It is not recommended that the detector be disconnected from the battery during periods of storage. There is a small heater on the sensor of the device that burns away impurities in the air during periods of normal use. During periods when power is interrupted, impurities can build up on the sensor. When power is returned to the detector, the detector alarm may activate until the impurities are burned off. This could take a number of hours, during which time the alarm will be constantly on.