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.
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.
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.
An electrician can interconnect smoke detectors using a three-way switch, which contains black, red and white wires. To interconnect the detectors, they simply connect the red wires from all the alarms together. It’s also possible to buy wireless interconnected smoke alarms.
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.
Interconnected alarms are safer
Interconnected smoke alarms are safer than standalone smoke alarms, because they let you know about an emergency sooner.
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.
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).
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.
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.
*Kidde alarms interconnect with all Kidde, Fyrnetics, Nighthawk, Silhouette, and Lifesaver branded alarms, strobe lights, and relay modules with interconnect functionality.
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.
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.
The interconnect system must not exceed the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association)limit of 18 initiation devices, of which 12 can be smoke alarms.
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.
If your existing detectors are ionization smoke alarms, you can purchase photoelectric smoke alarms and install one next to each ionization unit.
Although the electrical code doesn't require that hardwired smoke detectors be connected to their own dedicated circuit, it doesn't hurt to install a new circuit to power these detectors. Hardwired detectors are usually installed by splicing into a general lighting circuit or outlet circuit.
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.
You can also interconnect smoke detectors using a three-way switch with specific wire connections or opt for wireless interconnected smoke alarms. Listen: Test one alarm's button. If all the alarms join the cacophony, you've got an interconnected system!
Humidity, dust particles or small insects in the smoke chamber can cause false alarms; this can be solved by vacuuming the mesh and drying the smoke alarm. You may need to relocate your smoke alarm if it is too close to the kitchen, bathroom, air condition units or any other source of humidity.