Having working and dependable smoke alarms is home safety 101. Whether you’re concerned about common household items that can spark a fire or environmental risks like wildfires, ensuring you have the best possible smoke detectors and alarms is incredibly important.
Keeping high-quality smoke alarms in your home just may save lives. But shopping for the right one can be overwhelming. We spoke to a fire safety expert and weighed the pros and cons of cost, dependability and instillation of a hard-wired smoke detector versus battery-operated alarms. Here’s everything you need to know.
Hard-wired smoke detector vs. battery-operated
The biggest decision when choosing a smoke detector is whether to go with hard-wired or battery-operated. Both have their advantages.
“Having a hard-wired smoke alarm increases the chances that they will likely have power in case of a fire,” says Sharon Cooksey, the fire safety educator for Kidde. “In fact, three out of five home fire deaths come from homes not having working smoke alarms, the primary culprit being the installed smoke alarms are missing batteries.
“With hard-wired smoke alarms, we strongly recommend a model with a backup battery in case of power loss to ensure the alarm still works.”
The Kidde 10-Year Worry-Free Hardwired Smoke Detector with ionization sensor and battery backup comes in a three-pack and offers dual protection. You’ll benefit from hardwiring and battery operation if the power goes out.
Winner: Hard-wired smoke detector is our choice for better safety, especially for those who tend to be forgetful about replacing batteries.
Installing hard-wired smoke detector vs. battery-operated
This one boils down to how comfortable you are with electrical wiring. Hardwiring a new fire alarm system isn’t a DIY job; you’ll need to call an electrician.
Replacing an existing hardwired alarm can be relatively easy for mildly handy types. For those who prefer the easiest possible installation with the least amount of know-how, a battery-operated smoke alarm may be best. Be sure to install hardwired alarms in any room with exposed lightbulbs, one of the most overlooked fire hazards at home.
An economical and simple-to-install model like the Kidde Firex Smoke Detector offers easy operation and a front-loading battery door. It’s a breeze for almost anyone to maintain. Just replace the batteries when needed.
Winner: This one could go either way and really depends on your comfort level. Hard-wired options provide better safety protection. Battery-operated smoke alarms, on the other hand, require the least amount of technical skills.
Costs
Whether you’re choosing a hard-wired smoke detector or a battery-operated unit, Cooksey says you’ll find plenty of affordable options. “They’re both typically offered at similar price points,” she says. You should also look at how to prevent home fires in the first place.
Winner: A tie. This one boils down to preference and willingness to install.
How long do hard-wired smoke alarms last?
If you’re aiming for the longest dependable smoke alarm coverage, hard-wired alarms can easily offer 10 years of protection.
“Most fire codes require hard-wired alarms,” Cooksey says. “There is a move to a hardwired smoke alarm with a built-in 10-year battery that lasts the life of the alarm and doesn’t require battery changes. Most fire experts just want working smoke alarms, but hard-wired is a great choice in spaces that have wiring. If not, we strongly recommend a battery-only with a built-in 10-year battery.”
An option like this Kidde 10-Year Worry-Free Hardwired Smoke Detector offers long-lasting protection, plus a voice alarm and ambient light ring.
Winner: Hard-wired smoke alarm systems win this round, hands down. If your space doesn’t easily allow for hard-wiring, a battery-operated smoke alarm is a suitable option. Many battery-operated alarms offer 10-year batteries like this Kidde 10-Year Worry-Free Sealed Battery Smoke Detector with wireless voice interconnect.
Dependability
“Hard-wired alarms are connected to a power supply ensuring the constant power needed for a working smoke alarm,” says Cooksey. “Working smoke alarms double the chance of escape from a home fire, so having the constant power supply helps. We caution that every alarm — hardwired, battery-only, or both — needs to be replaced at least every 10 years.”
Winner: Hard-wired smoke alarms seem to be the clear winner here, but there’s value in battery-operated alarms as well. Choose hard-wired alarms for areas with easy electrical wiring access, and battery-operated for trickier areas with less accessible wiring.
Safety
Any working smoke alarm is better than none, so you’re headed in the right direction with either type. Cooksey stresses hard-wired smoke detector units are often better in the long haul because you’ll most likely have power in the case of a fire or natural disaster. Hard-wiring is also great for forgetful types who may not remember to routinely check and replace batteries.
Cooksey’s favorite smoke alarm models incorporate hard-wiring and batteries into their design. This combination creates a nearly foolproof way of ensuring one system is always working. The Kidde 10-Year Worry Free Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector offers hardwiring and battery backup, plus a voice alarm for an added level of precaution.
Winner: Hard-wired with backup battery operation wins this round.
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