I'd like to replace all the smoke detectors (which are electric) to all battery operatored models. I know how to put the battery one up, but what do I do with the wires from the previous detectors? Is there something that I can buy at Home Depot to block the electrical current or can I just leave the wires as is and place the other one over top the wires?
Serious answers only please.
2006-11-14 09:48:10 · 13 answers · asked by JusMe 5 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Yes you can buy "Wire Nuts" to put over the ends of the wires, But you will need to "Clip" off the exposed bare wire first for more protection.
* Some cities required "Hard-Wired" circuits to control the smoke detectors - check with them first!
1.) Make sure that circuit is TURNED OFF at the breaker box that controls the smoke detectors.
2.) Remove the smoke detector
3.) Disconnect the old one
4.) Clip the bare wires off
5.) Install wire nuts on each wire end. Make sure they are tight!
6.) Make sure no wires can come in contact with another one or any metal that may be in the junction box!
7.) Install the new detector and test it!
Becarefull ! - Electricty KILLS!
2006-11-14 09:56:55 · answer #1 · answered by southbosquebuilders 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can use wire nuts, butt connectors, or plain old electrical tape to cover the metal ends of the wires, and then just tuck them up out of the way and leave them there. The big thing to be aware of is that some areas have codes requiring the wired smoke detectors on buildings built after a certain year, so check with your local building authority before you remove the wired ones. If you are in such an area and are concerned about them not working during an electrical outage, just add a few of the battery powered ones in critical areas (like by bedrooms). If you are in one of these areas, you could get in a lot of trouble (fines) if you remove the wired ones, so make sure of the laws before you do so. I know this because I took classes and had a license for a while as a Home Inspector. I don't do it anymore because I went back into my previous career, but I still remember most of it. I hope this helps.
2006-11-14 10:02:04 · answer #2 · answered by Jonathan R 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Electric Smoke Detectors
2016-11-15 09:06:42 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO, do not replace your A/C smoke detectors with just battery smoke detectors, It is much safer to have the combination A/C-with battery back-up. There are several Fire Codes, that you must follow when replacing or repairing smoke detectors. Please contact your local fire department for code requirements, not only for legal reasons but for your own safety as well.
2006-11-14 10:29:44 · answer #4 · answered by Kevin C K 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Look in the fuse box and see if there is a designated fuse for the alarms. If you can turn them all off,then just cut the wires. If that wont work, usualy the electric detectors already are hooked to a plug. Just push them as far back into the elec. housing as you can and just put up the battery ones. Otherwise you will have to trace the wires back the the box in the attic, or the fuse box and diconnect them.
2006-11-14 09:55:31 · answer #5 · answered by BRIZAN THE MAN 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If there is a box that the old detector was mounted on,you can use wire nuts(caps)on the wires.Push the wires back into the box AFTER putting on the wire nuts.If theres no box call a qualified electrician to help.
2006-11-14 09:53:34 · answer #6 · answered by buffalo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Shut off your power.....cut off the old wire that was exposed (down to the coating).....individually screw on some wire nut connectors on each separate wire and electrical tape them up good...shove them back in the hole...install battery smoke detector over the old hole.
2006-11-14 09:59:50 · answer #7 · answered by jazcomania 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
need to remove old fire detectors and wires, your going to have to follow the wires at the source and disconnect them after turning off your breaker box, then get in attic and pull the wires out, so it wont be a fire hazard. and the battery fire detectors are very simple just follow the 3 easy steps that come with them. just make sure you test them before installing them. i use a burnt peace of paper then blow it out so it will smoke under the fire detector
2006-11-14 09:58:15 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Kevin C K is correct. I've been a g.c. for years. Codes require wired with battery back up. It could save your life.
2006-11-14 12:16:55 · answer #9 · answered by Paleo C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
how many do u have in the house? more then 1 ? if so change the batteries in all of them....there all connected together....if the beeping does not stop the unit is worn out and u need to replace.....the beeping warns a battery needs replacing
2016-03-19 08:12:39 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋