How to Wire Smoke Detectors in Sequence

Many smoke detectors operate independently. But in some safety systems, the alarms are wired in sequence, one to the next, so they can be integrated into a centralized alarm system. This is a more elaborate type of smoke alarm installation than is found in most homes, but the basics behind the wiring are relatively simple.

Things You'll Need

Wire cutters
Wire strippers

Screwdriver
Resistor

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the power to the circuit where you'll be wiring the smoke detectors.
- 2
  Loosen the (+) and (-) screws on the terminal bus at the first smoke detector with a screwdriver. There will be two (+) screw terminals and two (-) screw terminals.
- 3
  Remove 1/2 inch of insulation from the ends of the red and black wire leads coming from the control panel, using a set of wire cutters.
- 4
  Slide the bare end of the red wire under one of the (+) screw terminals. Slide the bare end of the black wire under one of the (-) screw terminals. Tighten the screws to hold the wires in place.
- 5
  Remove 1/2 inch of insulation from both ends of the red and black wire leads that will connect the first detector to the second detector. Slide the bare end of the red wire under the open (+) screw terminal on the first detector. Slide the bare end of the black wire under the open (-) screw terminal on the first detector. Tighten the screws to hold the wires in place.
- 6
  Loosen the (+) and (-) screws on the terminal bus at the second smoke detector with a screwdriver. There will be two (+) screw terminals and two (-) screw terminals. Slide the bare end of the red wire under one of the (+) screw terminals. Slide the bare end of the black wire under one of the (-) screw terminals. Tighten the screws to hold the wires in place.
- 7
  Repeat the steps to connect more detectors. When you reach the end of the chain, terminate the last two open (+) and (-) terminals with a 4.7 kOhm resistor.

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