How to Wire Kidde Smoke Detectors

Smoke alarms are must-haves in every residential home and business. They detect the first traces of smoke and warn everyone to exit the building. This minimizes the risk of injury and reduces damage to the building. There should be a working smoke alarm on each story of a home. Kidde manufacturers two types of smoke alarms. One type is battery-operated, while the other is wired into the wall. If you own a wired smoke detector and need to replace it with a new Kidde smoke alarm, you must wire the alarm correctly.

Things You'll Need

Screwdriver

Wire nuts

Instructions

- 1
  Hold the trim ring in one hand and the Kidde smoke alarm in the other hand. Twist the alarm so that it separates from the trim ring.
- 2
  Place the trim ring over the electrical box to see which holes in the trim ring match up to the screw holes in the electrical box. Lower the trim ring and use a screwdriver to punch out the proper holes.
- 3
  Put the trim ring back over the electrical box, lining up the holes in the box with the holes in the ring. Make sure the electrical wires are coming through the large circular hole in the center. Secure the ring to the box with the supplied screws.
- 4
  Remove the wiring connector from the back of the Kidde smoke alarm by squeezing the two tabs on the side of it and pulling it straight out of the alarm.
- 5
  Pull the insulating caps off the black wire and the white wire. If you are connecting this Kidde smoke alarm to another Kidde smoke alarm, pull the insulating cap off the red wire as well. If you are not, leave the insulating cap on the red wire.
- 6
  Place the black wire from the adapter together with the black wire coming from the wall or ceiling where you will install your new Kidde smoke alarm. Secure the two black wires together with a wire nut. Repeat with the white wire. If you are connecting two alarms, attach the two red wires together with a wire nut.
- 7
  Push the adapter back into the back of the smoke alarm until it clicks in place. Line up the marks on the smoke alarm with the marks on the trim ring. Put the alarm onto the trim ring at these marks and twist it to lock it into place.
- 8
  Watch for the red LED light to begin flashing to know that the Kidde smoke alarm is working. The light should flash every 30 to 40 seconds.

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