Smoke detectors are essential devices for homes for safety reasons. Smoke detectors are required in almost every home due to the recent fire break. The smoke detector provides early detection of fire hazards.
Smoke detectors are of two different types: hardwired smoke detectors and battery-powered ones. The battery detector uses the battery to power up and do its job. Which poses a risk of depletion. Which showcases prominent danger.
This is why a hardwired smoke detector is much better because of its proficiency and installation. All though it has easy installation, do you know what wire to use for smoke detectors?
Installing a hardwired smoke detector is an easy DIY project. If your wiring system is basic, then you can do it yourself. However, for complex house wiring, it is better to have the installation done by an expert.
Preparation Phase
To install a hardwired installation, first make yourself comfortable with your wiring system. Look through some basic things about your wiring and circuits. If you don’t have any experience or understanding, leave the job for professionals. They will install it for you.
You can install detectors in a series. Also, you don’t need a different cable for the machine; your normal electrical cable does the job. If you want, you can install a new circuit for your detectors, but it’s not essential. They will work just fine with your regular circuit. The detectors are connected from one to another.
If you wonder about installing the detectors solo we suggest you don’t. Because connecting detectors in a series has its benefits. If one detector starts to signal for danger all the devices will start emitting the signal as well. This offers more security than a single detector.
what wire to use for smoke detectors
As electric codes do not require individual circuits to work you can use simple wiring. So, installing it using a new circuit is okay if you desire. But usually, normal wiring is good enough for this installation.
Most professionals use the lighting circuit or outlet for hardwired smoke detectors. You can use a 15-amp circuit with 14-gauge wiring. For a 20-amp circuit, you can use a 12-gauge wire to power up your detector.
Make sure the old-working electrical boxes are in the right spot for installation. Then you will need a 2-wire cable to connect your power source and the first detector. At last, the 3-wire cable will connect and link all the detectors in a series. You will need a 3-wire cable to connect multiple detectors. Now, just complete the device installation.
Just a little precaution: make sure to turn it off before installation. Also, test your voltage before and after the connection.
Preparation phase
Before you begin the installation of your detectors, check your list of requirements. Check all the materials you will need and the tools you will require. Also, make sure your power is cut off and you are not working on a live wire. Professionals will make sure of it, but if DIY is your choice, remain cautious. Now let’s look at the list of tools and materials:
Tools
- Ladder,
- Measure tape and pencil.
- Drywall Saw and cordless drill,
- Cable ripper and Wire stripper
- Stud finder.
Materials
- Hardwired Smoke Detector,
- Wall-nuts,
- Electrical box,
- 14-gauge or 12-gauge (depends) two-wire
- 14-gauge or 12-gauge (depends) three-wire
Step-by-step installation
Detecting the location
The first thing you need to do is locate where you want to set up your device. Installing the device on the ceiling is the better choice. The device needs to detect smoke to work. So, the higher you install the device, the better it will work. If you want to install the detector in a hallway, try to install two devices at each end. Position it in the center, and install the drive on the ceiling.
Use your stud finder to locate the jolts and wall studs. Hold your electrical box from the back and draw the premier using the pencil. But make sure the installation is in an open space with no hindrance.
Cutout
Cut open the wall using your saw to install the electrical box. Sometimes you may need to use your drill if the thickness is higher. Just open a hole as a starting point for your cut and use the saw.
Install the starter cables
Insert the two-wire cable into the first smoke detector. Run the first 2-wire of the 14-gauge cable to the first location. Insert it 10 inches inside the wall of the service panel. You can install it inside a wall outlet or a ceiling fixture.
But keep in mind that while doing this, you may need some expertise. If you are good with cable work, you will do this work easily. Also, leave some extra cable for future work.
Connecting other boxes
Now take the 3-wire cable from the first box to connect the other detectors. These extra wires allow the cables to communicate with each other in series. So, if anyone detects fire, each of the devices will emit caution. Try to leave extra cable as well, which will help if needed.
Electric box mounting and cable installation
Cut off the extra cable and keep only 8 inches from each device. strip off the outer sheathing of each cable with the cable ripper. Do this for 1/2 inch from each cable, and clamp the cable into the box. If your box consists of a cable clamp inside, then just use it to hold onto the cable.
Now drill holes for the screws for the box and insert them. Tighten up the screws well so that they hold off strongly. Make sure the box is properly secured before going to the next step.
Mount the detector
First, grab the plate of your device and look for screw holes. The extra holes on the box are your place for mounting the plate. align the screws and mount the plate. Install the extra crews and the platte carefully.
Connect the device
Start by connecting the first box. Wire the connection carefully.
First, join the black circuit wire to the leading black wire of your device. Now grab the white wire and connect it in the same way. Connect the copper wires all together, and if you have extra wires, attach them accordingly.
Be careful while connecting the red wire, as it is the travelling wire. Connect it with the smoke detector yellow wire. They are the live wires that will carry the electricity load.
While installing the wires, be careful about mounting. It is better if you follow the manuals of the manufacturers. After the wire is set, place the detector on the plate and firmly install it by sliding.
Insert the backup battery
Each hardwired smoke detector has a backup battery. align the batteries, install them, and insert them into the device. Slide the cover inside the device, and you are good to go.
Install the power source
Now, we are at the trickiest part. If you have popular knowledge of wiring, we suggest you do it yourself. But if you are not sure, call a +18773993134 professional because you are dealing with live wires at this stage. So, you need to ensure proper security.
If the connecting wire already exists, first turn off the power. Open up the circuit where you prefer to have the connection. Connect the smoke detector wire to the circuit wire. Keep in mind that it may require splicing if the circuit is not from a wall switch.
If the wire is controlled by a wall switch. Connect the black wire, which feeds the switch, to the detector`s wiring. Don`t add the connection with the outgoing wiring that brings power to the light fixture. So, keep this step in mind.
If the installation has a new circuit,. You will require an AFCI-protected circuit breaker to feed the smoke detectors. But we still suggest that you look for a professional for this step alone.
Test the detector
Now the time is here to test the detector. Turn on the power and use the test button on each device. Push the button and wait for the alarm sound of each detector. If each sounds off the alarm, then you are good to go.
Which is better, DIY or professional?
If you decide you are not comfortable with the DIY, then look for a local professional Electrical repair bunny. Also, if you want to have a professional setup, its better to hire an expert. But if you are an expert and have enough experience, you can try.