Do It Yourself Home Fire Alarm System

Select locations for your fire alarms. Picking the right location is particularly important. For maximum coverage, the alarms should be placed in different areas of the house: in every bedroom, in a central area near each bedroom and on each level of the home, including the basement and attic. Multiple alarms that are not connected to each other constitute a system.

An alarm should be mounted on the ceiling four inches away from the wall; wall mounted alarms should be located 4 to 12 inches from the ceiling. The alarm should be placed high on the wall and away from stoves and fireplaces to avoid false alarms. Locate it away from ceiling fans and windows to prevent moving air from reaching the alarm.

Use a ladder or a step stool and mark the spot on the wall or ceiling where the fire alarm will be located. Hold the alarm's mounting bracket and mark the holes in the ring with a pencil to indicate where the alarm will be placed.

Drill two small holes in the marked places. Install the bracket using the screws provided.

Install the alarm on the mount. Use a flashlight if you cannot see clearly. Twist the alarm into the bracket. Wiggle the alarm to check that it is secure. If it is loose, the bracket and alarm must be re-tightened.

Open the alarm's battery compartment. A ribbon is located in the battery compartment. Lay it across the back of the alarm. Attach the battery over the ribbon. Place the ribbon across the battery and re-attach the battery compartment.

Test the fire alarm by pressing the test button on the alarm. If the test button beeps when pressed, the unit is functioning properly.