Hard Wired Smoke Alarms
Hard wired smoke alarms range from simple systems to some very elaborate installations.Whilst many hard wired systems are good, it’s as easy and very effective to install remote battery operated alarms also.
One thing to consider with battery operated systems is, provided they are maintained, they house their own unique operating system which cannot be compromised if the main supply goes down.
Our home page discusses the reasons why a system (any reliable system) is so vital. See our page on the Firex smoke alarm for an explanation of remote battery operated systems, as well as what you need to consider when doing the installation yourself.
In our view, a hard wired system should be installed by a time served electrician. It’s not safe, nor is it wise, to install such a system yourself as anything hardwired has consequences on the wiring and integrity of the rest of your home.
In addition, one of the main reasons for a house fire is faulty electrics and you wouldn’t want to be the cause of the fire. Especially not when the reason for such faulty electrics was the installation of a system to prevent fire in the first place. See the main reasons for a house fire explained on our home page.
Because of the disadvantage highlighted in the third paragraph above, many hard wired systems come with battery back-ups included within each alarm. These kick in should the mains supply fail.
But, like all battery operated alarm systems, the batteries need to be checked regularly and changed periodically. If you don’t trust yourself to do this at the prescribed times then think about having a local service company visit your home on predefined dates to carry out an inspection and any necessary maintenance for you.
Bottom line, to have an effective fire hazard warning system the alarms must be functional at all times, regardless of the ongoing circumstances.
Another consideration is that, like self-install alarms, hard wired system alarms need to be replaced every so many years (see the particular manufacturer’s recommendations that come with the particular alarm in question). So, it does beg the question why not just install DIY alarms instead? DIY are very effective as long as they are maintained properly thereafter.
On the side of the hard wired system, statistics do show that they tend to function better than their DIY brethren. So, it really comes down to personal preferences, and budget, at the end of the day.
The key factors, when considering hard wired versus battery-only operated, is that, if hard wired, you need a quality alarm system which is professionally installed. And you need one that has a battery back-up within each alarm in the event of a mains failure for any reason.
DIY installations are more cost effective and there’s nothing wrong with them at all provided you install alarms from a decent manufacturer (as are included on this website) and you don’t skimp on battery quality.
And, in both cases, you need to have your alarms regularly maintained and serviced, preferably by a specialist service provider who know what they’re doing.
In addition, like all mechanical devices (and more important when it comes to safety) you need to replace the alarms at least every 10 years. But follow the relevant manufacturer’s recommendations in each case.
Moreover, in both cases, you need to ensure sufficient coverage within your home. Don’t be stingy when it comes to safety. Install at least one alarm in every single room.
After all, it could be the difference between life and death for either you, or any member of your family.
If you can trust yourself to maintain and service your system on a periodic basis then DIY systems are much cheaper alternative and very effective. And don’t forget that both types of system need to be maintained. Not just one.
And, after your purchase, should you need it, we provide our own unique personal follow up customer care, at this site, in addition to the follow up care you receive from the manufacturer (when you click on the contact link below).