Hardwired smoke alarms connect directly to your home’s electrical system and typically include a backup battery to provide power during a power outage. They provide reliable protection and can be interconnected so that if one alarm is triggered, all connected alarms sound, providing a whole-home alert. Because of their connection to the main power source, installation of hardwired alarms should be performed by a licensed electrician.

How They Work

  • Main Power: The main power source is your home’s electrical circuit, which provides constant power and ensures the alarm is always on.
  • Backup Battery: A battery (standard or 10-year sealed) provides power during a power outage, allowing the alarm to continue functioning.
  • Interconnection: Hardwired alarms can be linked together so that if one alarm detects smoke, all alarms in the system sound simultaneously. This is crucial for alerting occupants in different parts of the house.

Benefits

  • Reliable and stable power supply: Connection to mains power means you don’t have to worry about batteries unexpectedly draining without backup power. You’re also less likely to experience the annoying “chirping” sound when a battery-powered alarm runs low.
  • Whole-home alarm: An interconnected system ensures that a fire in one area of ​​the house triggers all alarms, providing a faster, more comprehensive alert.

Important Notes

  • Professional installation: Installing a hardwired smoke alarm requires access to your home’s electrical wiring and must be performed by a licensed electrician.
  • Lifespan: Regardless of the power source, smoke alarms need to be replaced every 10 years.
  • Sensor type: While the power source is hardwired, different types of sensors are available for different types of fires (for example, ionization sensors for fast-burning fires).