Wiring and Repairing Smoke Detectors

Summary: How to Wire and Repair Smoke Detectors - Installation Guide with Photos that Explain Smoke Detector Wiring and Repairs.

Install and Repair Smoke Detectors
	Wiring Smoke Detectors How to Install and Wire Smoke Detectors - Installation Guide with Photos that clearly explain how Interconnected Smoke Detectors are wired so they function properly. How to Wire Smoke Detectors Smoke Detector Tips Installing Smoke Detectors Smoke Detector Wiring Adding Smoke Detectors Smoke Detectors That Alarm
Components for Wiring and Repairing Smoke Detectors
	Electrical Junction Boxes Understanding electrical junction-boxes. Selecting the right size electrical junction box. Junction boxes for outlets, light fixture and electrical splices.
	Electrical Wire Understanding electrical wire. Selecting the right size and type of electrical wire. Electrical wire for outlets, light fixture and large electrical appliances. Parts used to terminate, bond and splice electrical wire.
	Electrical Troubleshooting The Secrets of Successful Electrical Troubleshooting. Methods used to solve most home-electrical problems. Identifying electrical wiring failures.

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Questions about Smoke Detectors

Recent Questions and Comments

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Why Smoke Detectors Go Off

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How to Test and Repair a Smoke Detector Circuit

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Electrical Wiring for Smoke Detectors

How a Smoke Detector Circuit is Wired – Take the mystery out of wiring smoke detectors, Smoke Detector alarms help provide the earliest warning for both fire and smoke.

See more at the Electrical Questions Category Listing.

Questions about Wiring Smoke Detectors

Question from Mike, an Electrician from Patchogue, New York:

Can the carbon monoxide alarm be connected to the smoke detectors in series and be the last on the line? I haven’t been on the job for a few years and I just want to make sure that is how it is done again. I know the smoke detectors are in series, but I forget if the carbon monoxide can be connected to it as well.

Dave’s Answer:

Many local areas require permanently installed carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup which are used to detect odorless gas which could be fatal. Check with your local building jurisdiction for the specific requirements, and if combining the circuit wiring of carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors is permitted.
Citation Reference: NEC NFPA 72 Article Section 29.5

Question from Mike, a Homeowner from Twin Falls, Idaho:

I want to install smoke alarms. Can I use 14/3 wire or do I have to use 12/3?

Dave’s Answer:

Smoke alarms may be wired from a circuit using 14/3 wire.


» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Here's How to Do It: Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project.

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Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring
Perfect for the Homeowner, Handyman,
Electrician and Building Inspector.
Includes:
Methods for Home Electrical Wiring
Wiring Diagrams for Smoke Detectors
Interconnected Smoke Detector Wiring
Wiring Methods for AFCI Circuits
Electrical Codes for Smoke Detectors
....and much more.
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Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.