How to Check the Manufacturer Date on your AED
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are life-saving devices — but like all medical equipment, they do not last forever. If you have an AED in your workplace, school, gym, church, or public facility, it’s critical to know:
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How old your AED is
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When the warranty expires
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When it’s time to upgrade to a newer AED model
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How to ensure your AED maintenance program keeps you compliant
At AED.ca, we often speak with organizations that assume their AED is “fine” — only to discover it’s well past its recommended service life.
Let’s walk through how to tell how old your AED is and when you should consider replacing it.
How to Find the Manufacturer Date on Your AED
The age of your AED is determined by its manufacturer date, not the purchase date.
🔍 Where to Look:
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Back or Bottom Label
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Most AEDs have a sticker or rating plate on the back or underside.
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Look for:
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“Manufactured On”
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“Date of Manufacture”
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“MFG Date”
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A printed month/year
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Inside the Battery Compartment
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Some models place the manufacturer date inside the battery compartment.
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Original Documentation
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User manual
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Packing slip
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Manufacturer certificate
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Serial Number Lookup
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Some manufacturers can confirm the build date using the serial number. The first two or three letters may be the year: i.e. X254445 - Was made in 2025
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If you’re unsure, AED.ca can help identify the age of your unit.
How Long Do AEDs Last?
Most major AED manufacturers provide:
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8-year warranty
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Some offer up to 10 years
The warranty period is important because it reflects the expected operational lifespan of the device’s internal components.
While an AED may power on after the warranty expires, internal components — such as capacitors and circuitry — begin to degrade over time.
Industry best practice recommends upgrading your AED once it reaches the end of its warranty period.
Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your AED
Here are key indicators that your AED replacement should be considered:
✔ Your Warranty Has Expired
Operating a critical life-saving device outside of its warranty increases liability risk.
✔ Replacement Parts Are Hard to Find
Older AED models may have discontinued pads or batteries.
✔ Frequent Error Alerts
If your AED is showing fault codes or failed self-tests, it may be nearing end-of-life.
✔ Technology Has Advanced
Newer AEDs offer:
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Real-time CPR feedback
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Improved energy escalation
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Better pediatric capability
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WiFi monitoring options
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Longer-life batteries and pads
Upgrading ensures your organization has the most current life-saving technology available.
Why Upgrading After Warranty Expiry Is Recommended
From a duty-of-care and liability standpoint, maintaining life-saving equipment beyond its intended service life can pose risk.
When the manufacturer no longer guarantees performance:
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Replacement parts may not be supported
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Repair costs increase
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Reliability becomes uncertain
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Legal exposure increases in the event of device failure
For organizations committed to safety compliance and risk mitigation, replacing an AED at or shortly after the warranty expiration is considered best practice.
Don’t Forget: Ongoing AED Maintenance Is Critical
Whether your AED is new or nearing replacement age, regular inspection and maintenance are essential.
Proper AED maintenance includes:
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Monthly visual inspections
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Pad expiry tracking
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Battery expiry tracking
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Software updates (when applicable)
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Documentation for compliance
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Replacement coordination when required
This is where many organizations fall behind.
The AED.ca Full Service AED Maintenance Plan
To eliminate risk and ensure compliance, AED.ca offers a Full Service AED Maintenance Plan.
Our maintenance plan includes:
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Scheduled inspections
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Pad and battery monitoring & replacement
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Compliance documentation
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Recall monitoring
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Service tracking
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Proactive upgrade recommendations when warranty expiry approaches
We monitor your AED lifecycle so you don’t have to.
Instead of discovering your AED is expired or unsupported during an emergency — we ensure your equipment is always rescue ready.
Not Sure How Old Your AED Is?
If you’re unsure of your AED manufacturer date or warranty status, AED.ca can:
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Identify your device age
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Confirm warranty expiry
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Review replacement options
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Provide a compliant upgrade quote
Proactive replacement is always better than reactive replacement.
Conclusion: Know Your AED’s Age Before It Matters
Your AED is a critical life-saving investment. Knowing:
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The manufacturer date
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The warranty expiration
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The recommended replacement timeline
is essential for compliance, safety, and liability protection.
If your AED is approaching or past its warranty period, now is the time to consider upgrading to a newer unit.
And if you want peace of mind year-round, the AED.ca Full Service AED Maintenance Plan ensures your program is fully managed and compliant.
About AED.ca
AED.ca is Canada’s Trusted AED Company. We provide automated external defibrillators, replacement pads and batteries, training accessories, and full-service AED maintenance programs across Canada.
Our mission is simple:
To help organizations protect lives through reliable AED solutions, expert guidance, and ongoing support.
Whether you need to check the age of your AED, replace an expired unit, or implement a complete AED program, AED.ca is here to help. aed.ca/pages/contact
Visit www.AED.ca or contact our team to ensure your AED is always rescue ready.
