Disruptive Technologies sensors with built-in batteries can achieve a battery life of up to 15 years. Actual battery life will vary depending on the sensor type, configuration, environment, and usage patterns. Sensors with replaceable batteries offer flexibility for extended operation.
Who is this article for?
Anyone who wants to know how long their Disruptive Technologies sensors will last before the battery runs out, or anyone planning a deployment and needs to understand the expected sensor lifespan.
Sensor Lifetime
Disruptive Technologies sensors with built-in batteries are designed to last up to 15 years. However, the actual lifetime varies based on several factors:
- Sensor type: Different sensor types have different expected lifetimes.
- Configuration: How frequently the sensor reports data affects battery consumption.
- Environment: Extreme temperatures or other environmental conditions can impact battery life.
- Usage: How actively the sensor is triggered or used over time plays a role.
For specific lifetime estimates, please refer to the datasheet for your particular sensor type.
How is the battery percentage calculated?
The sensor's battery percentage is based on the number of transmissions relative to the maximum number of transmissions, as well as other factors. This takes into account re-transmissions and boost messages.
How is the estimated lifetime calculated?
The battery lifetime estimate is based on the sensor's current battery percentage and recent activity. For example, two sensors both showing 50% battery may have different expected lifetimes. If one sensor has been sending significantly more events recently than the other, it will drain its battery faster and therefore have a shorter expected remaining lifetime.
How is the battery status calculated?
The sensor has three different battery statuses. Studio displays this in a dedicated Battery column, using color-coded badges:
🟢 OK - The sensor is healthy with multiple years of expected lifetime remaining.
🟡 Low - The sensor is nearing the end of its lifetime, and replacement should be planned.
🔴 Critical - The sensor has a very low battery or may be damaged. Immediate replacement is recommended.
Clicking any badge shows the exact remaining battery life, either as a percentage or in years.
For sensors that have not been online since May 2026, battery status is based on voltage only, which provides a less precise estimate.
Where to check the battery status
In Studio, battery status is visible in several places:
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Organization level – Under the Devices module, battery information is available in the Battery column, as a filter, and can be exported via CSV
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Project level – Battery status is visible under the Sensors & Cloud Connectors module
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Device level – Available in the individual Device details view
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File Export - Available under the Raw data export - Included Events section.
Troubleshooting / FAQ
Q: My sensor seems to have stopped working before its expected lifetime. What should I do?
A: If you believe your sensor stopped working prematurely, check our Troubleshooting guide for steps to diagnose and resolve the issue.
Q: Can I replace the battery to extend the sensor's lifetime?
A: Disruptive Technologies sensors use built-in batteries that are not user-replaceable. For details about the battery type, see What type of battery is used in the sensors? For sensors with replaceable batteries, the battery can indeed be replaced. Follow the instructions in the Installation guides - Battery replacement.