Smoke Detectors

My hard wired smoke detectors are 10 years old now so I’m going to replace them. I’m debating whether to replace them with hard wired detectors again or go with the new 10 year lithium battery detectors.
Are there any issues either way?

The hardwired units all alarm when one is tripped.

Hardwired and interconnect units are required for all new construction in most areas.

http://www.11alive.com/assetpool/documents/130109012149_smoke_alarm_requirements.pdf

Agree. Your home is already wired, just go with the hardwired system with a battery backup. Having all alarms go off when one is tripped could save a life. It could also be a pain if used as a cooking timer. :stuck_out_tongue:

Also in many areas the units must be hard wired when the home is sold.

Yea, I guess you’re right. I was just trying to avoid that 3:00AM wakeup call when your back-up battery gets low. :o

You would think CA. woiuld be one of these states, but it’s not :stuck_out_tongue:

In like the Carbon/smoke detectors myself. I just installed new one and sleep just a little easier at might. did a little research and went with KIDDE

The wiring is there I agree may as well keep with the wired. Around here with so many really old homes you see many more battery only ones. In RI multi unit homes above 3 family require hard wired, so lots of upgraded systems a few years back.

The best solution is to use hardwired with a lithium 9V battery back-up.

or do like i recommend to my clients, change the batteries when you change the clocks back. Better too often than not often enough.

Post #1http://www.nachi.org/forum/f13/wont-get-info-pay-play-recall-sites-79727/

How Do I Keep My Smoke Alarm Working?If you have a smoke alarm with batteries:

  1. Smoke Alarms powered by long-lasting batteries are designed to replace the entire unit according to manufacturer’s instructions.
  2. In standard type battery powered smoke alarms, the batteries need to be replaced at least once per year and the whole unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.
  3. In hard-wired, battery back up smoke alarms, the batteries need to be checked monthly, and replaced at least once per year. The entire unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.

http://www.usfa.fema.gov/citizens/home_fire_prev/alarms/

Another good point that was aired recently was the type of smoke detector. Ionization or photo-electric specifically related to response time for activation.

http://www.firesafetycouncil.com/pdf/review_on_best_sensor_type_for_kitchens.pdf

http://www.nfpa.org/itemDetail.asp?categoryID=1649&itemID=39909&URL=Safety%20Information/For%20consumers/Fire%20&%20safety%20equipment/Smoke%20alarms/Ionization%20vs.%20photoelectric&cookie%5Ftest=1

http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/labour/fire_protection/policies_standards/guidelines/smoke.shtml

**Safety Tip: **You should replace your smoke detector every 10 years. That is over 87,000 hours of service! Replace the batteries in your existing unit (if equipped). Ionization technology responds first to fast, flaming fires while photoelectric technology responds faster to slow smouldering fires. Having both types would be ideal. It is recommended that a smoke detector be installed on every floor and every bedroom of the home for improved safety.