What Is a Hardwired Smoke Detector?

Selecting a smoke detector can quite literally be a matter of life and death. Understanding the difference between smoke detector systems will help you make the best choice to keep your family safe in the event of a house fire.

What Is a Hardwired Smoke Detector?

A hardwired smoke detector is actually a smoke alarm system that’s interconnected to a 120-volt circuit. Whereas standard smoke detectors run solely off battery power, hardwired smoke detectors are wired directly into your home’s electrical system. Because all alarms sound when one is triggered, hardwired smoke alarms are ideal for multi-level homes, apartment buildings, and commercial structures. However, this interconnectedness can also add an extra layer of protection to smaller homes.

Benefits of a Hardwired Smoke Detector

With so many options to choose from, finding the perfect smoke alarm system can be a daunting choice for homeowners. Hardwired smoke alarms have a few key benefits that set them apart from other smoke alarm systems:

• Interconnectedness: If one hardwired smoke alarm detects a fire even in a distant corner of your home (think basement work area or garage), all alarms throughout your home will sound. An early warning about a fire can save precious minutes during a fire.
• Dependability: Hardwired alarms are more dependable than other smoke alarms. While they primarily rely on your home’s electrical system, they also have a battery backup in case your home loses electricity during a fire. In a study of household fires conducted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, hardwired smoke detectors were more likely to operate properly in a house fire.
   

How to Install or Replace a Hardwired Smoke Detector

Hardwired smoke detectors are installed by cutting squares in the home’s upper walls or ceiling, then running the necessary electrical wires to connect the smoke detector mounting brackets to the home’s electrical system. If one smoke detector fails, it’s not necessary to replace all smoke detectors in a hardwired system, but odds are that all the detectors were installed at the same time and if one needs replacement, they all do.

Installing or replacing a hardwired smoke detector system is a complicated process that involves tricky wiring work and advanced tools. While installing battery-operated smoke detectors is a safe and manageable task for most homeowners, it’s best to hire a trained professional to install or replace a hardwired smoke alarm system. Working with electricity is dangerous and is best left up to the licensed professionals at Aire Serv™.

These days, many states mandate the installation of hardwired smoke alarm systems as part of major remodeling or new construction jobs because hardwired systems provide the maximum, most reliable protection possible.

Aire Serv’s expert service professionals can install interconnected hardwired smoke alarm systems and carbon monoxide detectors in your home to keep your family safe from harm in case of emergency.

Call Aire Serv today or request an appointment online to take the next steps to improve your home’s safety. With professional service from Aire Serv’s qualified technicians, you can breathe easy knowing that your family is safe.