AED Pads & Replacement Electrode Pads

AED pads should be replaced when they reach their printed expiration date, after any rescue where they were applied regardless of whether a shock was delivered, or if the packaging seal is broken or pads have been exposed to extreme temperature or moisture. Most programs should check pad expiration dates monthly as part of routine AED inspection.

No. AED pads are brand and often model specific. Each manufacturer uses a proprietary connector, cable length, adhesive pattern, and gel formulation. Using pads from a different brand on your AED will typically cause the device to alarm and refuse to analyze. Always order pads that match your exact AED model number.

If you select pads by brand and model from the product grid, they will be compatible. If you are unsure, the model number on the back of your AED is the definitive compatibility reference. Call us at (855) 286-6384 and our team will confirm compatibility before you order.

As a last resort, yes. Adult pads can be used on a child if no pediatric pads are available, provided they do not overlap. The AHA recommends positioning one pad on the front of the chest and one on the back if overlap is a concern. However, pediatric pads deliver the appropriate attenuated energy level for children and should always be the first choice.

Yes. Every electrode pad sold by Total AEDs is a genuine OEM product that was FDA-cleared alongside the AED model it was designed for. We do not carry aftermarket, off-brand, or uncertified pads. FDA-cleared OEM pads are the only medically and legally appropriate choice for a deployed AED.

Some do, some do not. The ZOLL CPR-D-padz set includes gloves and scissors in the pad packaging as standard. Other brands (Philips, Cardiac Science, HeartSine, Defibtech) do not include rescue supplies with the pad set. If your facility does not have a separate AED rescue kit containing a CPR shield, gloves, prep razor, and trauma shears, we recommend adding one to your order.

Yes. AED pad expiration is based on time from manufacture, not on use. The adhesive, gel, and packaging all degrade over time regardless of whether the pads have ever been deployed. An AED that sits unused for five years with the original pads installed will still need new pads if those pads have passed their expiration date.

Standard electrode pads deliver defibrillation energy only. CPR feedback pads such as ZOLL CPR-D-padz and Cardiac Science iCPR pads incorporate a compression sensor that measures chest compression depth and rate in real time, allowing the AED to coach the rescuer on CPR quality. CPR feedback pads require a compatible AED model with Real CPR Help or IntelliSense CPR feedback capability.

The expiration date is printed on the exterior of the pad packaging, typically on the front label or on a sticker on the back. Many AED cabinets have a window that lets you read the pad expiration without opening the cabinet. For active programs, track pad and battery expiration dates in a monthly inspection log or enroll in an AED management program that sends automatic replacement reminders.