How Good are the new hard wire smoke detectors?

Answer 1

The ones with a battery back up are very good indeed. I guess the guy above me and his fire fighter friends haven't heard they are required in all new construction. For good reason too.

Answer 2

Just an added comment. Both types will work together so that when one alarms the other will also go off. Both need wiring between them to do so. In most areas, this is a requirement for any installation of more than one unit.

Answer 3

I'm assuming you mean wired into your electrical system. From what I've heard from firefighters and other professionals in the "fire" biz, they don't recommend these because if the electricity blacks out, your smoke won't work. If the fire starts in the electrical system, or if you have a blackout, if you're running a space heater that burns out your fuse or trips your circuit breaker while it starts a fire, if the wind blows down your power lines, etc. and you have candles burning, etc., your smoke alarm won't work because it has no electrical feed. Look for one that has battery back up (and a light would be nice--often people die because they can't see anything).

Answer 4

they are good
and get the ones with battery back up
by code as another mention they are supposed to be interconnected anyways
which is best
this is how commerical units are done
as well as hotels
1 per bedroom
1 per hallway
1 per staircase landing ( at top of landing )
1 by the FHU ( carbon monoxide plus smoke is best here )

Answer 5

Give John the points. I have 6 in my house, all with battery backup. And they remind me to change the battery. When a battery is going dead the alarms sound. I replace them all then.

Answer 6

That is a pretty general question. You get what you pay for. I like them because they interconnect throughout the house if you have more than one so if one goes off, they all go off. Much better chance in getting out alive.