How to Remove Wired Smoke Detectors

Turn off the circuit breaker that powers the smoke detectors. The location of the circuit breaker usually is marked on the inside door panel of your home electrical box.

Position a stepladder or step stool under the smoke detector so you can reach it safely. Find the battery compartment and slide it open to reveal the battery. The battery compartment usually is visible and marked on the bottom of the smoke detector.

Pull the battery out of the battery compartment and slide the compartment door closed. Press the "Test" button for 10 seconds to discharge the unit. This removes any residual voltage in the unit.

Press the tabs on the side of the smoke detector with your fingers and disconnect it from the mounting plate, if your unit has tabs. Pull the ceiling wire connector off the top of the smoke detector.

Find a small pin in the side of the smoke detector, if your unit does not have tabs. The locking pin usually is on the opposite side of the battery compartment. Pull the pin out with a pair of needle nose pliers. Rotate the smoke detector counterclockwise and disconnect it from the mounting plate. Disconnect the wire connector from the top of the smoke detector.

Insert a flat-head screwdriver between the detector and the mounting plate, if the unit does not turn after removing the pin. Twist the screwdriver handle to begin prying the unit away from the mounting plate. Turn the smoke detector body counterclockwise at the same time you are twisting the screwdriver handle. Once the detector disconnects from the mounting plate, disconnect the wire connector.