How to Install Fire Alarms in California

Trip the circuit breaker at the fuse box to discontinue power to the room or area where the fire alarm is to be installed. Place a ladder against the wall where there is an AC outlet. Draw an imaginary line up the wall from the outlet to the ceiling.

Cut a hole in the wall, along the imaginary line, about 6 inches down from the ceiling -- use a utility knife to cut the hole. Aim a flashlight inside the hole to verify the presence of an electrical junction box. If the box can not be seen, enlarge the hole so you can look around the inside of the wall to find the box.

Cut around the hole with a drywall hand saw. Remove the section of the wall that you have cut and dispose of it in the trash.

Place the fire alarm's base plate over the hole. Screw the plate to the wall with wood screws using the Phillips screwdriver.

Strip 1/2-inch of insulation off the ends of the wires attached to the bottom of the AC-powered fire alarm with a wire stripper.

Loosen the screws on the electrical junction box with the Phillips screwdriver. Wind the end of the black wire from the alarm around the screw that already has a black wire wrapped around it. Wind the end of the white wire from the alarm around the screw that already has a white wire wrapped around it.

Wind the end of the remaining wire from the alarm around the screw at the bottom right corner of the electrical junction box -- this screw will have a copper-colored or bare wire wrapped around it already. Tighten the screws.

Place the fire alarm against the plate. Twist the alarm onto the plate with a clockwise motion. Restore the electric power at the fuse box. Press the "Test/Reset" button on the side of the fire alarm to sound the horn for a second.