Table of Contents
- 1 Can you mix brands of hardwired smoke detectors?
- 2 Do hardwired smoke detectors have to be the same brand?
- 3 Are all First Alert smoke detectors interchangeable?
- 4 Do smoke detectors have to be wired in series?
- 5 Are smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors enough?
- 6 What is the third wire on a smoke detector?
Can you mix brands of hardwired smoke detectors?
Absolutely! You can mix and match hardwired First Alert, BRK, and Onelink models.
Do hardwired smoke detectors have to be the same brand?
To insure that the detectors communicate with each other properly, it is recommended that all be the same brand. This also will eliminate any issues should there be a problem. As a similar example, electrical boxes and the circuit breakers within them are now required to be from the same manufacturer.
Can you have different smoke detectors?
You can absolutely find smoke alarms that offer both types of sensors in one device, but it’s also pretty easy to find smoke alarms that only offer one or the other. If it wasn’t obvious, it’s recommended to buy a smoke alarm that comes with both types of sensors, like this model from First Alert.
Can different brand smoke alarms be interconnected?
This will depend on the individual manufacturer. However, at present we do know that it is technically possible to interconnect up to 30 alarms, but the limiting factor is likely to be the distance between alarms and obstructions that may block the radio signal.
Are all First Alert smoke detectors interchangeable?
All modern hardwired First Alert, Onelink, and BRK alarms use the same wiring technology, and can interconnect. It’s also safe to mix and match several types of hardwired detector, like a photoelectric smoke alarm near the kitchen and a heat detector near the garage.
Do smoke detectors have to be wired in series?
Smoke detectors need to be wired together to create a complete system. With hard-wired detectors, a single smoke detector going off will set off the others — ensuring that everyone in your home is alerted to hazards. Hard-wired detectors are also able to run off both power and batteries, making them extra secure.
How many devices can a hardwired smoke detector be linked to?
First Alert Hardwired Smoke Alarm This First Alert smoke detector can be used to detect fires in homes, offices, schools and other workplaces. It can be linked up to 18 devices (12 other detectors and 6 alarm systems like bells or horns). It is compatible with other BRK and First Alert alarms.
Do all smoke detectors have to be from the same brand?
To insure that the detectors communicate with each other properly, it is recommended that all be the same brand. This also will eliminate any issues should there be a problem. As a similar example, electrical boxes and the circuit breakers within them are now required to be from the same manufacturer.
Are smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors enough?
It is also important to know that smoke alarms are not enough. Carbon monoxide is also a very dangerous gas if released in your home, so it will be wise to buy an alarm that can detect carbon monoxide as well. Of course, you can buy a combination of the two of them, but buying an alarm can be a little tricky.
What is the third wire on a smoke detector?
The original question is asking about AC powered smoke detectors that have a third wire (often yellow) that connects all the alarms in parallel. When there is an actual alarm, the unit that detects the smoke triggers all the others to sound an alarm. Different manufactures use different signalling schemes for this common wire.