If you want detectors you can depend on that don't run the risk of faulty batteries, then hard wiring them is the way to go. We do suggest having backup batteries in the case of a power outage, but a hardwired smoke or CO alarm will otherwise always be functional and will keep you and your family safe.
As it's unlikely that both the power and battery will fail at the same time, hard wired smoke alarms offer an extremely reliable form of protection. Furthermore, because hardwired smoke alarms are connected to the power supply, they will sound indefinitely until they are turned off.
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.
If you're considering upgrading your smoke alarms, you might want to look into hard-wired photoelectric rechargeable smoke alarms. These state-of-the-art devices eliminate the need for frequent battery changes, providing you with peace of mind for the entire lifespan of the alarm.
We always recommend dual sensor alarms that have both photoelectric and ionization sensors for this reason. They detect both types of fires better. Most alarms have one or the other. Very few have both unfortunately.
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.
Smoke alarm types
Ten-year sealed battery smoke alarms are the best option for most people. Smoke alarms with one year batteries need a new battery every year, which is easy to forget.
"Replace all smoke alarms, including those that use ten-year batteries and hard-wired alarms, when they are ten years old or sooner if they don't respond properly when tested." Each smoke detector should be replaced 10 years after the date of installation.
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.
Plug-in detectors are way different from hardwired smoke detectors. They differ in terms of where they get power from, how they operate and how long they last.
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.
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.
Ionization vs photoelectric
An ionization smoke alarm is generally more responsive to flaming fires (imagine a fire where you can see the flame), while a photoelectric smoke alarm is generally more responsive to smoking, smoldering fires (such as a cigarette).
Wireless smoke alarm systems must be battery operated. The batteries must be capable of powering normal device operation for one year and have an audible low battery signal. A signal between smoke alarms must be transmitted at least every 200 seconds.
More than 3/4 of smoke detector failures can be traced to missing/dead batteries or failure of hardwired power. Approximately 10% of smoke detector failures are attributed to lack of maintenance, improper placement, or a defective unit. Smoke detector failure can also be caused by painting over smoke detectors.
Mains Wired Alarms Are Best
The only advantages of battery-powered smoke alarms are that they are cheaper, can be installed anywhere (not limited by cable placement) and don't require an Electrician.
Reliability: Hardwired smoke detectors are renowned for their reliability. They are directly connected to your home's electrical system, ensuring a constant power source. It means they are less likely to fail due to dead batteries, providing continuous fire protection throughout.
If you find it's about time to replace your smoke alarm, you are probably asking yourself “Do I need an electrician to replace hardwired smoke detectors?” The answer is yes, as handling electrical circuits can be risky without proper knowledge.
Hardwired smoke detectors can still beep even if there is no battery. Possibly the backup battery might have been activated and that can signal a problem. The backup battery may have run out and that is causing your hardwired smoke detector to chirp.
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.
In 1989 NFPA 74 first required smoke alarms to be interconnected in every new home construction, and 1993 NFPA 72 first required that smoke alarms be installed in all bedrooms. The NFPA began requiring the replacement of smoke detectors after ten years in 1999.
First, try the reset button on each smoke alarm. If that doesn't work, flip the circuit breaker off and on. If that fails, you may have to disconnect the smoke alarms and remove the backup batteries inside them one by one. (The batteries are there to protect you during a power outage.)
These ionization smoke alarms are alerting tens of minutes slower than the other type, photoelectric smoke alarms, in the deadly smoldering stage of a fire. They are also more prone to nuisance false alarms from ordinary cooking and steam from showers.
If the electricity in your home goes out, these alarms automatically switch to their secondary power source, the backup battery. The backup battery should power the alarm for a minimum of 7 days without electricity to keep your home protected. Modern hardwired alarms require a battery backup.
Fit smoke alarms on a ceiling (or high up on a wall, if the instructions state it is suitable for wall mounting). Make sure you fit an appropriate alarm in every room where there's a fire risk. Follow the instructions that come with the alarm when it comes to installation– they all work in different ways.