WriteON
Member
The builder wired smoke detectors started the dreaded low battery Chirp. I want to replace them with a 10 year sealed battery unit. Which is the best unit to use. Kidde or First Alert or other. Thanks.
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Actually, the rules are imposed by states and can be different from one state to another.Frank; Hard wired smoke alarms are required by code in residences. Silly I know, but fact. Kidde has smoke alarms that are linked with wireless connection. If one goes off, they all sound. I have one in upstairs bedroom area, one in rec room with fireplace, and one in workarea.
FrankCurrently looking for hardwired /sealed battery. I'm in a one floor house. Interconnected is not a must have (I think, I guess)
We added Detectors that are monitored by a central station. I like the concept of WiFi but for whatever reason it not always dependable. Regardless thanks for the suggestion. I'll look into it.Frank
Interconnected smoke detectors are a great idea, and are easy to install in new construction where it's a trivial matter to wire them together. But retrofitting an interconnected system into an existing home would be a challenge (although probably still doable in a single-story home where you have access to the overhead crawlspace/attic).
I notice from your bio that you have homes in both Pennsylvania and Florida. William's post suggest something you might want to think about. Having smoke detectors that you can connect to a home Wi-Fi system for remote monitoring will provide the ability to get a message on your phone if an alarm goes off in you 'other' place.
Traditional smoke alarms are primarily intended to alert residents of the home to a fire so that they can escape. They have a secondary purpose in allowing the residents to call the fire department and hopefully minimize damage, but that secondary purpose only works if you are actually in residence. Wi-Fi enabled alarms let you call for help even if you are not there.
And you might want so explore whether your fire insurance company would give you a discount for having Wi-Fi enabled alarms that would help offset the additional cost.