Can you interconnect different smoke alarms?

Author: Mikel Feest  |  Last update: Thursday, June 26, 2025

In the past, interconnection had to be hard wired between smoke/carbon monoxide alarms. Now smoke/CO alarms can be interconnected wirelessly, without requiring expensive retrofits. With wireless interconnect, you can easily retrofit existing homes and get them up to code.

Can different smoke detectors be interconnected?

An electrician can interconnect smoke detectors using a three-way switch, which contains black, red and white wires.

Can you interlink different smoke alarms?

Yes, they do talk to each other and they are standardized. So it does not matter which brands you install. As long as they are wired correctly, when one goes off they all will. Of course we are talking about modern wiring, some houses were not wired to allow for the detectors to signal to the others.

Can you mix brands of interlinked smoke alarms?

You'll need to contact deta to see if there are any compatible models that will work interlinked to the others. You can't mix and match brands with interlinked detectors.

Can you mix different types of smoke detectors?

Yes, they do talk to each other and they are standardized. So it does not matter which brands you install. As long as they are wired correctly, when one goes off they all will. Of course we are talking about modern wiring, some houses were not wired to allow for the detectors to signal to the others.

There are two types of smoke alarm. One of 'em ain't so good.

Can you interconnect Kidde and First Alert smoke detectors?

First Alert ADK-12 BRK/Kidde Smoke Alarm Adapter Plugs

The BRK ADK-12 Smoke Alarm Adapter Plug 12pk easily connects competitive alarms without rewiring. This product is compatible with BRK and Kidde Smoke Alarms and saves time and installation costs when retrofitting existing homes or apartments.

Do smoke detectors have to be linked together?

Smoke Alarms should be installed in all escape routes, principle habitable rooms (lounge/living room/bedroom) and Heat Alarms within the kitchen. These need to be interconnected, Hardwired Devices via Radio Frequency.

How do I make my smoke detectors interconnected?

When making the connections, black wires should be wired together, and white wires should be wired together. Any red wires should be connected to the interconnect wire with the smoke detector, which is usually a yellow wire and should be listed in the manufacturer's manual.

Are wireless interconnected smoke detectors to code?

Like wired smoke detection systems, wireless smoke detectors are code compliant when they meet NFPA standards. The NFPA 72 sets out certain requirements for wireless smoke detector manufacturing, installation and testing which must be met in order to be code compliant.

Are combination smoke alarms good?

Dual-sensor smoke detectors are recommended for most areas. If you find false alarms annoying, you may want to use a photoelectric smoke detector near your kitchen or bathroom, but choose a dual-sensor option for the rest of your home.

Are interconnected smoke alarms worth it?

Interconnected smoke alarms are safer than standalone smoke alarms, because they let you know about an emergency sooner. Even if you're in the house, you may not be close to the area where the fire started. If you're in the basement, you may not hear an alarm in the bedroom.

How to sync smoke alarms?

How to pair multiple smoke alarms
  1. Prepare the detectors which you need to pair. Select one detector to go into “sending mode”. ...
  2. Press and hold the test button on the other. detectors for approximately 1 second, release. ...
  3. The “sending” & “learning” detectors will both. ...
  4. After completing the pairing process, press.

Can you mix mains smoke alarms?

FireAngel's Pro Connected range is the only range that allows you to build a network of mains powered and battery powered devices, and have them interlinked so that: If one alarm detects danger the alert will be heard across all the alarms in the network.

How can I tell if my smoke alarms are interconnected?

In an interconnected installation, all interconnected alarms should sound when the test feature on any one of the interconnected alarms is activated. On smoke only models, the sound will stop immediately once your finger is removed from the test button.

Why did my fire alarm randomly go off in the middle of the night?

Why did my fire alarm randomly go off in the middle of the night? This is likely due to one of the common causes like low battery, dirt buildup, humidity, or insects interfering with the sensor. Test the alarm and clean it thoroughly to try and resolve the issue. Make sure batteries are fresh and secure.

What is the best smoke detector to buy?

  • Top pick. First Alert SM500V Interconnected Battery-Operated Smoke Alarm with Voice Alerts. ...
  • Best for... First Alert SMCO500V Interconnected Battery-Operated Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Voice Alerts. ...
  • Best for... First Alert SM210 10-Year Sealed Battery Smoke Alarm with Slim Profile Design.

Can you interconnect different brands of smoke alarms?

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.

Do you really need to replace smoke detectors every 10 years?

Test smoke alarms every month by pressing their test buttons. If your alarms use regular batteries, swap in fresh batteries at least once a year. A “chirping” sound means that it's time to change batteries. Because alarm sensors wear out, replace each alarm at least every 10 years.

What smoke detector do firemen recommend?

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.

Can smoke alarms be interconnected wirelessly?

Whole Home Protection with First Alert Wireless Interconnected Smoke and CO Alarms. First Alert interconnected alarms talk to each other so if one smoke or co alarm sounds they all do. Create a mesh network of fire and carbon monoxide detection within your home and be warned faster of any danger before it is to late...

Can you mix and match smoke detectors?

All modern hardwired First Alert, Onelink, and BRK alarms use the same wiring technology, and can interconnect. It's also safe to mix and match several types of hardwired detector, like a photoelectric smoke alarm near the kitchen and a heat detector near the garage.

Can you link smoke alarms?

All mains powered smoke alarms can be interlinked, as well as some battery alarms. Mains powered smoke alarms can be interlinked via a radio signal (for RF alarms) or via a signal wire for alarms that do not have RF, such as Kidde, Aico Ei & FireAngel.

How many smoke alarms do I need in a 3 bedroom house?

According to the United States Department of Homeland Security, and the California Building Code, at least one smoke detector needs to be placed in each of the following areas of your home: On Every Floor Level. In Every Bedroom. In Every Hallway Outside of a Bedroom.

Which is better, wired or wireless smoke detectors?

Don't prioritize savings over safety. Although wireless smoke detectors are typically more affordable than hardwired smoke alarms, saving money shouldn't come at the cost of your safety. The small cost difference between the two options is well worth the added protection that wired systems provide.

Do smoke alarms have to be interconnected?

Interconnection of smoke alarms: 3.7. 5.2(d) requires that alarms be interconnected to provide a common alarm so that if one alarm in the dwelling activates, the other alarms automatically activate, which will increase the likelihood of sleeping occupants becoming aware of the detection of smoke.

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