Wiring in Additional Smoke Detectors
Summary: Adding additional smoke detectors to your existing smoke detector system will help bring your home up to current codes while providing additional protection to your home and family and adding value to your home as well.
Adding 3-Wire Smoke Detectors to a 2-Wire System
The 2-Wire System
Many homes still only have one 2-wire smoke detector usually found in the hallway leading to the bedrooms or a stairwell. Adding additional smoke detectors in other required areas such as individual bedrooms while converting the original smoke detector is relitively easy, as shown in the installation photos shown below.
Technical Details
Product Description:
Electrical Wiring Simplified Handbook, 40th Edition, Electrical Wiring Practices Manual, Easy To Understand, New & Improved Illustrations, Based On National Electric Code, Covers The Basics of Codes & Safety Practices, Wire & Cable Types, Branch Circuits & Grounding, Installation Of Service Equipment & Wiring & Troubleshooting & Repairs
GB Electrical Wiring Simplified Electrical Reference Book #ERB-WS
First Alert® 10 Year Lithium Smoke Alarm (SA305CN3)
- Ionization smoke sensor
- Includes 9 volt Lithium battery
- Use in kitchens and bedrooms
- Single test/silence button
- Flashing visual silence indicator
- Side battery drawer for easy replacement
- Missing battery guard to ensure battery is placed in smoke detector
- Tamper resistant (locking pins)
- Loud 85 db alarm
- Meets code in Oregon
- 10 year warranty
[Click image to enlarge]
A typical construction project will require a smoke detector in each bedroom and on the ceiling or wall at a point centrally located in the area giving access to bedrooms such as hallways. Mount smoke detectors at least 4" from wall or on the wall with the top of the detector within 4" and 12" of the highest point of the ceiling. In multi-story units there shall be a detector at each level and shall be placed at the center of the ceiling 24" or more higher than the hall are required to have a smoke detector on the hall ceiling and in the bedroom. In new construction when more than one smoke detector is required to be installed within an individual dwelling, the detectors shall be interconnected in such a manner that the actuation of one alarm will activate all of the alarms in the dwelling.
Below you will see some photos of recent projects that I have selected to help you with your project.
Take a look at a typical Smoke Detector installation - [Click on the images to Enlarge]
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A 3-wire romex is installed to each location linking the detectors together. For new installations a size 14-3 can be used. Even though most detectors do not require a ground, always install and bond the ground conductors together. |
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