Most AED pads last about 2 years from the date of manufacture before they need to be replaced. Some brands extend that window to as long as 5 years, but 2 years is the standard replacement interval for the majority of pads on the market. The reason is simple: the adhesive gel that allows the pads to stick to a person’s chest and conduct an electrical signal gradually dries out over time, even when the pads sit sealed in their packaging.
Shelf Life by Brand
The replacement timeline depends on which AED you own. Here’s how the major manufacturers compare:
- Philips HeartStart (OnSite and FRx): Adult and pediatric pads both carry a 2-year replacement interval.
- Zoll AED Plus: Adult CPR-D pads last up to 5 years, making them the longest-lasting option among major brands. Pediatric pads, however, still need replacement every 2 years.
- Cardiac Science Powerheart G3: Both adult and pediatric pads require replacement every 2 years.
- Stryker (formerly Physio-Control) LIFEPAK CR Plus/EXPRESS: Adult and pediatric pads both carry a 2-year replacement interval. The adult pads come bundled with a battery charger kit.
Regardless of expiration date, any pads that have been used on a patient, even once, cannot be reused and must be replaced immediately.
Why Expired Pads Are a Problem
AED pads aren’t just stickers. They contain a conductive gel layer that transmits the electrical shock from the device into the chest wall. As that gel dries, two things can go wrong. First, the pads may not adhere firmly to the skin, which means they could shift or peel off during chest compressions. Second, a degraded gel layer increases electrical resistance, which can weaken or distort the shock the AED delivers. In a cardiac arrest, where every second counts, a pad that fails to conduct properly can be the difference between a successful defibrillation and a failed one.
How to Find the Expiration Date
The expiration date is printed directly on the sealed pad packaging, not on the pads themselves. On most brands, it’s displayed on the front or back of the foil pouch. Some models highlight it inside a circle or a clearly marked label. You should never need to open the packaging to check the date. If the packaging has been opened for any reason, the pads should be considered compromised and replaced, since exposure to air accelerates gel degradation.
Keeping Your AED Ready
The American Heart Association recommends performing monthly AED checks, which includes verifying that the pads haven’t expired. This takes less than a minute. Pull the AED from its cabinet or case, confirm the status indicator shows the device is ready, and look at the expiration date on the pad packaging. Many organizations assign a specific person to handle this monthly check so it doesn’t fall through the cracks.
A practical approach is to note the pad expiration date on a calendar or maintenance log and order replacements a month or two in advance. AED pads typically cost between $25 and $70 per set depending on brand, so keeping a spare set on hand is a low-cost way to avoid a gap in readiness. If your AED lives in a public-access cabinet at a school, gym, or office, it’s worth posting the next replacement date on the outside of the cabinet so multiple people can keep an eye on it.
Batteries Have a Different Timeline
Pads aren’t the only consumable in an AED. Batteries also expire, but on a longer schedule. Philips and Cardiac Science batteries typically last about 4 years. Zoll AED Plus batteries can last up to 5 years (the device uses a set of 10 lithium batteries that are replaced together). When you check your pads each month, glance at the battery status indicator as well. Some AED models will emit an audible alert or display a warning light when the battery is running low, but relying solely on that alert isn’t ideal since a dead battery in a stored device might not have enough power to trigger the warning.