How to Install Smoke Detectors in Series

Connect smoke detectors in series so that if one detects smoke, the others can sound too. If a fire starts in a remote area and the nearest alarm detects the fire, all the units will alarm. Interconnected alarms only really work within a residence, however. If you’re testing—or if false alarms occur—all the units will sound, including the neighbors. Also, keep in mind that you can only install a certain number of alarms in series, along with a maximum length of wire interconnecting them.

Drywall saw
Junction boxes
Smoke alarms
Wire
Wire connectors

Instructions

- 1
  Determine the alarm locations. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends one on every floor, in every sleeping area and in every bedroom.
- 2
  Switch off the main electricity at the main power box.
- 3
  Use your drywall saw to cut holes in the ceilings for junction boxes.
- 4
  From an unswitched 120VAC 60 Hz source, run a set of white neutral and black hot wires to the first location. Install a junction box in the ceiling.
- 5
  Run a set of white neutral, black hot and an orange interconnect wire to the second location. Install a junction box in the ceiling, connecting the wires using the wire connectors.
- 6
  Repeat until you have set wire and junction boxes for the entire system. Alarm manufacturer BRK allow a maximum of 12 smoke alarms, but your manufacturer may have a different recommendation; check the instructions sheet.
- 7
  Connect the white wire on the smoke alarm power connector to the white neutral wire in the junction box. Connect the black wire on the power connector to the black hot wire, and connect the orange wire on the power connector to the orange interconnect wire in the junction box. Repeat for each unit.
- 8
  Remove the mounting bracket from each smoke alarm base, and connect each to a junction box. Plug the power connector into the back of each alarm, and position the alarms on the brackets.
- 9
  Turn the power back on and test.

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