Smoke Alarms and Smoke Detector Wiring

How to Know Which Type of Smoke Detector to Use

Smoke Detector Types and Home Protection
Electrical Question: My house is hard wired for the smoke alarms, do I have to use hard wired smoke alarms. I have some battery only smoke alarms I could use.

Background: Rick, a Homeowner from Sartell, MN

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Rick.

How to Know Which Type of Smoke Detector to Use

If your home is wired for smoke alarms then replace them with the same type.
If you were to replace a hardwired smoke alarm or smoke detector with a battery only type then this would prevent the whole smoke alarm system from providing the type of annunciation that is capable of providing.
A typical hardwired smoke detector is 120 volts with a 9 volt battery backup.
The smoke detectors are interconnected, meaning that if one goes off they all go off.
This may sound like a very annoying type of alarm system, but believe me, this is the best system and it helps save lives and may reduce damage to the home because of this early warning alarm feature.

Smoke Detectors

Smoke Detectors
Take the mystery out of smoke detector wiring. Smoke alarms provide the earliest warning of both fire and smoke.

This link is helpful as a Homeowner
Do-It-Yourself Electrical

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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

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Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs

Please Note:
Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects:

Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor.

Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.

Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area.

Precaution:
Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Important:
Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.