By Dave Rongey Summary:
Homes are now required to have Interconnected Smoke Detectors in most locations, and you will notice that the interconnected smoke detectors require special wiring especially for the red and yellow wires.
How to Wire the Red Wire for the Smoke Detectors
Electrical Wiring Video
Electrical Wiring Tips for Home Electrical Wiring Projects - Vol 1
My hard wired smoke alarm system has red black, white wires leading to the smoke alarm.
Does the red have power to shock me?
Should I connect the third wire in the smoke detector to the red wire (inter-connect)?
I have connected white to white and black to black.
Thanks, John.
Hi John - Great Electrical Repair Question! The red wire most likely attaches to the inter-connected line, however I would need to know the exact make and model of the smoke detector you are installing. The brand I install uses a yellow wire for the interconnect
Typically when the smoke detector goes into alarm the interconnect wire becomes energized, so yes you could get a shock in that situation.
»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.
See How to Wire it Right!
Learn more about How to Wire Outlets 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.
»
Click here to learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
«
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.
Electrical Code and Swimming Pool Light Fixtures GFCI Ground Fault Protection for Swimming Pool Lights: NEC Article 680-20, As described in this electrical question, anyone who enters the pool with this light on is in Danger of Potential Electrical Shock!
Electrical Code for Garage GFI Outlets and Receptacles How to Plan and Install Electrical Wiring for Garage Outlets and Lighting Circuits: Electrical Codes about GFCI protection for 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles in garages.
Upgrading Knob and Tube Electrical Wiring How can I replace knob and tube wiring? The Most Common Methods for Upgrading Knob and Tube Electrical Wiring, How to Upgrade Electrical Wiring for Light Fixtures and Switches.
Electrical Wiring and Landlord Tenants Rights We keep tripping a breaker and found that 7 lights and plugs all run off the GFI plug in the bath room. The apartment is about 60 years old. Is this electrical wiring normal?
Wiring a Switch and Outlet Combination How to Wire a Combo Switch Outlet: These switch outlets are pretty handy and once the wiring designations are understood the wiring can be a snap.
How Many Electrical Wires In a Junction Box How to Wire a Junction Box: Selecting a Junction Box for Electrical Wiring, The Basics of Electrical Junction Boxes, The number of wires that are allowed in a Junction Box.
Older Home Electrical Wiring Problems Working with Older Home Electrical Wiring: What To Do When an Inspection Reveals Older Home Electrical Wiring Problems.
RV Electrical Wiring Repairs Electrical Repairs for RV Electrical Wiring: We no longer have electricity to any lights in our slide out.
smoke detector - 1603
Check Out What Others Are Sharing at Ask the Electrician: If you get back to me with the remedy I will post how amazing this site is on Facebook. Diane from Nottingham, UK
Electrical Project Skill Level:
Beginner to Intermediate.
Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, Non-Metal Step Ladder, and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level of experience, ability to work with tools for install smoke detectors, and the available access to the project area. Electrical Safety:
Identify the electrical circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials:
Electrical parts and materials for smoke detector wiring projects should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections:
Installing additional electrical wiring for smoke detectors should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
This is a testing tool that 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.
This is great to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring, 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.
A wire stripping tool used 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.
I think your site offers the the clearest and best electrical information for homeowners I have ever seen on the net.You have given me confidence to do my own projects which I never had before. THANK YOU! Paul, from Foxboro, Massachusetts
I wish I found this site earlier, it is by far the best electrical related resource I have found on the web. George, from Scranton, Pennsylvania
I love this site for an office worker that does not know anything about electric wiring. Bill, from New York City, New York
This site is so much better than the 3 books I just bought, I wish I came here first. Collin, from Grand Rapids, Michigan
Thank you for answering my question.
I was able to get this done. This site is perfect. I am glad I found it. Please keep it going. Mike, from Chicago, Illinois