2020 Update Show
Although this article is over a year old, all of the information is still relevant. It can be important to know how to replace a hard wired smoke detector; scroll down to find out how. Aside from the obvious benefit of never hearing the irritating and constant ‘chirp’ of a low or faulty battery, a hard-wired smoke detector provides a greater level of safety for your family. A dead battery puts you at risk, while smoke detectors powered by electricity (with battery backups) will fulfill home safety and fire regulations. Another benefit of a hard-wired smoke detector is its ability to interface with your monitored home security system. Monitored smoke detectors not only sound an alarm, but they will also contact the fire department. A quick response to household or business fires can help save lives and property. Keep in mind that like all mechanical and electrical home products, they have a certain life cycle and may fail eventually. The Consumer Reports Agency states that smoke detectors should be fully replaced after 10 years, as that’s when their sensors will start to lose their sensitivity, putting your home at risk. Before Replacing Your Hard-Wired Smoke DetectorReplacing your hard-wired smoke detector means you’re about to handle electrical work. Therefore, the procedure should be done with caution and thorough attention to detail. If possible, refer to your smoke detector’s user manual. If you run into additional questions or are unsure about something, seek confirmation before continuing the task. You can also find guidance by calling your smoke detector’s manufacturer. How To Replace A Hard-Wired Smoke DetectorFirst, make sure you shut off the power to the detector’s circuit at the main electrical panel. Then, unscrew the old detector from it ceiling or wall mount. After that, take note of the three wires as you detach them from the old smoke detector: black = 120V Power, white = Neutral, and red or yellow are the interconnecting circuit wires. Keep in mind, if the wires are contained within a plastic plug, detach the plug, then remove the old mounting plate and any wire harness connected to your home wiring. After that, install the new wire harness by matching the connections to the black, white, and red house wires. Then, twist the metal wires to make a good connection and secure with electrical tape or wire caps. NOTE: For two-wire detectors – connect the black to black, and white to white. Then screw the new mounting plate in place and bring the newly attached wiring harness out. Attach the new smoke detector plug to its receptacle from the wall/ceiling and install the backup batteries in the new smoke detector head and screw onto base. Next, turn the power back on and test the smoke detector via its “test” button. How Often Should Hard-Wired Smoke Detectors Be Replaced?As mentioned before, smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years. After about a decade, your sensors will become weak and less efficient, which makes it less likely for them to perform their most basic function: detecting smoke in your home. Even if your detector is older than 10 years and seems to respond to the routine test applications, you will still need to replace the device. The smoke detector’s test buttons may only be confirming that other components within the device (such as the battery, electronics, and alert system) are working. Finally, if you just moved into a new home with a pre-existing smoke detector, call a technician to verify the age of your device. Complete Fire, Safety, and Theft ProtectionWhile replacing your hard-wired smoke detector is pretty straightforward, protecting your property and family can sometimes seem overwhelming. Brinks Home™ delivers dependable and comprehensive home safety services. Contact us to discuss a monitored home security system which can include smoke detectors, 24/7 in-home surveillance, door and window sensors, and motion detectors – all delivered with an easy DIY installation package or set up by trained professionals depending on your preference. Lauren Slade is a Dallas-based writer and editor. House fires are a serious danger. Many fatalities occur during fires at night, in homes that either don't have a smoke detector or have a non-functional one installed. Maintaining your smoke detectors properly can cut the chances of dying in a house fire significantly. Learn more about how to maintain your smoke detectors to protect your life and property.
Add New Question
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Video
ReferencesAbout this articleArticle SummaryX To change the batteries in your non-wired smoke detector, start by removing the detector from its mounting on the ceiling either by twisting or sliding it out. Then, open the covering to access the battery inside. Make sure you check to see which type of battery your detector needs, since it will fail if you replace the existing battery with the wrong kind. When you install the new battery, make sure the negative and positive terminals match up with the markings on the detector before closing the cover. Before you return your smoke detector to its mounting, press the button on the detector to test the battery and make sure you’ve installed it correctly. For tips on how to change a battery in a wire smoke detector, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 555,744 times. Did this article help you?How do you stop a hardwired smoke detector from chirping?Wired Alarms. Shut off your home's main power breaker.. Disconnect the alarm unit's power cable.. Take the alarm down.. Take out the backup battery.. Hold the test button for 15 seconds to drain any residual charge.. Re-install or replace the backup battery.. Reconnect the alarm to the power cable.. Replace the alarm.. Why is my smoke alarm chirping if it's hard wired?Most hard-wired smoke detectors use a 9-volt battery that is supposed to kick in if your home loses electricity. When that battery is running low, your detector alerts you with a chirp that it's running low. Replacing the battery solves the problem.
Do hard wired smoke detectors have batteries?Some smoke detectors rely exclusively on batteries for power, but hardwired smoke detectors have a battery that provides power only in the event of an electricity outage, such as could happen during a power outage or other event that interrupts the electrical circuit.
|