All modern hardwired
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.
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.
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:
Battery-powered smoke detectors are stand-alone units. But if you have AC-powered smoke detectors in your home and your home has been built in the last 10 years in the U.S., chances are they are wired together to intercommunicate.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In 2009, Kidde Acquired the company FireX, which was owned by Invensys Controls.
If your existing detectors are ionization smoke alarms, you can purchase photoelectric smoke alarms and install one next to each ionization unit.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ionization sensing technology is generally more sensitive than photoelectric sensing technology at detecting small particles, which tend to be produced in greater amounts by flaming fires. These types of fires consume combustible materials rapidly and spread quickly.
Low Battery or End-of-Life: This type of chirp indicates it is time to replace your smoke alarm's batteries or the smoke alarm itself.
To be installed correctly, hardwired smoke detectors require more than just the common sense needed to install battery-operated smoke detectors. To ensure they function seamlessly and avoid potential dangers, these units need to be replaced and installed by a licensed electrician.
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.
Several common causes can explain why your hard-wired smoke detector is beeping: 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.
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.
The manufacturer of Firex® branded products was acquired by Kidde in 2009. Invensys Controls no longer manufactures or supports these products.
The recalled units are Kidde Model Series 2040, 2050, 2060 and 2070 Smoke and Combination Smoke/Carbon Monoxide alarms. Only alarms with the TruSense logo or “AMBER=FAULT” printed on the front of the alarm are included in this recall. The model number is printed on the back of the alarm.