Hardwired Smoke Detectors.

[Junkman]

While doing the home renovation, I know that I will need hard-wired smoke detectors; however, I have zero knowledge about them. I tried searching the web to gain some knowledge, but couldn't find any information about installation or where they need to be located. Could you please provide a brief overview of how they are installed and recommend some of the better brands to purchase? I have no intention of cutting corners on these important items. I intend to live out the rest of my days in this home when it is done. I has to be done correctly, right from the beginning. thanks.

 

[mm08822]

They are interconnected with 14-3. 2 wires provide 120vac and the 3rd wire is to cause all to sound off if 1 or more detect fire/smoke. Good idea to include a carbon monoxide detector in the mix.

They should be changed out at no more than 10 year intervals.

I haven't had problems with Kidde.

 

[DGersic]

While doing the home renovation, I know that I will need hard-wired smoke detectors; however, I have zero knowledge about them. I tried searching the web to gain some knowledge, but couldn't find any information about installation or where they need to be located.

Check your local electrical code. Here they’re required in every bedroom and in the hallway. In my house, that means that I have four of them in a 6’ radius.

 

[mm08822]

Check your local electrical code. Here they’re required in every bedroom and in the hallway. In my house, that means that I have four of them in a 6’ radius.

Today, same here and each level. It should be the fire code.

 

[Bad Habit]

Check your local electrical code. Here they’re required in every bedroom and in the hallway. In my house, that means that I have four of them in a 6’ radius.

Those are some small bedrooms...

 

[mm08822]

Those are some small bedrooms...

Nope......could be any size.....the doors of each are in close proximity in the hallway.

 

[DGersic]

Those are some small bedrooms...

I have a 6’ x 8’ “hallway” with a doorway to the living room, three doors to bedrooms, a doorway to bathroom, and a door to a closet. There is a smoke in the approximate middle of the hallway, and one in the entrance to each bedroom.

There is also a smoke/CO detector in the basement.

 

[johnre]

These are very reliable and highly tested and qualified products, so just get a well known brand at the best price you can find.

I got a four-pack of First Alert detectors like these from Costco; they replaced the original set that came with the home when new. And staying with the same brand assured that the mounting plate was already the correct size, and replacement was very easy.



You can download the instruction sheet from their website; that should tell you all you need to know.

 

[Junkman]

These are very reliable and highly tested and qualified products, so just get a well known brand at the best price you can find.

I got a four-pack of First Alert detectors like these from Costco; they replaced the original set that came with the home when new. And staying with the same brand assured that the mounting plate was already the correct size, and replacement was very easy.



You can download the instruction sheet from their website; that should tell you all you need to know.

I went to the product instruction sheet, and it provided a lot of information; however, it didn't specify the gauge wire to use. Can someone give me this information? It did refer to various fire codes; however, I haven't found any of them.
When I built my home over 40 years ago, the smoke alarms were hardwired to the Ademco alarm panel. If one went off, it would sound an alarm, and the alarm panel would dial the fire department for a response. After the second false alarm, with a full fire department response, I removed the hard-wired units and installed all battery-operated units. The burglar alarm was a lot less of a problem. When we added an addition, one of the wires was accidentally cut, disabling the entire system. It was abandoned at that point.
I believe that I still have at least 50% of the original wire left over in the cellar still on the spool. I think that it was 14-gauge stranded wire with a red jacket. Could that still be used if it has the correct amount of wires inside the jacket?

 

[mike93lx]

it didn't specify the gauge wire to use. Can someone give me this information

It's in post 2. Use 14-3 NM-B (Romex)

 

[PCustoms]

It's in post 2. Use 14-3 NM-B (Rome)

When in Rome, do as the Romans do and use Romex

 

[mike93lx]

When in Rome, do as the Romans do and use Romex

New phone...damn autocorrect reset

 

[dave*99]

These are very reliable and highly tested and qualified products, so just get a well known brand at the best price you can find.

I got a four-pack of First Alert detectors like these from Costco; they replaced the original set that came with the home when new. And staying with the same brand assured that the mounting plate was already the correct size, and replacement was very easy.



You can download the instruction sheet from their website; that should tell you all you need to know.

Note that these are only smoke detectors. Bedrooms and hallways should have combination smoke/CO detectors where applicable.

 

[PCustoms]

My assumption is the specific requirements will be listed here:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/das/office-of-state-building-inspector/2022-state-codes/2022-csfsc-final.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjwpInSlKaQAxVylokEHb0xB6MQFnoECEoQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2yxRfctut7unCmJStDwpLw

VT is pretty easy, they have a basic fact sheet broken down by private home and commercial. At the end of the day it's pets choice in your house, but why skimp?

At a high level, if you have fuel burning appliances a CO detector is going to be required, typically in/near the bedroom but also tied to what level the appliance is on. From there a smoke for every bedroom.

But find the specifics. May be part of town code.

 

[Treeman]

I just learned that CO detectors generally have a lifespan of 5 to 7 years compared to smoke detectors having a lifespan of 8 to 10 years. You might want to consider that in deciding about combination units vs. separate. Also consider the best placement of CO detectors vs. smoke detectors.

I also learned that new smoke detector standards went into effect in 2024, so be careful to buy ones that meet the newest, supposedly better standards.

 

[dave*99]

I just installed 4 Kidde smoke/CO detectors with a claimed 10 year lifespan. Hardwired/interconnected with battery backup.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDWD28CL?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[dscheidt]

I just learned that CO detectors generally have a lifespan of 5 to 7 years compared to smoke detectors having a lifespan of 8 to 10 years. You might want to consider that in deciding about combination units vs. separate. Also consider the best placement of CO detectors vs. smoke detectors.

I also learned that new smoke detector standards went into effect in 2024, so be careful to buy ones that meet the newest, supposedly better standards.

the 2025 edition of the NFPA fire alarm code prohibits placing a smoke alarm within a few feet of a cooking appliance unless it meets an improved nuisance alarm standard, which was introduced a few years ago in the 8th edition of UL 217 (which is the UL standard for smoke alarms). I believe the 9th ediditon is current, which has a bunch of changes for faster detection of fires. If you buy smokes from a reputable supplier (not Amazon or ebay...), you'd probably be hard pressed to find one that doesn't comply. Many places also require 10 year batteries, that are not field removable. (those are nice anyway, and don't add much to the price. I had one replaced under warranty because the battery failed.)

 

[TRWham]

The required locations are listed in the International Residential Code. The sections were R314 and R315 in the 2018 IRC, but are now R310 and R311 in 2024. You need a smoke detector in each sleeping area and on each floor, plus a CO detector outside the door of each sleeping area "in the immediate vicinity," but that is not defined in the code. In our area that is usually required to be within 10' and normally a combination smoke/CO unit is used to meet the requirements for both the bedrooms and floors without additional units. In my experience, the very first thing checked on an electrical rough inspection is the rough-ins for the detectors and they will fail you and stop inspecting if they are missing or incorrect.

The system must be powered from the building wiring, so only cable suitable for line voltage (120 V) would work. If the cable you have is only rated for low voltage, it is probably not going to be usable.

 

[rharman]

@Junkman - Your red wire from the Ademco system is likely 18ga as the detectors are powered from the alarm panel. Definitely not suitable for A/C detectors.

 

[Junkman]

After reading this thread, I started searching for 14-3 wire for the smoke detectors. All the wires listed specifically for smoke detectors are two-wire. Is a 14-3 standard Romex light blue wire suitable for use with the smoke detectors? I want to make sure that they use the correct wire for the smoke and CO2 detectors.

 

[sparky 1971]

After reading this thread, I started searching for 14-3 wire for the smoke detectors. All the wires listed specifically for smoke detectors are two-wire. Is a 14-3 standard Romex light blue wire suitable for use with the smoke detectors? I want to make sure that they use the correct wire for the smoke and CO2 detectors.

Yes 14/3 romex is what you need and as long as the smoke and CO detectors are the same brand everything will work together. Mixing brands may or may not work; I've never tried but have heard differing opinions.

 

[mm08822]

After reading this thread, I started searching for 14-3 wire for the smoke detectors. All the wires listed specifically for smoke detectors are two-wire. Is a 14-3 standard Romex light blue wire suitable for use with the smoke detectors? I want to make sure that they use the correct wire for the smoke and CO2 detectors.

Use 14-3 NM-B (Romex). It may be a white jacket or possibly blue - depends on mfr. READ THE PKG LABEL.
Not sure where you are finding 2 wire (only needed) for interconnected models.
This clearly shows 3 wires needed. Either you are in over your head or you are too busy to read......SMH.

 

[DGersic]

Either you are in over your head or you are too busy to read......SMH.

I think he’s over his head, but he’s trying. He seems to be looking specifically for “smoke detector wire”, and is not getting the idea that these don’t use ”smoke detector wire”, they use standard 14/3 Romex, a product intended for general purpose electrical wiring.

 

[PCustoms]

After reading this thread, I started searching for 14-3 wire for the smoke detectors. All the wires listed specifically for smoke detectors are two-wire. Is a 14-3 standard Romex light blue wire suitable for use with the smoke detectors? I want to make sure that they use the correct wire for the smoke and CO2 detectors.

If you're paying for someone to do they work why aren't you letting them worry about these details?

 

[Junkman]

If you're paying for someone to do they work why aren't you letting them worry about these details?

The last time I trusted a contractor to do the correct thing, he cut costs and used 1/2" M copper pipe where the instructions specifically called for 3/4" L piping. By the time I caught up with it, the job was completed, and he had been paid.