I currently have a system of wired smoke detectors and recently purchased a set of wireless ones. What's the best way to go about replacing the old wired detectors? Is it okay to simply tuck the wires into the hole and mount the new detectors over them? Should I cover the wires with electrical tape or take any other precautions?
3 Answers
Just a thought, but you might want to reconsider going fully wireless. A lot of smart detectors can have issues since the hardware companies often struggle with the software side. The Google Nest Protect, however, is a solid choice—I've got ten of them! They work great and look good too. Just keep in mind they can be a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for!
Hey, if you’re going wireless, just so you know, some systems allow for a mix of wired and wireless. For instance, First Alert has some models where you can integrate wireless detectors with your existing wired ones. It’s worth considering if you want seamless coverage throughout your home!
First off, make sure to cap off the old wires securely using wire nuts for the black, white, and red wires before tucking them away. You can push them into the junction box. If your smoke detectors are on a dedicated circuit, it's a good idea to turn off that circuit at the breaker for safety. Just a heads up, if you have any pigtails connected from the old detectors, you don't need to mess with them—just push them in too! Also, when you say 'wireless,' what exactly do you mean? Are you looking at something like Nest? Because they have both wired and battery versions, and the wired ones can help save you from frequent battery changes!
Yeah, I'm looking at the Kesymo Detector. Just want a few more detectors for safety as I update my home. I'll also consider the Nest options since they look reliable!