How to Install an Ionization Smoke Detector

An ionization smoke detector uses radiation to detect smoke. This method is commonly found in many smoke detectors because it is inexpensive, efficient in operation and harmless to the homeowner. To install an ionization smoke detector, follow the same procedure as that of any hard-wired detector. A few household tools are all you will need, although a basic understanding of how electricity works is beneficial.

Phillips screwdriver
Metal screws

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the fuse or trip the circuit breaker at the fuse box to kill the power to the room where you will install the ionization smoke detector
- 2
  Place a ladder so you can reach an existing light fixture on a wall or ceiling. Remove the fixture's cover dome, unscrew the bulbs and set aside.
- 3
  Remove the wood screws surrounding the fixture with a Phillips screwdriver. Place the screws in your pocket for later use. Pull the fixture off the wall or from the ceiling.
- 4
  Remove the screw-tab connectors that are over the twisted pairs of wires that are now exiting the hole. Turn counterclockwise to remove. Also place the screw-tab connectors in your pocket for later use.
- 5
  Unwind the wires from each other. Place the light fixture aside.
- 6
  Place the ionization smoke detector's cover plate over the hole. Pull the wires out from inside the hole so you can get to them. Use the screws from your pocket to screw the cover plate to the wall or ceiling with a Phillips screwdriver.
- 7
  Open the battery compartment on the ionization smoke detector. Simply twist the front cover counterclockwise or pull out the battery tray on the side. Place a compatible battery for backup use inside the battery compartment or battery tray. Twist the front cover back on or push the battery tray back into the detector, depending on the make.
- 8
  Wind the exposed ends of the wires coming out of the hole and the already-stripped ends of the wires attached to the back of the detector. You will do the black wire from the hole to the black wire from the detector; the white wire from the hole to the white wire from the detector; the remaining wire from the hole (copper-colored or dull colored) to the red wire from the detector.
- 9
  Place a screw-tab connector from your pocket on each pair of twisted wires and rotate the tab clockwise until you feel resistance.
- 10
  Push the wiring inside the hole. Either twist or screw the detector onto the cover plate, depending on the setup. Return the electric power at the fuse box so the ionization smoke detector now has the power to operate. Stow the ladder.

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