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How to Install Hardwired Smoke Detectors for Your Home

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Smoke detectors do a great job when it comes to protecting your family from smoke and fires. However, they are usually limited only to one area. They also don’t go off in time since they tend to run out of batteries after a while, and they need to be replaced.

The best way to get the most protection from your smoke detectors is to hardwire them into a central system. Hardwiring them not only gives them a main electrical connection to function 24/7, but also gives them a back-up option in case the power fails.

Here’s how you can install hardwired smoke detectors in your home:

1. Find the best places for your smoke detectors

Start by finding the best location in your home for installing smoke detectors. Ideally, they should be placed in areas where they won’t be obstructed, such as high walls or ceiling.

These areas in your home will best benefit from having a smoke alarm installed:

  • Kitchen (away from the stove)
  • Bedroom
  • Living room

Mark these areas down using a pencil and install the boxes for the smoke detectors. You may need to use a hand drill to drill holes when working with concrete walls.

2. Install the electrical wires

Proceed to add in the electrical wires from the circuit breaker panel to the smoke detectors.

One of these wires in the box will be the live wire carrying the current from your main power source to the smoke detectors, and another will serve as the neutral or ground wire. When you’re done, keep in mind that no box should have more than two wires in them.

3. Make the connections

Install electrical wires from your circuit breaker panel or fuse box to your smoke detectors. Be sure to mark each connection using a wire nut that’s big enough to cover the exposed wires.

Before connecting the wires to each other, make sure that your circuit breakers are switched off to minimize the risk of an electric shock.

4. Install the bracket

Add the mounting brackets to the box opening and align them with the screw holes. Check to see if the wire connection goes through the bracket’s center before screwing the bracket in place.

5. Plug the feed

At the back of your smoke detector, you will find a three-pronged connection where you can attach the plug. This is especially configured so you can only plug it one way.

Once done, insert the smoke detector’s battery and connect the device to its base. Check to see if it’s snug and secure before switching on the main circuit breaker or fuse box switch.

(Disclaimer: this list is compiled in no particular order.)

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