Replace hardwired smoke detector 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?

My house was built in 2004 and came with fire alarms pre-installed and hardwired. The alarms also use a 9V battery backup, so we have to replace the batteries regularly (not an easy task with 9 ft ceilings, neither of us is exceptionally tall).

It's time to replace the alarms, and we were looking at the 10 year sealed lithium battery units (so we don't have to replace the batteries, we can test the alarms with a broom handle easily enough), but they don't seem to come in a hardwire variant.

Should we do something with the wires that are coming out of the ceiling? Would it be safe to not have them hooked up to anything? The circuit that feeds the alarms also powers the master bedroom (this house was built during the construction boom and it's terrible).

Would we loose any functionality by not using the hardwires?

asked Jan 17, 2014 at 19:23

2

Bad idea. Since the hard wiring was a building code requirement, a change could readily give your insurance company an excuse not to pay in case of a fire.

In addition your detectors are interconnected, so they all go off together. Wireless connected models are not available with ten year batteries ( I wrote on this topic at http://www.squidoo.com/you-have-three-minutes-to-escape-linking-home-smoke-alarms )

Instead consider pairing new detectors with ultra long life 9V or AA lithium batteries: such batteries cost more but last longer. And it's worth highlighting: smoke detector electronics generally come with a ten year rated lifespan (dating to 2004, as you note, yours are due for replacement).

Perhaps part of the problem was detectors that eat batteries? The hardwire alarm batteries only come into play when power is out: a two or three year lifetime for each battery is the minimum you should expect, even from a conventional alkaline.

answered Jan 17, 2014 at 19:52

BryceBryce

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Many jurisdictions mandate hardwired alarms because people forget to change batteries. You should check with your local building authority about the requirements.

If you change something away from code, in addition to the risk, you many also be jeopardizing your insurance coverage.

answered Jan 17, 2014 at 19:33

bibbib

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I agree with the previous comments about not disconnecting the hard-wired. As a Certifed Fire Inspector, I would call this out as a violation and would also tell you that you are putting your family at risk since currently if one alarm sounds, you are warned throughout the house. Secondarily, it is not necessary to choose one over the other. The leading companies sell hard-wired smoke detectors with the 10-year batteries, so simply purchase the correct version. They are sold at your local big-box stores and several online retailers.

answered Mar 29, 2017 at 20:14

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