Smoke Detector Wiring Connections

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. © By: Dave Rongey

How to Wire the Red Wire for the Smoke Detectors

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Electrical Question about Wiring Smoke Detectors:

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.