To replace a smoke detector, there are five basic steps: turn off the power, remove the old smoke detector and mounting plate, replace them with new ones, and finally, test the detector.
Replacing smoke detectors is an extremely important task for ensuring your home’s fire safety. I recommend replacing all of your smoke detectors every 10 years, regardless of their functionality. Thankfully, it’s a relatively simple task.
| Project difficulty: Beginner Estimated time to complete: 5 to 30 minutes Project cost: $15 to $300, depending on the type of smoke detector. |
What You’ll Need
The tools you need will be dependent on whether you have a hardwired or battery-operated smoke detector. Remember that some supplies may only be used if you need to drill holes for the new smoke detector’s mounting plate.
- Electrical tester
- Smoke detector batteries
- Screws and screwdriver
- Drywall anchors
- Electric drill
Length of project: Battery-operated smoke detectors are relatively simple to replace and should only take a few minutes. However, hardwired systems are more complex and may take a half hour or longer.
Step 1: Turn Off the Power to Your Home
If your power is still on while you are replacing hardwired smoke detectors, you can badly electrocute yourself. To turn off the power to your home, locate the main breaker box and flip the switch to off.
Note: This step is only necessary if you have a hardwired smoke detector. If your smoke detector is battery-operated, you can safely keep the power on.
Step 2: Remove the Old Smoke Detector
Next, remove the old smoke detector from its bracket and rotate it counterclockwise until it’s free. If the detector doesn’t move, there may be a small button or tab you have to press to turn it. If your smoke detector is battery-operated, this step is finished once it is off the bracket.
If your smoke detector is hardwired, a wiring harness connects the detector to its wiring. To disconnect the wiring harness, squeeze the tabs on either side and gently pull it out.
Step 3: Replace the Smoke Detector’s Mounting Plate
It’s possible that your new smoke detector will fit the existing mounting plate from the old unit. If they don’t, you’ll need to remove and replace it.
- Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the plate to the ceiling. If your smoke detector is hardwired, take care not to pull its wiring.
- Once the mounting plate is off, install the new one.
- Screw the new mounting plate on with the screws that came with your new smoke detector. Use the same screw holes if possible.
- If not, rotate the mounting plate, drill new holes, tap in drywall anchors, and screw into those.
Note: If you have a hardwired smoke detector, you likely also need to replace the wiring harness your smoke detector plugs into. Even if they’re the same model, manufacturers change the amperage or rating of the harnesses between models. Some smoke detectors will come with a new wiring harness included.
Step 4: Attach the New Smoke Detector
Now, attach the new smoke detector to its mounting plate. If you have a battery-operated smoke detector, this step is simple: install the batteries, twist the new detector onto the plate, and you’re done.
If you have a hardwired smoke detector, plug the wire harness into the socket and carefully return the wiring back into the space behind the mounting plate. Then, install backup batteries and twist the smoke detector onto the mounting plate.
Step 5: Test the New Smoke Detector
Return back to your main breaker box and flip the switch back to the on position. Next, locate the test button on your new smoke detector. Press and hold that button. If it’s working correctly, your detector should make a noise. If you have a hardwired system, all of the detectors should go off simultaneously.
If your smoke detector fails to sound, ensure the battery is installed correctly or, in the case of a hardwired detector, that all the wiring is properly hooked up. If you can’t find any other obvious issues, the detector is likely faulty and will need to be replaced.
Once you’ve resolved all issues and your new smoke detector sounds when tested, congratulations! You’re done.
Smoke Before Fire
When replacing your smoke detector, follow each step carefully. I suggest you replace the batteries and test the detectors regularly. Remember, non-functioning smoke detectors won’t keep your home safe from fires.
Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled handymen and handywomen in seconds and leave the rest to us.
Main Photo Credit: Kevin Brine / Adobe Stock Free / License
Related Posts:
