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.
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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.
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