Smoke Alarms and Smoke Detector Wiring
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How to Know Which Type of Smoke Detector to Use
© By: Dave Rongey
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Smoke Detector Types and Home Protection
[ad#block]Electrical Question: My house is hard wired for the smoke alarms, do I have to use hard wired smoke alarms. I have some battery only smoke alarms I could use.
Background: Rick, a Homeowner from Sartell, MN
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Rick.
How to Know Which Type of Smoke Detector to Use
- If your home is wired for smoke alarms then replace them with the same type.
- If you were to replace a hardwired smoke alarm or smoke detector with a battery only type then this would prevent the whole smoke alarm system from providing the type of annunciation that is capable of providing.
- A typical hardwired smoke detector is 120 volts with a 9 volt battery backup.
- The smoke detectors are interconnected, meaning that if one goes off they all go off.
- This may sound like a very annoying type of alarm system, but believe me, this is the best system and it helps save lives and may reduce damage to the home because of this early warning alarm feature.
Smoke Detectors

Smoke Detectors
Take the mystery out of smoke detector wiring. Smoke alarms provide the earliest warning of both fire and smoke.
This link is helpful as a Homeowner
Do-It-Yourself Electrical
The following may also be helpful for you:
A Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring
Be sure to get your copy of my BIG Book:
Perfect for Homeowners, Students and Electricians
Includes:
Home Electrical Wiring - Room by Room
120 Volt Circuits
240 Volt Circuits
Multi-Wired Circuits
Wiring Methods for Installing Home Electrical Circuit Wiring
Electrical Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.
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Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
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The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!
The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!
The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets
Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency
Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included
Tests standard 3-wire outlets
UL Listed
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Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!
The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..
The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.
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Electrical Parts to Help You Wire it Right
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