How to Install a Home Smoke Detector

A home smoke detector is a valuable device that can do much to ensure the safety of the residents of your home and your possessions. Smoke detectors come in two basic types -- battery operated and hard-wired. A hard-wired smoke detector is somewhat harder to install than a battery operated device but has the advantage of not requiring any maintenance. These should be installed by qualified electricians. For the average homeowner, a battery-operated device is most suitable for self-installation.

Things You'll Need

Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Determine the location for your smoke detector. Because smoke rises, higher is better; place the detector on the ceiling or high on a wall. If on a wall, place it 4 inches away from the ceiling and away from doors or windows. If on the ceiling place at least 6 inches away from the nearest wall.
- 2
  Screw the mounting plate for the smoke detector into the wall using the screws supplied with the detector and a screwdriver.
- 3
  Press the battery terminal cap onto the battery to install it.
- 4
  Snap the smoke detector onto the mounting plate. With most smoke detectors, you line up a set of notches and tabs and rotate the detector clockwise until it locks into position. To remove the detector for battery replacement, rotate the detector counter-clockwise.

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