While hardwired smoke detectors don’t always need their own dedicated circuit, they do need to be connected to a reliable power source, and according to Viox Electric, it’s generally recommended that they be connected to a circuit separate from lights with dimmers or other potential sources of electrical interference.
Here’s a breakdown from Anka Security:
Reliability:
A dedicated circuit ensures continued power to the smoke detector, even if other appliances on the shared circuit cause a power outage or trip a circuit breaker.
Avoiding interference:
Certain electrical devices, such as dimmers, can create electrical “noise” that interferes with the operation of a smoke detector, potentially setting off a false alarm.
Interconnectivity:
If you have multiple hardwired smoke detectors, they are typically interconnected so that when one alarm goes off, they all go off. This usually means they need to be on the same circuit.
Building codes:
While not always mandatory, some building codes may require a dedicated circuit for smoke detectors or recommend using one for optimal safety.
Best practices:
Even if it’s not required, many electricians recommend having a separate circuit for smoke detectors to ensure they work properly and reduce the risk of false alarms or power-related issues.
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