From basics to deep understanding, this blog introduces how are smoke detectors wired with its definition, types, wired location, preparation and wire steps.
What Is a Hardwired Smoke Detector?
Hardwired smoke detector is a smoke detector connected to a power source through the home electrical system. Unlike smoke detectors with batteries, it does not require regular battery replacement thus reducing the complexity of maintenance. In general, most hard-wired smoke detectors have at least one fire line and one zero line. To improve safety, some detectors have ground wires.
What Type of Smoke Alarm Is Interconnected?
Hardwired smoke sensor is also called AC powered type. From a technical point of view, the name “Hardwired” focused on describing the installation of smoke alarms connected by fixed lines. The name “AC powered type” is more focused on describing the power supply mode which connects to the AC power supply.
Where to Install Hardwired Smoke Detectors?
When it comes to choose installation sites of hardwired smoke detectors, we prior to the areas that require stable, reliable and continuous fire risk monitoring.
Dwelling
In homes, especially multi-story homes, hard-wired smoke alarms ensure that every room or critical area is effectively monitored. People usually install these alarms in bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and hallways to give a timely alarm in the event of a fire.
Commercial Building
Office buildings, shopping centers, and hotels are all at higher risk of fire because they are crowded with people and combustible materials. Therefore, in these places, hard connected smoke alarms, which have a stable power supply, is necessary.
Industrial Building
There is a large number of machinery, chemicals and flammable materials in the industrial plant, so the risk of fire is higher. Hardwired smoke alarms continuously monitor smoke in the building without power outages. So it is Very reliable.
Hospitals & Schools
As public places, hospitals and schools shelter vulnerable groups. In these locations, smoke alarms stay hardwired to continuously monitor for fire with long-lasting power. It’s very useful.
Warehouse and Storage Facilities
Warehouses and storage facilities usually stores a large number of goods and materials. Once a fire occurs, the fire is easy to spread quickly. Hardwired smoke alarms can ensure reliable and continuous real-time monitoring of smoke in the warehouse.
Materials and Equipment You Need
- Hardwired Smoke Sensor
Order Mode: ODM/OEM
Network: Wifi/Zigbee/+
Bridge: Need/No Need
Sensor Type: Photoelectric/Electrochemical/Lonization
Power source: Battery/Corded Electric/Hardwired
Alarm: Sound/Grouping-device Sound/Visual Display/LED Light/Smartphone Notification
- Wire: Depending on the detector model and installation location, we may need to purchase wire in proper specification in order to connect the detector to the home electrical system.
- Electrical box: If the installation location does not have an existing electrical box, we may need to purchase a new electrical box to install the detector.
- Connectors and wiring caps: They are used to connect wires and ensure the stability and security of the connection.
- Screws and fasteners: We can use them to secure the detector to the ceiling or wall.
- Electric drill: If we need to drill a hole in the ceiling or wall to install an electrical box or detector, the electric drill is an essential tool.
- Ladders or scaffolding: Generally speaking, we should place the detector at a higher position, so we may also need ladders.
- Voltage tester: Before connecting the detector, we use a voltage tester to check if the power line is live to ensure safety.
Before You Wire
- Before starting installation, we must turn off the power to the relevant circuits to avoid the risk of electric shock.
- We need to make sure that there are no occlusions and vents around the installation location, which may affect the smoke detection effectiveness.
- More and more, we need to check that the installation location is suitable for drilling operations to avoid damage to the building structure.
- In addition, we know the electrical system layout of a home or building in advance so that we can determine where to install smoke detectors and the length of wires required.
- If there is no existing electrical box at the installation location, we will need to drill a hole in the ceiling using a power drill to install a new electrical box.
How Are Smoke Detectors Wired in A Hardwired System?
- We use wire strippers to peel off the insulation layer of the wire until it reveals a certain length of the metal core.
We then connect the smoke detector’s power cord in red to the fire wire in the electrical system.
2. Connect the ground wire in green of the smoke detector to the ground or neutral wire in the electrical system.
Make sure the connection is secure and secure the wire connections using connectors or wiring caps.
3. We fix the smoke detector on the electrical box. Or, please use screws and fasteners to mount it on the ceiling.
4. We should ensure that the smoke detector is securely installed.
5. After pressing the test button on the smoke detector, check whether the alarm sounds normally.
6. If the smoke detector has indicators, check whether the indicators are on normally.
Safety Consideration
- When handling wires, we must ensure no power through the hardwired system. What’s more, we have to use insulating tool during operation. This way you can avoid the risk of electric shock.
- Before use, we carefully check the integrity of the ladder. At the same time, we should place the bottom of the ladder on a flat, solid ground. If possible, use appropriate fixtures to prevent the ladder from slipping.
- Install in strict accordance with electrical safety codes and manufacturer’s guidelines. Please do not modify the structure of electrical system wires and devices without authorization.
When to Call A Pro
When you do not have the ability to handle wires, circuit boards and electrical components, then it is best to hire a professional installer to complete the installation. Because electrical work involves high voltage currents, non-professional operation may lead to safety accidents.
If your installation environment is complex, such as wiring through ceilings, walls or complex building structures, or integration with other electrical systems (such as fire alarm systems, safety monitoring systems, etc.), then a professional installer can ensure the accuracy and reliability of the installation work.
In some regions or industries, there may be specific installation codes and standards that need to be followed. If you are not sure how to meet these specifications or standards, then a professional installer can ensure that the installation work meets all requirements.
In case that you need to complete the installation work in a short time, then hiring a professional installer can save you time and effort. Because they excel in it, they takes less time to finish the installation project.
Q&A Related to How Are Smoke Detectors Wired
Working Time
We take an ideal situation for example. The installation environment is simple. The smoke detector model is standard. And the installer is experienced. The installation time of a single smoke detector may only take a few minutes to ten minutes. This includes steps to attach the smoke detector to the wall or ceiling, connect the wires, and test the function.
Total Time
If you count from the time you unwrap the device to the end of debugging, the total time can be from half an hour to several hours.
Skill Level
- Basic electrical knowledge: basic level
Installing wired smoke detectors involves the connection of electrical circuits, so the installer needs to have basic electrical knowledge. This includes the basic concepts of current, voltage, resistance, the basic composition and working principle of the circuit.
From a safety point of view, we need to be familiar with the safe operating procedures when handling wires. Only in this way can we ensure there will be no electric shock accidents during the installation process.
- Hands-on ability and tool use: Proficiency level
The installation process includes drilling holes, securing supports, and connecting cables. Therefore, the installation personnel must have certain manual skills. For example, he should be able to skillfully use tools such as screwdrivers, electric drills and pliers.
- Reading comprehension and comprehension: intermediate level
Finally, we also need to be able to understand the smoke detector installation instructions. Survey the installation environment before installation to understand the material of walls and ceilings.
