What Is a Hardwired Smoke Detector?
A hardwired smoke detector is a smoke-sensing alarm connected to a building's electrical wiring. It sounds an alert when its sensor detects smoke. Many models also have a backup battery, which supplies power to the alarm if the building's electrical supply goes out.
Quick Facts About Hardwired Smoke Detector
- Category
- Wired smoke alarm
- Used for
- Smoke detection and audible alerts
- Common confusion
- Wiring does not make all alarm connectors interchangeable
- Also called
- Hardwired Smoke Alarm, Wired smoke detector
- Often discussed with
- Smoke Detector Installation
Key Takeaways About Hardwired Smoke Detector
- Compatible alarms may sound together through an interconnect wire.
- A backup battery still needs attention.
- Hardwired doesn't mean every alarm uses the same connector.
How Hardwired Smoke Detector Works
A hardwired smoke detector uses a sensor to detect smoke in the air. A photoelectric sensor uses light inside a chamber. Smoke entering the chamber scatters that light and triggers the alarm.
Related glossary terms: Branch Circuit, Circuit Breaker.
Some alarms connect to compatible units through an interconnect wire. When an alarm senses smoke, it sends a signal to the connected units. Those units then sound their alarms too. The signal helps carry the alert beyond the room where smoke entered.
A battery-only alarm gets its power from a battery, while a hardwired model draws power through building wiring. A hardwired model with battery backup can continue operating during a power outage. The backup battery may be replaceable or sealed inside the alarm, depending on the model.
From the GMB Electric team
When we install hardwired smoke detectors, we look at the existing wiring and alarm connections. We also check whether the selected alarms work with the existing interconnected units. A new alarm's plug may not match the old connector, even when both alarms are hardwired.
Hardwired Smoke Detector in Practice: A Real-World Example
A homeowner wants a hardwired smoke detector installed in a hallway. The installation includes connecting the alarm to the existing wiring and checking its connection to compatible alarms.
Related Services
Related Terms
Branch Circuit
A branch circuit is a section of electrical wiring that carries power from a circuit breaker or fuse to outlets, lights, or equipment.
Circuit Breaker
A circuit breaker is an electrical protection device that stops current when a circuit draws too much electricity.
GMB Electric
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