to special order them. These batteries are available at most retail stores. 
  • Duracell batteries generally have a 5 year expiration date. 
• Cons: 
  • It takes more time to open and change out the batteries if during an emergency situation, time the patient may not have.
  • The 123 Lithium Batteries need to be replaced each time it has been used in a cardiac event.

AEDs double the chance of survival when they work properly. Battery replacement is part of regular AED maintenance and if an AED is not maintained and updated, the AED can malfunction. These reasons make it important to have a spare AED battery and know how to tell when an AED battery will expire to prevent the chance of fumbling in an emergency situation. 

Check out our AED Buyer’s Guide for more information about AEDs!