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. Learn how to install and link hardwired interconnect alarms in our guides: How to Install a Hardwired Alarm.
No, you can't. Smoke alarms that are interconnected are only compatible with other models listed in the manufacturer's instructions.
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.
You cannot mix and match alarms from different manufacturers or different models of alarms from the same manufacturer. So just match the wiring at all the new alarms.
Hardwired interconnection
There are many 240 volt smoke alarms that can be interconnected by using an additional wire which is laid alongside the 240v wiring at the time of installation. This wire connects all the smoke alarms together so that if one activates they all do.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The same fuse or circuit breaker must power all interconnected units. The total length of wire interconnecting the units should be less than 1000 feet (300 meters). This type of wire is commonly available at Hardware and Electrical Supply stores. All wiring must conform to all local electrical codes and NFPA 70 (NEC).
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.
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.
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.
We do not recommend mixing different brands since we can only guarantee the performance of First Alert and BRK alarms. Everyone has their own requirements and needs will vary from house to house.
*Kidde alarms interconnect with all Kidde, Fyrnetics, Nighthawk, Silhouette, and Lifesaver branded alarms, strobe lights, and relay modules with interconnect functionality.
In 2009, Kidde Acquired the company FireX, which was owned by Invensys Controls.
Smoke alarms are generally required in residential settings. Hard-wired smoke alarms are required in all new construction in local jurisdictions that have adopted IRC standards.
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. It is the law.
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.
The Drawbacks
Firstly, wireless smoke alarms are generally battery-powered, so they require battery changes every few years. Otherwise, they may fail to detect a fire in the event of a power outage.
We continue to recommend the Google Nest Protect as the best choice for most people. It sends speedy alerts of smoke or carbon monoxide to your phone. A voice warning precedes the siren, so you can stop it from sounding if you know it's a false alarm (burnt toast again?).
One smoke alarm in every circulation space on each storey, such as hallways and landings. One heat alarm in every kitchen. All alarms should be interlinked. All alarms should be ceiling mounted.
Smoke, Fire & Gas Detection FAQs
Generally, the process for interlinking hardwired alarms is the same. Firstly, you need to make sure that the alarms you are purchasing are compatible with each other, as alarms from different manufacturers (in most cases) do not mix.
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. Battery radio frequency smoke alarms, such as UltraFire, Ei and Firehawk can also be interlinked.
Our pick for the most reliable smoke alarm is the Kidde Dual Sensor Smoke Detector PI9010, because it can detect different types of home fires, making it one of the more unusual smoke detectors out there. We've tested a wide range of smoke detector models and compiled a list of the best options for households.