Replacing the Battery in Your PLB (Personal Locator Beacon)

Why You Should Replace the Battery in Your Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)

When venturing into the Australian wilderness, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) could be the difference between life and death. I strongly recommend that anyone heading out for a bushwalk or hike carry one. These devices are designed to send distress signals in emergency situations, notifying rescuers of your exact location. For example, the label on my rescueME PLB1 explicitly states, “Use only during situations of grave and imminent danger.”

However, like any essential safety equipment, the proper functioning of your PLB is only as good as the battery inside it, which typically has a seven-year shelf life (from the date of manufacture). That’s why it is highly recommended that you replace the battery in your PLB, well before the expiry date, at an authorised battery replacement centre in Australia rather than attempting to do it yourself.

The battery in your PLB has a finite shelf life, typically around seven years (from the date of manufacture). This means that after this period, the battery’s effectiveness can be compromised—even if the beacon hasn’t been used frequently. It is crucial to note that the full operational capability of your beacon may not be available if the battery has exceeded its replacement date. The replacement date is usually clearly marked on the unit, and it’s important to be proactive about replacing the battery before that time comes.

Failure to replace the battery in time could result in your beacon failing to transmit a distress signal when it’s needed most. Given that PLBs are often used in life-threatening situations, maintaining the reliability of this equipment is critical.

Who is authorised to service my beacon in Australia?

If your beacon’s battery is replaced or serviced by a non-certified service centre, the beacon becomes non-compliant with carriage requirements and may not function correctly in an emergency.

Periodic battery replacement is essential to ensure compliance with applicable standards, which are designed to maximise the likelihood of a beacon functioning in adverse conditions.

Risks arise when batteries are replaced or repairs are conducted by someone other than the manufacturer or its approved service centres. Only the manufacturer has the necessary equipment and technical knowledge to replace the battery, perform repairs, and confirm that the beacon meets all required standards. Importantly, the in-built test function on many beacons does not provide conclusive evidence of ongoing compliance. Battery replacement or dismantling can also compromise the integrity of seals protecting sensitive electronics, which is why manufacturers typically disclaim liability for beacons serviced by unauthorised providers.

Additionally, where Commonwealth, State, or Territory laws require a beacon to be carried, compliance is typically tied to the beacon meeting specific standards. These standards generally specify that all maintenance and repairs must be carried out by the manufacturer. If a beacon is serviced elsewhere, it ceases to meet the required standard, making it non-compliant with legal carriage requirements.

A distress or emergency situation is not the time to discover that a beacon fails to meet standards or legal requirements. To minimise this risk, always ensure your beacon is serviced by the manufacturer or an approved service centre.

Beacon Standards

The Australian/New Zealand Standard 4280.1 (EPIRB) and 4280.2 (PLB) require that beacons be returned to the manufacturer or an authorised service centre for battery replacement and repairs.

If a beacon is required to meet carriage requirements under Maritime or CASA regulations, it must comply with AS/NZS 4280.1 and/or 4280.2.

Why You Shouldn’t Replace the Battery Yourself

Many people might be tempted to replace the battery of their PLB on their own, but doing so can result in more harm than good and could put your life at risk. The key issue is the integrity of the device. The battery is only one part of the system, and improper handling or incorrect installation could lead to the device malfunctioning—or even worse, failing when you need it the most.

Most PLB manufacturers require that battery replacements be performed by trained professionals. These experts have the necessary tools, knowledge, and certifications to ensure that the beacon continues to operate at optimal levels, according to the manufacturer’s standards. By leaving the battery replacement to the professionals, you can trust that your PLB will be functioning correctly when you need it most.

What to Expect from an Authorised Battery Replacement Centre

Authorised battery replacement centres in Australia are equipped with the specific tools and training required to service your PLB to the highest standards. These centres ensure that your device complies with both manufacturer specifications and international regulations. Here’s what you can expect when you have your PLB serviced:

• Device Inspection: The technician will perform a thorough inspection of your PLB to check for any potential issues or damage that could affect its performance.
• New 7-Year Battery Installed: The centre will replace the old battery with a new one, ensuring that your PLB has another seven years of reliability.
• New Seals and Resealing: As part of the service, new seals will be installed to ensure that the unit remains waterproof and functional in all conditions.
• Hydrostatic Testing: This critical test ensures that the PLB can withstand water pressure and is fully operational in aquatic environments.
• Function Test and Software Update: The centre will conduct a comprehensive function test to ensure the beacon’s distress signal is transmitting correctly. They will also update the device’s software to ensure it is running the latest version.
• Return Delivery: Once the replacement is complete, your PLB will be returned to you promptly, ready for action when you need it most.

Why Professional Service Matters

Your PLB is a life-saving device. If you’re in a remote or hazardous environment and need to activate your PLB, you don’t want to risk the device failing due to an expired or improperly installed battery. The small cost of professional battery replacement could be the difference between getting help quickly and being stranded or in danger.

Having your PLB serviced by an authorised centre gives you peace of mind that your device is functioning according to the highest standards, and you can rely on it when it’s most needed. It also ensures that your PLB is compliant with all safety regulations, both national and international.

Where to Get Your PLB Serviced

To ensure that your PLB is serviced to the highest standards, it’s important to use an authorised battery replacement centre. These centres are equipped with the necessary tools, certifications, and expertise to handle the replacement process and ensure that your device remains compliant with both manufacturer and international regulations.

Your beacon can only be serviced by the manufacturer who is identified on the side of the beacon.

• ACR – refer to beacon manufacturer website for servicing contact list www.acrartex.com 
• CETC – certified servicing agent in Australia is Great Circle Marine Pty Ltd in Queensland, Ph: 07 3343 8384
• GME – can only be serviced by GME in Sydney, www.gme.net.au or Ph: 1300 463 463
• Jotron – refer to beacon manufacturer website for servicing contact list www.jotron.com
• Kannad – RFD Australia/Survitec Group has ceased operations. Battery replacement, re-coding and other services are no longer available in Australia.
• Kinetic Technology International Pty Ltd – KTI has ceased operations. Battery replacement, re-coding and other services are no longer available. If required the instruction manuals are available online www.kti.com.au
• McMurdo – certified servicing agent in Australia is AMI Sales in O’Connor WA, www.amisales.com.au or Ph: 08 9331 0000
• Ocean Signal – certified servicing agent in Australia is All Sat Communications in Melbourne, www.allsat.com.au or Ph: 1300 747 587
• Other Brands – refer to beacon manufacturer website for servicing contact list.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to your safety, don’t cut corners. Replacing the battery in your Personal Locator Beacon is not something you should take lightly. Trust an authorised battery replacement centre in Australia to ensure that your PLB remains fully functional and meets all required safety standards. After all, your life could depend on it, and we all want to be sure that your PLB will work correctly when an emergency arises.

Make sure to schedule a battery replacement before the expiry date marked on your device, and don’t delay—your safety is worth the investment. Be proactive and arrange the replacement early, especially before heading out on any major hikes or trips.

Check your PLB’s battery expiry date today and plan for your next service well in advance.

Main image: Mdarcangelo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons