Hardwired or Non-Hardwired Smoke Alarm
There are two main types of smoke alarms: hardwired and non-hardwired.
A hardwired smoke alarm is connected directly to your home’s electrical system. It includes a battery backup to keep the device working in the event of a power outage. Some hardwired smoke alarms need to be installed by an electrician. Hardwired smoke alarms can be interconnected throughout your home, meaning if one alarm detects smoke, the other connected devices will sound simultaneously, creating a systemwide alert for everyone in the home.
Non-hardwired smoke alarms are powered solely by batteries. They're easy to install and don’t require an electrician. However, unlike hardwired smoke alarms, not all non-hardwired smoke alarms are able to interconnect. Those that do, interconnect wirelessly.
How to Change the Battery in a Smoke Alarm
The steps below are for changing the battery in both a hardwired and non-hardwired smoke alarm. Conditional steps will be noted.
Step 1: Turn Off the Power
This first step is only necessary if you have a hardwired smoke alarm.
Before you do anything else to change a smoke alarm battery, you first need to turn off the power to the device at the circuit breaker. Test the wiring with a non-contact voltage tester to ensure the power is off.
Step 2: Detach the Smoke Alarm from the Ceiling or Wall
To detach the smoke alarm, twist the unit counterclockwise and gently pull down. If the smoke detector is a hardwired model, you’ll see that it’s attached to wiring. The wires might be secured to the house wiring with wire connectors or they might have plugs that connect to sockets on the unit base. If necessary, take a picture of the wiring so you can reconnect it correctly when you're done. Disconnect the wiring to remove the alarm from the base.
Some smoke alarm models may require a screwdriver to open.
Step 3: Open the Battery Compartment
You’ll see a compartment that holds the battery. It will be on the front or back of the unit. On some models there will be a door that you can push or slide open. Most models use a 9-volt battery; however, some smoke alarms use AA batteries.
Some smoke alarms use 10-year sealed lithium batteries; however, they are usually replaced along with the smoke alarm every 10 years.
Step 4: Replace the Smoke Alarm Battery
Remove the old smoke alarm battery and replace it with the new battery. Be sure to orient the positive and negative connections correctly. Securely close the battery compartment lid.
Always replace the old battery with the type of battery recommended by the smoke alarm manufacturer.
Step 5: Reassemble the Smoke Alarm
Reconnect the wiring, if necessary, according to the instructions for your model. Press the device firmly against the mounting plate and twist it clockwise.
If you turned off the power to the circuit, turn it back on.
Step 6: Test the Smoke Alarm
Once you’ve changed the smoke alarm battery, press and hold the test button a few seconds until the alarm sounds. If it doesn’t beep, you may have inserted the battery or reconnected the wiring incorrectly. Check the unit placement and try again. If it still doesn’t work, your smoke alarm may be faulty. Replace it with a new smoke alarm.
Smoke Alarm Safety Tips
Having working fire alarms in the home gives you peace of mind knowing that you have this safety measure in place. When you hear a smoke alarm, you may have less than two minutes to get everyone safely outside. Follow these tips to protect your home and family and to keep your smoke alarms functioning properly:
- Place a smoke alarm on every level of your home, on the ceiling of each bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, in the basement, in the kitchen and in the attached garage.
- Mount smoke alarms high on the ceilings or the walls. If they’re wall-mounted place them within 12 inches of the ceiling and at least 3 feet from the corner.
- Keep smoke alarms away from drafts created by windows, fans and vents.
- Test your smoke alarm(s) monthly.
- Replace the batteries for smoke alarms annually. To help you remember, make a habit of changing them during Daylight Savings Time transition.
- Replacing smoke alarms every 10 years (or sooner if they fail to work properly) helps you keep your loved ones and yourself protected.
- Smoke alarms accrue dust and contaminants that reduce their ability to properly detect smoke, so clean them regularly, according to the instructions.
- Keep smoke alarms at least 10 feet from cooking appliances. Cooking smoke can sometimes trigger false alarms.
- Have an emergency fire escape plan in place and practice it regularly. Ensure everyone in the household knows what to do during an emergency.
Safety in the Home: Protected With Smoke Alarms
The importance of smoke alarms in the home cannot be overstated. Their job is to alert you to the presence of smoke so that you and your family have time to exit your home in the event of a fire. At Lowe’s, we have a whole line of fire safety products, from smoke alarms to fire escape ladders, to help keep your family safe.
Shop online at Lowes.com or stop by your local Lowes and a Red Vest associate will be happy to help you choose items to give you peace of mind and make your home feel safer.