If your home has hardwire connections, then you should replace the alarms with hardwired smoke alarms of the same manufacturer. You can use a different manufacturer, but this may require an electrician to come in and wire in a different plug (also see the interconnection section below).
Yes, you can mix different brands of smoke detectors, but there are a few important considerations to keep in mind: Compatibility: Ensure that the detectors are compatible in terms of technology.
All of the alarms operate off the same circuit from the fuse box and are normally connected using normal wire for three-way switches (see How Three-Way Switches Work for details -- this wiring contains black, white and red wires in a Romex casing).
Beginning at the first smoke detector box location, run 3-wire cable (with ground) to each subsequent smoke detector. The extra wire in these cables allows the smoke detectors to "talk" to one another, so that all detectors will sound the alarm when any of them detect smoke or fire.
Mixing Kidde and First Alert smoke detectors is generally not recommended. While both brands produce reliable smoke detectors, they may use different technologies, signaling methods, and compatibility standards. Here are a few key points to consider:
Overall, we recommend the First Alert SA3210 because it combines photoelectric and ionization sensors that detect low and smoky fires as well as high flames. It's also battery-operated, so it's easy to install. If you're looking for a bargain, the Kidde I9030 is a basic smoke detector that does the job at low cost.
Clean The Alarm
Dust and debris can affect the alarm. As far as it is concerned, the spider web or speck of dust that is obscuring the sensor is a potential fire and therefore the alarm needs to be sounded. The easiest way to clean an alarm is to run a vacuum cleaner over the vent.
Can I install a hardwired smoke detector myself? While it is technically possible, it is not recommended. Working with your home's electrical system can be dangerous and complex, best left to a qualified electrician.
It may just be dirty, you can blow it out with canned air, but if it continues then replace. If the smoke alarms are over 10 years old, they should be replaced anyway. Clear the active detector by pressing the test button, don't hold it or it will go back into alarm. The red led should return to normal.
The National Fire Alarm Code (NFPA 72) requires hard-wired, interconnected smoke alarms with battery back-up on every level of the home, outside each sleeping area, and inside each bedroom. Alarms must be wired together so that if one sounds, they all sound.
When interconnected smoke alarms are installed, it is important that all the alarms are from the same manufacturer or are listed as compatible (see manufacturer's instructions for compatible alarms). If the alarms are not compatible, they may not sound.
If your home was built after 1986, it will have at least one hard wired smoke alarm connected directly to your electrical panel. It is not acceptable to replace a hard wired alarm with one that is battery operated. A home must maintain at least the same level of protection as originally required.
Common Causes of Beeping in Hard-Wired Smoke Detectors
Low battery: Even hard-wired smoke alarms have backup batteries that need replacing periodically. A low battery can cause that annoying beeping sound. Dust buildup: Dust and debris inside the smoke detector can trigger false alarms.
The Kiddie and FireX Alarm models listed have been tested and are interconnect compatible: 1235, 1275, 1276, 1285, i12020, i12040, i12060, i12080, i4618, PE120, PI2000, KN-COSM-IB, KN-COB-IC, KN-COP-IC, AND RF-SM-ACDC.
Some hardwired smoke detectors are designed to work with a specific type of wiring configuration, such as a series or parallel setup. If your existing smoke detectors are wired in a particular way, you'll need to make sure that any new smoke detectors you install are compatible with that configuration.
Since no one can predict what type of fire might start in their home, the U.S. Fire Administration recommends that every home and place where people sleep have: Both ionization AND photoelectric smoke alarms, OR. Dual-sensor smoke alarms, which contain both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, most alarms have a life span of 8-10 years. After this time, the entire unit should be replaced. Most alarms have the date of manufacture inside the unit. If you cannot find the date, replace it.
Electrical Issues: Faulty wiring or low battery voltage can make your smoke detector act erratically. Ensure you change the batteries as recommended by the manufacturer, typically every six months. If you have hardwired detectors, schedule regular maintenance to check for any electrical issues.
If your smoke detectors are yellowing, chirping non-stop, or going off unexpectedly, it's time to call in our electrical pros from Integrity Home Solutions. We can inspect and replace hardwired smoke detectors or install them if you don't have them in place already. Don't take a chance on your family's safety.
So, if you're asking yourself, “Do I need an electrician to replace hardwired smoke detectors?” the answer is absolutely yes.
Absolutely! You can mix and match hardwired First Alert, BRK, and Onelink models. All of our current models use the same wiring harness and connector. We do not recommend mixing different brands since we can only guarantee the performance of First Alert and BRK alarms.
Smoke detector installation costs $70 to $150 for most homeowners, and the average cost is $115. A pro can give you more specifics based on the number of smoke detectors you need, their quality, and where they're at in your home.
We typically attribute smoke detector false alarms at night to one of two factors: low battery power and a drop in the home's air temperature, or an environmental factor such as high humidity, steam, or smoke particles in the air.
In 2009, Kidde Acquired the company FireX, which was owned by Invensys Controls. In March 2009, 9 models of Kidde XL fire extinguishers manufactured from October 2007 through April 2008 were recalled due to failure of operation.
Green Light: The green LED will be lit continuously or flash every 30 seconds to indicate the unit is operating properly. In Hush® mode the LED blinks every 2 seconds and once per second if it is the initiating alarm.