Smoke alarms serve an important purpose: they keep your family safe. Despite their importance, few people think of them as often as they should, which leads many to wonder who to call when a smoke detector needs to be replaced.
While it’s possible to install a battery-operated smoke detector yourself, hardwired units should be done professionally. By hiring an electrician, you’ll get your smoke detectors installed in a code compliant manner.
Can an Electrician Install Smoke Detectors?
When building homes, electricians install smoke alarm mounting boxes and wiring so everything is up to code. If you decide to repair or replace them, it’s best to hire an electrician to do the job. There are a few reasons to hire an electrician to install a smoke detector instead of doing it yourself, including:
- Installing new units that do not fit existing hardware
- Rewiring existing units or putting in new ones
- Working with a connected alarm system
- When you are unsure of how many alarms you need or where to put them
Because we’re familiar with all local requirements and building codes, we’ll do the job right. Call or click today for smoke alarm installation services in your area.
Electricians Install All Sorts of Smoke Detectors
The need for professional smoke detector installation depends on your abilities and the type of detectors used. Allied Electric’s team members can install:
- Hardwired smoke alarms. Because these devices are connected to your home’s electrical wiring, it’s best to have us replace a hardwired smoke detector.
- Battery-powered units. If you are installing battery-powered carbon monoxide or smoke detectors, the process is a little easier. There’s no need for a power source or electrical knowledge, but we can still install these for you if you’re unsure of how to do it.
Whether you’re installing battery-powered or hardwired smoke alarms, consider hiring a pro to do the job. We’ll do all the hard work and give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your home and family is protected.
Testing Smoke Alarms
According to the United States Fire Administration, it’s best to test smoke detectors once per month. This recommendation applies to all types of alarms, no matter their power source (lithium-ion batteries, 9-volt batteries, or hardwired). To perform the test, push the button on the outside of the case. If the alarm doesn’t sound, replace the battery or the unit itself.
When Should You Schedule Smoke Detector Installation?
The Fire Administration also suggests that residential smoke detectors be replaced every ten years. When changing batteries, consider checking each unit’s manufacturing date. If it’s time for replacement smoke detector installation, call us to schedule an appointment.
Are Smoke Detectors Hard to Replace?
If you are able to find the same brand and model, it should be easy to replace a smoke detector; simply snap the new unit into the existing housing. If that model has been discontinued, however, you may need an electrician to rewire new mounts.
If your home has an interconnected smoke alarm system, your electrician will ensure that all new units are from the same maker. When interconnected alarm systems are built using mix-and-match components, they may not work as intended. If you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t know how to work with interlinked smoke alarms. That’s why we’re here! Call today to schedule an appointment to install a fire alarm.
Smoke Detector Installation: Whose Responsibility Is It?
Smoke alarms are considered home safety devices, which means they are heavily regulated, and someone will be held liable if they do not work as designed. In most instances, homeowners or landlords are held responsible when failures arise due to:
- Poor placement and installation methods
- Insufficient maintenance
- Broken, missing, or dead batteries
- Disconnection
- Tampering
If a property owner does not ensure that a home’s smoke detectors are functional and code compliant, they may be held legally liable for tenants’ losses. Therefore, if you’re in a rental home and its smoke alarms aren’t working, notify your landlord and call an electrician as soon as possible.
No matter who is held liable for the function and presence of smoke detectors, it’s your family’s safety at risk when they don’t work right. That’s why it’s so important to test these devices regularly and have them serviced and installed by licensed professionals.
Get the Job Done Right: Schedule Smoke Alarm Installation With Allied Electric
Whether you’re installing one smoke alarm or hiring a handyman to install an entire house full, it’s crucial to hire the right company for the job. Your family’s safety is too important to leave to chance, which means DIY methods aren’t the best option.
When it’s time to install or replace your home’s smoke alarms, we want to help. Call Allied Electric at (928) 232- 4028 to learn more about our services or to schedule a smoke alarm installation visit.