How to Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors | Ask This Old House
Тәжірибелік нұсқаулар және стиль
Scott Caron, master electrician for Ask This Old House, wires an old house with new smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
#ThisOldHouse #AskTOH
SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse
Steps for How to Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:
1. Mark the location of each smoke detector on the ceiling.
2. Use a drill and long, stiff wire to bore a small-diameter hole through the ceiling and into the attic.
3. Go into the attic and check for obstructions around the small holes. If necessary, use a circular saw to cut open the attic floor.
4. At each smoke detector location, use a drill and a 4-inch-diameter hole saw with dust shield to cut a hole through the ceiling for a round old-work electrical box.
5. Run nonmetallic electrical cable from an existing outlet in the attic to each of the smoke detector locations.
6. Cut the cable and pull it through an old-work electrical box. Push the box into the ceiling hole and tighten the screws to lock the box to the ceiling. Repeat for each ceiling hole.
7. Screw the smoke detector's mounting plate to the box, then make the wire connections: black to black, white to white, red to orange.
8. Gently tuck the wires into the box, then twist and lock the smoke detector onto the mounting plate.
9. Install a combination smoke and carbon monoxide detector on each level of the home and within 10 feet of the bedrooms.
10. Pull a new electrical cable down from the attic into the basement.
11. In the basement, install a standard hardwired combination smoke and carbon monoxide detector, and a two-piece wireless smoke and carbon monoxide detector. Mount the battery-powered wireless half of the detector on the first-floor ceiling.
12. Make the final wire connections in the attic, then test each detector to make sure all of them are operating properly.
About This Old House TV:
This Old House is the No. 1 multimedia home enthusiast brand, offering trusted information and expert advice through award-winning television, a highly regarded magazine, and an information-driven website. This Old House and Ask This Old House are produced by This Old House Ventures, LLC and are presented on PBS by WGBH Boston.
Follow This Old House and Ask This Old House:
Facebook: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFB
Twitter: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTwitter
bit.ly/AskTOHTwitter
Pinterest: bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterest
Instagram: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseIG
Tumblr: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTumblr
How to Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors | Ask This Old House
/ thisoldhouse
Пікірлер: 363
Superb EDITING credits to the This Old house , so much better than every one trying to show how to do it their way ⭐️⭐️✅
needed this to reengineer the fire alarms in my house thank you for the wiring tips
There are so many new innovative smoke detectors, the ones installed in this video are dinosaurs.
@brandonwilson4281
3 жыл бұрын
👙📲🍼💏🍼🚔🍼🌪️💓🍼🌪️
@brandonwilson4281
2 жыл бұрын
🔥🌩️🍼😷💕❤️💩💩🛤️📱🔥🍼🇱🇷
@DanTDMJace
21 күн бұрын
He ones here are still pretty good (at least for the US, Europeans are leages ahead of us)
Thanks for the information Johnny
Did you use a 4 inch hole saw to make the boxes to fit? I purchased the blue plastic connection boxes showing in your video.
Good tips!
I liked a lot , here in Brazil we do not have that device in the home...... very Good
@brandonwilson4281
3 жыл бұрын
🍼💅🙋🍼📽️
@celsojoven3525
3 жыл бұрын
Laguna
@emilyrose1348
2 жыл бұрын
Love to know you?
very good video ,thanks.
Great idea 💡
Awesome video thanks
I’m about to do this soon
I like how it catches the dust
You said, on the upper floor, that the alarms needed two power sources according to code, then on the first floor you installed a battery only unit. I'm not an expert on the code but is that allowed? Also, you can use bridge units to join a wireless trigger unit to the wired ones.
@DaruDhillon
3 жыл бұрын
When renovating a home it is required to have all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors hardwired, interconnected with back-up batteries. Wireless is a good option, if you are not opening up walls.
@PeteBasel
3 жыл бұрын
@jay fine Thanks, that makes sense. My first post here was 3 years ago!
great video. i was able to replace my two smoke detectors. thank you.
que bien.practico.y eficas
Can I use normal 3cord x1.5mm flexible cableto wire smoke alarm
He never mentioned there are two kind of smoke alarms, ionization and photoelectric. Ionization is better for quickly flaming fires and photoelectric is better for slow smoldering fires, and most fire departments and building codes like them both in the house. The best is a 2-in-1 unit that has both types.
@jeremiahsimpkins5943
7 жыл бұрын
IAmNotAFunguy yea he never mention them well I fell bad for this lady thank to Scott
@frank_texas7400
6 жыл бұрын
Now I heard that it burnt to the ground because of him not disclosing every kind of smoke detector there is
@NatSpecialOAthlete
5 жыл бұрын
this video will explain everything kzread.info/dash/bejne/aWVosKRwc7nYoKQ.html
@brandonwilson4281
3 жыл бұрын
🍼🚂🔫💰💡🔫👶👙🍼🤰🌪️💩📽️👙👶💰🔫🥋🤰👙🚂🚒❤️💡🍼👨👩👧🌩️💗🦃🙋🖤🔥📽️🌪️
@fartpluswetone8077
3 жыл бұрын
Most combination alarms are Carbon Monoxide and Ionization.
Thank you for this tutorial.
How did you had the wireless smoke detector talking to the fire alarm system with the wires? Can you please tell which model numbers of the first alert were installed in this video?
@nick4leader
3 жыл бұрын
I think the 2 in the basement are connected to each other and the wireless is connected to one of them
@kitty2ism633
2 жыл бұрын
It uses a wireless type signal to communicate with the one in the basement which will then connect to the second one and send the signal to the rest of the smoke alarms (i know as we have a similar model ours is the sc0500 i believe)
Kevin almost just lost a kneecap.
If code requires 2 sources of power to your detectors how do you get away with just a battery operated on the first floor?
@ronaldwoofer5024
2 жыл бұрын
LMAO
@drnickriviera8270
2 жыл бұрын
If smoke detectors are being installed in a home built prior to the hardwire code requirement than wireless smoke detectors with a non removable 10 year battery can be used. If a house is undergoing extensive renovation which would allow for the routing of hardwire power cables than the new detectors must be hardwired.
@mrsliva4156
2 жыл бұрын
Lllllllllllllllllllooooooooo
@LeroyZee
Жыл бұрын
He put a second smoke detector in the basement.
@VOLTRONDEFENDER4440
11 ай бұрын
@@LeroyZee for backup of smoke detector(late reply)
Might use this information when I get my own hardwired Smoke/CO alarms
Boy can't have it any easier then that running wires
What type of electrical wire did you use?
Nice Device
I also use that type of wiring
I love how they make everything up
Do all the detectors need to be on the same power source? Can detectors on different floors have different power sources as long as they are all connected to a single red wire running from one the next?
@The09creeper
10 ай бұрын
They can have different power sources. As long as the interconnect wire is connected they’ll all sound
That's a nice house
@brandonwilson4281
3 жыл бұрын
👙👩🚒🍼🚧👩🚒🍼👙🎸💡⚡🎙️📲🌜🎶💰🚒
How many inches from the wall did you measure
Pls can I get a technical report on this
changed my smoked to detectors for same new ones now one in the master bedroom does not sound with the others when testing
Superb
Great plastic shield, Where can I buy one.
@alec4672
6 жыл бұрын
PlayGirl It's just your standard cheep plastic bowl from the kitchen section with a small hole in the bottom.
@atkgrl
6 жыл бұрын
Alec Ver Bunker it's a great idea and could be sold as a tool.
@alec4672
6 жыл бұрын
PlayGirl they do sell it as a tool but for much more then it's worth. I use a plastic salad bowl and it works just as well.
@brandonwilson4281
3 жыл бұрын
🍼🖤💡⚡🌩️🌩️🍼🔫🥋💰🍼👨👦👦🍼🔥🚒
Good
Would be good to know what cables they used? maybe it's 14/3?
@lyndoncreps4218
2 жыл бұрын
14/3 is ideal for smoke detectors.
I see how you wired the fire alarms but how did you wire it into the outlet in the Attic.? I noticed it's a 14-3 Romex so where did you connect the red for power was there a 14-3 already in there? What if it's a 14 -2 that's already existing there?
@thatbrownkid9783
Жыл бұрын
I’m sure he pigtailed the hot & neutral from the back of the outlet and didn’t use the red wire
@lukekoesler3383
3 ай бұрын
The 14/3 red wire is just needed for communication in between devices. It should not be tied into a power source. So a14/2 is your power supply. But in this video that means it's not talking to the lower floor devices unless he pulls a new interconnecting wire or uses a remote transmitter of some kind.
The most unrealistic attic I’ve ever seen 😂
Where does the end of the orange wire connect to
nice
Will 12/2 wire work or 12/3. I noticed he had red wire?
@aurvaroy6670
3 жыл бұрын
12/3 for alarms with a red interconnect wire and 12/2 for alarms without that extra wire
@ThisOldHouse if you mute a detector in one room will if mute all of the others?
@10MohGG
4 жыл бұрын
Ayan Hussain no
@brandonwilson4281
3 жыл бұрын
🍼🔫💡🚧✏️⚡👙
Can i wire different brand ? I know I have to change the base ..
@guidedbygreen1480
3 жыл бұрын
It's preferred they are all same brand to ensure communication, but try it
Imperial Walker spotted at 0:54
@1:30 : “Upp, there it is, right through my knee cap....No worries, I’m ok, I have another one !
wonder cost of labor I have to install 6 in my house, and I prefer to be wired
@brandonwilson4281
3 жыл бұрын
🍼
@fatherelijah1763
3 жыл бұрын
@@brandonwilson4281 👻
For smoke detectors where exactly in a bedroom go?? Like what's a best location in a bedroom... How far away from vents or it doesn't matter?
@gangisspawn1
3 жыл бұрын
On the ceiling in front of the door. Sometimes one on both sides of the door for extra safety(apartment code).
@POLOAZTECA
3 жыл бұрын
@@gangisspawn1 Thanks
Loop you tape into itself, it makes for easy removal, I've heard it call the buddy tab idk just don't get fired
Is it possible to get them all to chirp at the same time?
@Vanilla_Icecream1231
2 жыл бұрын
That’s what the red wire does
عمل رائع
@kevinsmith3851
3 жыл бұрын
We need for this my company
Pot twist: The metal rod goes through Kevin
@brandonwilson4281
3 жыл бұрын
⚡🍼🎸💰🍼🎶🎤🎸🎙️📲💑🍼🎸⚡💒📽️💡👩🚒❤️🚒👙💡
@mattydubz481
2 жыл бұрын
🤣
@violetrosesoto9819
Жыл бұрын
I’m o
@venividivici4253
4 ай бұрын
Plot*
@lonnellmiddleton81
4 ай бұрын
@@venividivici4253😂😂😂
We need for this my company
That's so informative
Imagine that metal rod would drill his knee 😂😂
@Jack-vo2sz
2 жыл бұрын
my exact thought "and now it goes straight thru his knee instead" 😂
Dude, saw comment about on knees before watching...Lmfao. Laurel & Hardy level potential.
@brandonwilson4281
3 жыл бұрын
🍼🌪️🔫👙💏🤰🌛🔥👙🕑🚂🍼💡⛈️🔥
@brandonwilson4281
3 жыл бұрын
⚡📲🚧🇲🇾💰💑❤️🚒🍼🎸🔊🎤☎️👙📲💰🚒🍼❤️
What was the second one for? To get him out of trouble? Are the cops after him?
@fatherelijah1763
3 жыл бұрын
😁😁you just made me spill my coffee
Correct me if I'm wrong, but the last I heard the NEC says that smoke detectors should be on a separate circuit. I get that you guys did this so it's more user friendly, but the job should be done to code for today.
@nofingway1
7 жыл бұрын
codes change depending of the country/state.
@jc5536
7 жыл бұрын
If the NEC states it should be on its own circuit ( individual branch circuit ) I would be interested in that chapter and section or if it's an amendment to NFPA 70 written into law and approved in a specific state or commonwealth. I'm almost inclined to point towards NFPA 72 if that even exists.
@Sparky-ce9yy
6 жыл бұрын
Sigvulcanas you are correct. Hard wire smoke detectors must be on one circuit and are NOT allowed to be GFCI or AFCI protected.
@ronaldbeal
6 жыл бұрын
WRONG!!! NEC section 210.12 requires 120v smoke alarms to be on Arc Fault circuits. They should be interconnected and on one circuit. There is debate on weather they should be alone on a circuit, or be on a shared circuit. NEC, NFPA, and IRC do not weigh in on the matter. Some state and local AHJ have made a determination one way or another, and they have the final say. The fire prevention community is leaning toward being on a shared circuit, so that if the breaker is tripped, the occupants will be more likely to notice it, whereas if the alarms are by themself, someone might turn off the breaker to silence a false alarm, and then never turn them back on.
@ronaldbeal
6 жыл бұрын
International Code Council Electrical Code (ICCEC) :Section 1202.5 states: "Smoke detectors required by the International Building Code and installed within dwelling units shall not be connected as the only load on a branch circuit. Such detectors shall be supplied by branch circuits having lighting loads consisting of lighting outlets in habitable spaces."
What kind of wire that you use in smoke detector ?
@darrenwoloshyn
4 жыл бұрын
Dj tippler 14/3 NMD 90
Hi I have noticed the smoke alarm beeping,I have disconnected it from the wire but I noticed the beeping has moved to the ceiling light and its continuously beeping every 5-10 sec 24/7.Any solutions please? Thanks
@gangisspawn1
3 жыл бұрын
Battery needs changing... if you can't figured that out then hire a handyman for ALL issues in the future.
@oldtwinsna8347
2 жыл бұрын
Just find an exact replacement for it if you've done the battery change and it still does it . These have maximum lifespans and some will beep at that point, or they just crap out over time. The same model will fit the existing mount and so it can be swapped out in like 1 minute time.
Is it required to shut off power in the house while attaching those colored 3 wires?
@hoivothi1997
3 жыл бұрын
Wdt
@hoivothi1997
3 жыл бұрын
.
@hoivothi1997
3 жыл бұрын
.
@hoivothi1997
3 жыл бұрын
..?..
@oldtwinsna8347
2 жыл бұрын
Definitely turn it off. Only after you got it wired in and have a modular connector for future replacement would you not need to turn power off (works light plugging in socket).
why wasn;t the second screw in the first box he wired screwed down?
This was a great video. Unfortunately I need to do a hardwired install in the location you put wireless. Any advice on running the cables?
@aurvaroy6670
3 жыл бұрын
I'm pretty sure you take the same steps Scott took (run romex from a nearby power source to each location) without having access to an attic. There are plenty of videos showing you how to do that
Sending the wires to these devices is cumbersome but there is no way out of it... Great for remodel work but I don't recommend if it was going to be inspected it will be a no pass.. Why? All devices need a dedicated circuit and they all need to be hardwired... That's what happened to me in LA...
@leonardholt5311
4 жыл бұрын
NevrBDwn Ruby does not need to be on a dedicated circuit.
Love the show. Always interesting seeing how it's done overseas.
@brandonwilson4281
2 жыл бұрын
89
@suzannebrackett8450
Жыл бұрын
I love the video
Hey I have question how connect the smoke detector to the breaker box
@lmd6204
6 жыл бұрын
It is connected to the outlet in the attic which is already connected to the breaker box.
@Nick-bh1fy
4 жыл бұрын
gavilan juarez it’s straight 120 line voltage
@brandonwilson4281
3 жыл бұрын
🔥🍼🤡💷🔥🇺🇸💡💏🍼🇺🇲🇺🇲
@brandonwilson4281
3 жыл бұрын
@@lmd6204 🔥
Plz upload ull episode of this video
If you want even more information on this subject, see this video! kzread.info/dash/bejne/aWVosKRwc7nYoKQ.html
Wow very nice job,is that a new type of smoke detectors the other one?
Because carbon monoxide is slightly lighter than air and also because it may be found with warm, rising air, detectors should be placed on a wall about 5 feet above the floor
@DanTDMJace
2 жыл бұрын
No, they should be on the ceiling.
@The09creeper
10 ай бұрын
I would love to see some one actually put a co alarm 5 feet above the ground but no one does it because of aesthetic reasons
ho yes
I wanted to know that .
@brandonwilson4281
4 жыл бұрын
🍼🤰
@brandonwilson4281
3 жыл бұрын
🍼💡💡❤️💏🎥🔫🔥
@ebrukucuk1471
3 жыл бұрын
Zzz😼
@ebrukucuk1471
3 жыл бұрын
@@brandonwilson4281 dhegjegjwgejegeuegeigruegeufeyegjegejegehegeje
Aren't fire alarm systems supposed to be on a dedicated circuit?
@easyroc75
2 жыл бұрын
Some places require a dedicated circuit. He said if someone turned the circuit breaker to the dedicated circuit, no one would know. However, I think the alarm with a battery backup would beep if the AC power is turned off.
@ManleyDestine
2 жыл бұрын
@@easyroc75 Yes, though the system is supposed to have redundancy. Supposed everyone is awa for a weekend and that circuit trips and battery power goes out within the 24 hour limit or 48 depending on how much juice is in it? Come back don't realize that cicuit is off because it's on a circuit not being used and boom, fire while your family is sleeping.
I had professionals install 5 of those and it wasn't cheap
@cantlean4440
2 жыл бұрын
I'm curious how much it was. I am guessing $80 per unit plus labor and materials. Maybe around $900?
Wow, i know your code is different from scotland, but why no earth sleeving?? It just makes sense. Any US sparky would learn alot if they worked over here for a few days.
@AMD1
4 жыл бұрын
It's not necessary to have the ground/earh covered since it's not a normal current carrying conductor, and usually bonded to the back of a metal box. North American codes say that the ground/earth must be identified with green insulation, green with a yellow stripe, or bare coper. I believe Australia also has a bare ground/earth conductor in their NM cable/twin and earth.
full episode not availiable in this link
7:07 he is using too much smoke, one spray is enough. you will damage it.
@Slektus
3 жыл бұрын
Ikr
@razorcool5011
3 жыл бұрын
Spray
@alexandersalarms5380
3 жыл бұрын
@Anthony Lee The smoke alarm...
@brandonwilson4281
3 жыл бұрын
🍼🚓🧠🛫🛩️♥️🚑♥️🍼😍🏈🎂💺🎃🧤🔦💡💵🛍️🕯️🙋🚴⛹️🏋️💆🙇👩🚒👩👩👧🌩️🍼🎂🚔🎤📹💡👙🗄️🕞💜🎦🕣🇱🇷🇺🇾💰📲🔴🔵🔊😡😤😠💰📞📲
@alexandersalarms5380
3 жыл бұрын
@@brandonwilson4281 shut up
What good is that if thay are not home
Can of smoke is better than the test button
I've always heard that carbon monoxide detectors should be low to the ground, since carbon monoxide sinks. Is this wrong?
@TheSgtDabbs
Жыл бұрын
It doesn't really matter what height they are at, CO spreads pretty evenly throughout a given area.
My washer is broken and I want a new washer thanks.
@mrtraindeveloper475
5 жыл бұрын
gurminder singh just get a new one
@herculesskinny2030
5 жыл бұрын
Go to home Depot or lowes to go pay for a new one.
@fatherelijah1763
3 жыл бұрын
i like Barcelona
Kevin!!! 🏡
Bugger the smoke detectors, what were those red terminal caps you were twisting wires together with? Ive done electrics for a long time in the UK and have never seen such things before. would save time over solder and shrink wrap that's for sure.
@nofingway1
7 жыл бұрын
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twist-on_wire_connector super cheap in any hardware store.
@nofingway1
7 жыл бұрын
www.homedepot.com/p/Wire-Connector-Assortment-25-Pack-775128/202894260
@Nine-Signs
7 жыл бұрын
thank you :)
@jenkins6421
7 жыл бұрын
ArmyOfAll just remember its 110v in the us compared to 220 over there
@zakadamson6059
6 жыл бұрын
James Jennings not being cocky but letting u know its 240~250 volts. So soldering is a musg
There is jo way i could have been in that attic while he was drilling those rods without screaming " oh god my knee, you drilled it through my knee".
Quick Question, if a person is hearing impaired and is living alone, how can she/he knows if a fire is starting?
@jackdoble2
8 жыл бұрын
They make smoke detectors with strobes, perfect for someone that is hearing impaired.
@rdcstyle6612
7 жыл бұрын
+bobloblaws911 those vibrator alerts are very handy usually they install them between then individuals private parts for max alertness and stimulation
@muscleman569
7 жыл бұрын
THEN THEYRE FUUUUCKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!@!!%
@atkgrl
6 жыл бұрын
Jack where can you buy them?
@davidredpath4781
6 жыл бұрын
Mark R they make horn strobes for that situation
Thanks to this old house addiction 34 yrs ago I bought an old house - lol - it’s a bit older now …lol?
It’s so terrifying to hear a robot voice at night saying warning Carbon Monoxide, especially since it echos the entire house, but I’d rather live than die from Carbon Monoxide
If battery is moved but powered by wire, will it always chirp?
@6string327
3 жыл бұрын
yes, the battery is only if the power goes out. If it's also hard wired your good.
@oldtwinsna8347
2 жыл бұрын
there's usually voltage monitoring for the backup battery so if it gets old the battery can invoke the chirping to start.
Was there a battery in the wireless one he installed? I didn't see one.
@ethanmacias7287
4 жыл бұрын
At 6:12 that's the battery and wireless one he installed
2:20 why did it look like an arc cutting the saw?
@Nick-bh1fy
3 жыл бұрын
Most likely friction from the metal wholesaw against the wood but definitely not an electrical arc
very educative
0:22 "Code requires 2 sources of power now" But he installs a battery powered smoke detectors downstairs
@ethanmacias7287
4 жыл бұрын
He said that it's the most difficult place to get the smoke alarms wired to
@ranganathkrishnamurthy9979
3 жыл бұрын
I don’t think running power to the device is the difficult part but having all the devices connected through the orange cable is the most challenging part.. so it makes sense to choose a wireless one to connect with the other devices but I would have also hooked up the device to power in addition to having a battery
@morffi1123
2 жыл бұрын
It's doble battery
I saw sparks at 2:20
So if my cooking sets off my detector how do I turn it off?
@AMD1
Жыл бұрын
Use a shotgun
How much does this service cost?
Please see Manuel
2:21, an electrical wire???
No Red FPLR Alarm Cable? Why?
@dunnitt
6 жыл бұрын
120 volt units . They are not connected to a alarm system
@fnhwk
4 жыл бұрын
It's a house, not a hospital.
11-- how interconnected ?
@edduanchavez3346
4 жыл бұрын
The red wire connects between the smoke detectors, this red wire is called the signal wire, as soon as one detects smoke it carries the signal to the rest
@abelluz5698
4 жыл бұрын
Treasper Killa thanks, about wireless how take signal to the others?
How do I what is code for the state/county that I reside in?
@CaptainBill22
8 жыл бұрын
You can get a copy of the National Electrical Code (NEC) NFPA 70 from Barnes and Noble. That's a massive book with codes for just about anything that uses electricity. This is a national standard and state and local codes use the NEC as a basis for their own codes. As far as local codes, I would check with your town/city hall or maybe a fire station.
Hallo...🖑🖑