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).
It is preferable to have the same brand, but as long as they are compatible models they will still work; for residential smoke alarms NFPA allows it as long as they are compatible.
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.
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:
Updating Hardwired Smoke Detectors
The answer to this question depends on a few factors. In general, hardwired smoke detectors that are designed for the same voltage and are compatible with the same wiring configuration can be interchangeable. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind.
Absolutely! You can mix and match hardwired First Alert, BRK, and Onelink models.
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.
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.
*Kidde alarms interconnect with all Kidde, Fyrnetics, Nighthawk, Silhouette, and Lifesaver branded alarms, strobe lights, and relay modules with interconnect functionality.
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.
Smoke, Fire & Gas Detection FAQs
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.
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.
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.
The national average cost for installing a smoke detector is between $70 and $150, with most people paying around $112 to install a dual hardwired detector. At the low end of the spectrum, you pay around $44 for a battery-operated ionization detector.
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.
When interconnected smoke alarms are installed, it is important that all of the alarms are from the same manufacturer. If the alarms are not compatible, they may not sound.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Yes, you can replace your fire alarm yourself if your existing alarm has an easi-fit base, which means there is no need to remove or re-wire the baseplate. Replacing fire alarms is an easy process that is safe to carry out by yourself.
If you feel unsafe getting on a ladder to replace your hardwired smoke detector, call a licensed electrician or local handyman to knock this project off your to-do list.
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.