Which is better hardwired or battery smoke detectors

You might want to know the answer to this question, because the safety and welfare of your family can be impacted by how you decide. Battery-source smoke detectors are in widespread use today because they are generally less expensive to buy and less expensive to install, since they don’t require electrical wiring to complete the installation. Good hardwired smoke alarms also have a battery backup, since a power outage renders them useless unless they have a backup battery.

The more relevant question, however, is about you. How reliable are you as a homeowner to keep either type of smoke alarm tested and in working order? It’s smart to change the battery of a battery-source smoke alarm on a scheduled replacement basis. However, waiting until the annoying beep signals a weak battery is the more typical way we keep our home smoke detectors working. If you fall into this category, a hardwired smoke detector may be your best choice. As long as the electric is working, you’re well protected.

Today, almost all municipalities require homes and businesses to have smoke detectors installed, and battery-powered ones are often adequate. Homes built after 1992 can be required, depending on where you live, to have hardwired smoke detectors. Homes built in California after 1992, for example, must have hardwired smoke detectors that also have a battery backup.You can find more information about local code requirements online from your local municipality or by checking with your home insurer. For either type it’s best to choose a good-quality, longer-life battery over an inexpensive one. And post a note to yourself on a calendar to remind you it’s time to replace the smoke alarm batteries. One last thought: Having smoke alarms throughout your house — in bedrooms, garage, basement, etc., — is a good idea.

Update your smoke alarm to a hard-wired photoelectric rechargeable smoke alarm and you won’t have to change the battery for the life of your alarm!

There are 4 main power sources for smoke alarms; 9V battery only, hardwired, hardwired with a rechargeable battery and 10 year Lithium Ion battery smoke alarms.

Depending on when your house was built or renovated there are different legal requirements about which type you are required to have.

9V Battery Smoke Alarms

9 volt battery smoke alarms are the cheapest option, and they can be installed easily in any location because there are no cables. However, the battery in these smoke alarms must be changed every year. As the battery is the only power source for this type of alarm, there is no backup if the batteries dies or fails.

One thing to consider before buying battery-only smoke alarms is that Victorian law requires all homes built after 1997 to have hardwired smoke alarms.

Hardwired Smoke Alarms

Which is better hardwired or battery smoke detectors

Clipsal Photoelectric Smoke Alarm, 240V 9V Battery Backup

Hardwired smoke alarms are powered by 240V mains power and also have a backup 9V battery. This offers the added security of having 2 sources of power in the case of power failure, which makes them much more reliable than battery-only smoke alarms. Keep in mind that the 9V battery still has to be replaced every year.

These smoke alarms are a good choice for your home as they come in both photoelectric and ionisation models. They are also compliant with Victorian requirements that newer homes built after 1997 have hardwired smoke alarms.These laws also apply to rental properties.

If you are renovating or extending your home, it’s a good time to consider having hardwired smoke alarms installed. It is much easier to install cabling during a building project, rather than in existing homes (but it’s still possible!). Hardwired smoke alarms must be installed by a licenced electrician. Kenner Electrics installs quality Clipsal hardwired photoelectric smoke alarms.

10 Year Lithium Ion Battery Smoke Alarms

Do you want to avoid the hassle of changing your smoke alarm batteries every year? With the adoption of modern Lithium-Ion batteries, there are now options with a battery that lasts for the whole 10 year life of the smoke alarm!

Hardwired + Rechargeable Battery

Kenner Electrics recommends this option for its reliability and ease of use. These alarms are hardwired to 240V mains power, and also have a lithium ion backup battery that is rechargeable. The rechargeable battery will last for the whole 10 year life of your smoke alarm without you having to change any batteries!

The upfront cost of this option is slightly more expensive than standard hardwired smoke alarms, but when you consider the savings in battery costs it becomes the smart much more comparable.

Which is better hardwired or battery smoke detectors

Clipsal Lithium Battery Powered Photoelectric Smoke Alarm with Built-in Wireless Interconnect

Lithium Ion Battery Only

These smoke alarms are battery powered, but the battery is designed to last for 10 years, meaning you don’t have to change the batteries! However, this option only has 1 power source so may not be as reliable as dual power source hardwired alarms.

The major benefit of rechargeable battery smoke alarms is that they are very flexible and easy to install. As there is no cabling, they can be installed in locations where it is impossible to run cables. So even though the cost of the alarm is more expensive, the installation costs are lower.

Update your smoke alarm to a hard-wired photoelectric rechargeable smoke alarm and you won’t have to change the battery for the life of your alarm! Kenner Electrics installs quality Clipsal photoelectric smoke alarms (rechargeable options available).

Other Service Areas:

  • Surrey Hills Electrician
  • Vermont Electrician
  • Camberwell Electrician
  • Box Hill Electrician
  • Burwood Electrician
  • Mount Waverley Electrician
  • Balwyn Electrician
  • Doncaster Electrician
  • Nunawading Electrician
  • Mitcham Electrician
  • Donvale Electrician
  • Glen Waverley Electrician
  • Blackburn Electrician

Should I get hard wired or battery smoke detector?

Hardwired smoke alarms are more dependable as they are connected on a power supply. Once the alarm sounds, they will not stop until turned off. In case of power interruptions, they have battery backups for continuous operation. Battery-powered smoke alarms depend solely on the batteries.

Which is better wired or wireless smoke detectors?

Wired fire alarm systems are powered by a main source physically connect to them. The likelihood of them losing power is much lower than a wireless device and therefore are seen as much more reliable.

Are hardwired smoke detectors worth it?

“Having a hardwired smoke alarm helps to increase the chance alarms have power and are ready to signal in case of a fire,” says Sharon Cooksey, the fire safety educator for Kidde. “In fact, three out of five home fires come from homes without working smoke alarms that are missing batteries.”

Can you replace hardwired smoke detector with battery?

It is not acceptable to replace a hard wired alarm with one that is battery operated. A home must maintain at least the same level of protection as originally required.