Abstract: A battery terminal and door latch for battery operated devices. The battery terminal and door latch assembly prevents the closure of a battery compartment door when one or more batteries are missing from the battery operated device. In the embodiment, the terminal includes an aperture for engaging a latch on the compartment door. When a battery is installed the terminal is biased so that the aperture engages the latch to close the door. Without an installed battery, the terminal is displaced to prevent the aperture from engaging the latch. The open battery compartment door provides a readily discernible indication that batteries have not been installed. The terminal and door latch assembly is suitable for use with smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and the like.