Best Practices for AED Maintenance in New Zealand

Understand Your AED's Self-Testing

Modern AEDs test themselves. The ZOLL AED Plus runs automatic self-tests that verify the battery, electrode connection and internal circuitry, and reports the result in its status window: a green tick means rescue-ready, a red X means the device needs attention, usually accompanied by a periodic chirp.

Self-testing does not replace human checks; it makes them fast. Someone still has to look at the window, hear the chirp, and act on it.

The Monthly Five Minute Routine

1. Check the status indicator. Green tick: done. Red X or chirping: investigate immediately and call us on 0800 55 99 55 if unsure.
2. Check pad expiry dates. Adult CPR-D-padz® last 5 years, Pedi-padz® II last 2 years. Order replacements a month before expiry from our pads and batteries page.
3. Check battery date. ZOLL's type 123 lithium batteries last 5 years. Note the installation date inside the battery compartment.
4. Inspect the physical condition. Case intact, no cracked housing, cabinet door opens freely, alarm works, signage still visible.
5. Confirm the rescue kit. Gloves, razor, scissors and mask present (CPR-D-padz® packs include these).

After Every Use

• Replace the electrodes: they are single patient use, even if they look fine.
• Check battery status after the event; heavy use shortens remaining life.
• Run through the full replacement procedure, including pressing the battery reset button at the voice prompt.
• Confirm the green rescue-ready tick before returning the device to its cabinet.

Environment and Placement Checks

Twice a year, confirm the device's environment is still right: operating temperature range respected (especially in vehicles and outdoor cabinets), the location is still the best one as your site changes, and the AED is still registered with the correct details at aedlocations.co.nz. See our guides on placement and outdoor cabinets.

Keep a Simple Record

For workplaces, a one-line monthly log (date, status, checker's initials) demonstrates you are meeting your health and safety duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, consistent with WorkSafe NZ expectations for maintaining first aid equipment. Assign the check to a named role, not "someone", and add pad and battery expiry dates to your calendar the day the device is installed.

The ZOLL advantage: with 5 year pads and 5 year off-the-shelf batteries, a ZOLL AED Plus owner performs exactly two consumable replacements a decade, and no servicing contracts, the lowest maintenance burden of any major brand. More in tips to keep your AED rescue-ready.