Replacing hard wired smoke detectors with battery operated

Do you have to replace a hard-Wired smoke detector? It is a common question among most smoke detector users. The answer is yes and this has to be done after every 10 years unless recommended otherwise by the manufacturer. The replacement process is as simple as removing the old smoke detector and replacing it with a new one. Following the manufacturer's guide procedure and considering all the precautions is important. You can seek confirmation from the manufacture if you have some doubts.

Q: In my home, I have many FireX smoke detector alarms which are more than a decade old. I would really like to replace them but am facing one serious challenge. The model had been discontinued and their adapter plug does not match the new models specifically at the wiring harness end. Whilst that the case am I supposed to hire a skilled electrician for the replacement purpose?

A: Although our user guide requires users to hire skilled electricians (their service cost is $250) for the replacement of hard wired detectors it may not be necessary for this case. There are different affordable adapters available from other manufacturers that can be used. Kiddle acquired FireX 3 years ago and presently has availed low-cost adapters whose wire harness can be connected with Kiddle, BRK and first alert detectors. They are available online and at different home centers.

Replace detector alarms every decade is the right approach. It is recommended to change CO detectors after 5 years and use interconnected smoke alarms with the dual-type sensors. They may be expensive but are more efficient than the stand-alone type.

Considerations When Replacing Hard-Wired Detectors

The first consideration is to be certain of the type of hard-Wired detector you intend to replace. Is it just a hard-Wired smoke alarm or it is hard-Wired combined with a rechargeable battery? Being sure about the same will help in averting confusion that may arise during the replacement process.

Secondly, you have to be well acquainted with the type of connector associated with the detector you intend to replace. Ensure when you buy a detector for replacement the connector has to be similar to the one that is being replaced. Some manufactures will give an adapter for easy connection between two different types.  However, you can search online to find detectors with compatible connectors and make your order for the same.

Thirdly, you can check if the smoke alarm is tied to the alarm system of your home. This will enable you to determine if the company can send one of their personnel to check the cause of failure. If the detector is within the warranty period the manufacture could send you a new one for replacement.

Replacing a Hard-Wired Detector

Step 1. Disconnect the old hard-Wired smoke alarm

Turn off the power, remove the old alarm, using a non-contact detector check to be certain the power is off, disconnect all the wires and remove the mounting plate attached to the junction box.

Step 2. Connect the new wired smoke alarm

Fix the mounting plate to the junction box firmly with screws. Connect the harness to the new smoke alarm. Connect the wires to the box and finally mount it to the plate.

Hard-Wired or 10-Year Battery-Powered Smoke Alarms

Hard-Wired alarm installation

Because they are connected to your home power supply switching of power is necessary before any maintenance activity. They can be interconnected with other hard-Wired detectors and therefore will require a skilled electrician for installation.

Battery-powered alarm installation

They can be purchased at all big box stores and are easy to install, they have batteries as their only power source and the batteries should often be replaced.

Replacing of hard wired smoke detectors has to be done in accordance to the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure your home is safe from fires. Inefficient Smoke Detectors Put Your Home a huge risk.

You may also like: 

• What Causes Smoke Alarms Intermittent and Consistent Chirping
• Why Is My Hard Wired Smoke Alarm Chirping?

One of the most important fixtures in your home for safety and peace of mind is a smoke detector. A combination smoke/carbon monoxide detector should be installed outside every bedroom, within 10 feet of the bedroom door for maximum efficiency.

How long have the smoke alarms been installed in your home? The National Fire Protection Association recommends that smoke detectors be replaced at least every 10 years. Over time, dust gathers inside the smoke detector, desensitizing the sensors. Even if a smoke alarm hasn’t reached the 10-year mark, if you notice a distinctive chirp even after you’ve replaced the batteries or if it doesn’t sound when you perform the recommended annual test of your fire alarm system, it’s time to change them out.

In general, two distinct types of smoke alarm systems may be located in your home: battery-powered and hardwired. Here’s a summary of how the two types of smoke detectors compare on several factors.

Maintenance & Installation

Battery-powered smoke alarms are easier to install. You can purchase them at any big box store and install them in a matter of minutes. With a simple replacement of the batteries, they’ll be operational once again—however, you will have to replace batteries often since this is their only power source.

Hardwired smoke alarms must be connected to your home’s power supply. To do any maintenance work, the power must be off at the main electrical panel before you begin and you should hire a professional electrician for installation. While more work is required to install them, hardwired smoke alarms can be interconnected, meaning if one smoke alarm is activated, it will engage all other alarms in your home. More on this below.

Interconnectability

Battery-powered smoke detectors are stand-alone appliances and will not chain together. With hardwired smoke detectors, they can be connected together so that if one goes off, they all are triggered. This interconnection can save precious minutes if a fire occurs in an area of your house and has a chance to spread before you are fully aware.

Dependability

Battery-powered smoke alarms operate solely through the power they receive from batteries. As batteries weaken, the alarm dulls as well. The length of time it takes to stop working entirely depends on how much battery life was left when the alarm began. Because hardwired smoke alarms are connected to the power supply, they will sound indefinitely until they are turned off. They often have battery backups to ensure they continue in the event the power supply is cut as well.

Our Recommendation: Hardwired Smoke Alarms

Hardwired smoke alarms, while they require slightly more work upfront, are the clear choice if you’re considering replacing your home’s smoke alarm system. You’ll hardly ever have to deal with the annoying “chirping” that occurs when a battery-powered smoke detector begins to go dead, and your entire family will be alerted in the event that a fire does occur since hardwire smoke detectors can be interconnected.

Which type is the right choice for you? If hardwired smoke alarms are in your future, we can help you install and replace your system today. Just give R.S. Andrews of Atlanta a call at 770-913-6412!

Related Reading:

• Common Problems with Smoke Detectors & How to Avoid Them
• Why Is My Hardwired Smoke Alarm Chirping?

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