Learn how to choose the right smoke alarm for your home, where to install smoke detectors, and the step-by-step process to install a smoke detector safely and correctly.
Key takeaways:
- Smoke detectors are your home’s first line of defense, and choosing the right type helps ensure reliable fire detection.
- Options like 10-year sealed battery, hardwired, and combination smoke/CO alarms offer features to fit different home layouts and preferences.
- Proper placement on every level, in every bedroom, and away from cooking appliances reduces nuisance alarms and improves safety.
- Installing a smoke detector is a simple process that involves basic tools, mounting the bracket, and inserting or activating the power source.
Why proper smoke alarm installation matters
The first line of defense that will help alert you and your family of a fire is a smoke detector. Some factors to consider when purchasing a smoke detector are the type of detector, the location of installation, how many you need in your home, and the general maintenance of the alarm. First Alert is the most trusted brand in fire safety*, and our top priority is the safety of your home and family. Follow these helpful tips from First Alert to choose the right smoke alarm for your home and family and learn how to properly install a smoke detector.
1. Choose your smoke alarm
There are many different types of smoke alarms from which you can choose to install in your house. Different detectors have different features like 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms, combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, battery operated and hardwired alarms. First Alert’s 10-year sealed battery alarm with voice and location technology offers hassle free detection and eliminates the need for battery replacements for the life of the alarm. Plus voice alerts, letting you know the type and location of danger. First Alert also offers hardwire alarms and most come with convenient adapter plugs, so smoke detector installation is easy and there is no need to rewire.
2. Decide where to install smoke alarms in your house
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), smoke detectors should be installed on every level of your home, in every bedroom, and outside every sleeping area. To help avoid nuisance alarms, alarms should be installed at least 10 feet away from cooking appliances. Also, when installing your alarm, place the fire alarm in the middle of the ceiling or high on the wall because smoke rises. When installing a smoke alarm high on the wall, it should not be placed more than 12 inches from the ceiling. Also, avoid installing smoke detectors near windows or air ducts, as this could hinder their performance.
3. Install your smoke alarms
To install your new smoke detector, you will need a pencil, drill (with a 3/16” or 5mm drill bit), Phillips screwdriver, and a hammer. To begin installing, mark drill points on the ceiling no less than 8 inches from the nearest wall. Next, drill holes, mount the alarm to the mounting bracket and twist the fire alarm into place. Screw on the base plate and insert any necessary batteries. Now that you know how to install a smoke detector, browse our website to shop a variety of smoke detectors for your house to help protect what matters most.
*First Alert Brand Trust Survey, March 2023 – Results are based on the responses of 1,043 adult homeowners, ages 25 and older, living in the United States who completed an online survey asking them to choose from six brands in the smoke, fire and carbon monoxide protection space.