How to Replace Hardwired Smoke Detector - Safely Update Your Smoke Detectors with Kidde FireX

How to Replace Hardwired Smoke Detector - Safely Update Your Smoke Detectors with Kidde FireX
Product Links:
Kidde Smoke Detector (single unit): amzn.to/4bcK3yC
Kidde Smoke Detector (4-Pack): amzn.to/3UBjTA0
GET 10% OFF COOL "INTO THE AM" T-SHIRTS & APPAREL
Click here: into-the-am.co...
If you need to replace your old smoke detector there’s no need to worry! It’s pretty easy to do even for beginners and I’ll show you how step by step in this video. I’m replacing my old units with the FireX detectors by Kidde. These are very common in a lot of homes and I have four of them in the house shown in the video.
Only simple tools are needed in addition to a basic circuit tester which will light up if there’s still power going through the electrical wiring.
Make sure you shut off power at your breaker box before you begin. After the new smoke detector is installed and the power is restored you should hear a beep. On the Kidde smoke detectors, the last step is to pull out the plastic tab to activate the backup battery. A green light shows that the detector is powered on!
In all I replaced four smoke detectors in this house and as you'll see in this video it’s not difficult to do. If this video was helpful please give me a thumbs up and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button to stay up to date on all my weekly videos!
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
***Equipment I Use For My Videos***
Canon EOS M6: amzn.to/2pwQ0Vq
Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 Lens: amzn.to/31mLfLq
Tokina 11-16mm Wide Angle Lens: amzn.to/33TFaYH
Fotodiox EF to EOS M Lens Adapter: amzn.to/31u3AGq
Comica CVM-WM300A Wireless Microphones: amzn.to/31tbiAD
Aputure Amaran AL528W LED Light: amzn.to/2VRuwyK
Kamerar SD-1 Camera Slider: amzn.to/2VUB5Ax
AVermedia HDMI Game Capture Module: amzn.to/31phsSp

[@jeribayer8703]

You are a great instructor! Calm, straightforward, easy to understand and no extra unnecessary information. So helpful! Thanks very much for this video.

[@TheRenderQ]

You’re welcome! I’m really glad you found my smoke detector installation video helpful! And I’m glad you noticed that I don’t add any non-related info. To me it’s not necessary. I know my viewer just want the information they’re looking for! Thanks for watching!

[@bharatlalchohan5367]

Thanks it is onformation

[@annettemorrison2784]

Excellent video! After watching it a couple times, I changed out 2 VERY old detectors all by myself. Your close ups of the rewiring was especially helpful. Thank you!

[@lyral7486]

Videos like yours are basically raising me like my absentee father never did 😂 thanks, KZbin dad!

[@TheRenderQ]

You’re welcome! I too learn a lot from KZbin! And glad my smoke detector tutorial was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@rodcros]

I installed seven of these 120 volt Kidde units with batteries in my large house during a renovation in about 2006, and have replaced the odd one over the years when it acted up. The last batch bought from Canadian Tire have been giving us fits over the last month, with two middle-of-the-night alarms from the newer units.

[@cherissepais9839]

Thank you so much for this video! I am a new homeowner and was nervous about trying to replace my 14 year old smoke detectors myself but after watching this video I was able to do it without any problem.

[@ppuzzo3370]

Thank you for being on KZbin. I am 66 years old (female) and I use KZbin quite frequently about installations/replace/repairs for different interior fixes and automobiles.... like replaces light bulbs in front lights and tail lights. I read manuals on how service advisors will inflate car repairs and maintenance especially mechanics ripping off women. I can't believe how many times I have challenged the GM and file claims to the Attorney Generals office for misleading or using reused parts instead of OEM parts. Sometimes you learn the hard way...sometimes it is best to research before hiring "handy-man" or taking their "trusted" words to get a better deal.

[@thetaz00]

You did a great job explaining everything. I only watched it though to see how you punched out the holes for the mounting plate. My old one looked yellow like yours. I also bought the exact same brand as you did.

[@TheRenderQ]

Nice! Glad you were able to find the parts of my video that were helpful!

[@JamesHelm5-8]

I was having a heck of a time trying to figure out how to get the wire separated from the detector. You said to squeeze the side tabs. That wasn't easy at first. I guess I wasn't squeezing hard enough. Thank you very much!

[@joshyjams55]

I love KZbin for DIY tasks like this. 😊

[@dontartasky411]

Am totally not an electrician. But, thanks to this video I just replaced an AC/battery smoke/CO alarm. Great directions. Thanks.

[@phidgetyatgmaildocom]

Your video is clear and shows images that familiarize viewers with what they are handling, step by step. Your narration is calm and well-paced.

[@TheRenderQ]

Glad you enjoyed my smoke detector tutorial! Yeah I like to show everything close up so viewers can see what I’m doing as if they’re looking through my eyes! Plus I try to capture every detail in case I have to refer back to my video in the future. Thanks for watching!

[@angelacookson]

Thanks! Just finished doing the 3 (22 year old!) hardwired smoke detectors in my new home. This video helped a lot!

[@TheRenderQ]

Excellent! I’m glad my smoke detector tutorial was helpful! Nice job! Thanks for watching!

[@msavve]

I'm 41 and feeling empowered now that I've changed my smoke detectors after watching your instruction video! My dad suggested I call a pro.....but I'm adventurous 😂 Thank you!!

[@TheRenderQ]

Excellent! I know the feeling! I used to be scared to work on stuff around the house but at some point I thought if someone else can do it so can I. The worst thing that could happen is that I have to call someone if I can’t figure it out. Good work replacing your smoke detectors! Thanks for watching!

[@simlev1972]

This was super helpful, thank you. Especially liked the close up view, so we can see clearly what you are doing.

[@TheRenderQ]

I’m glad you enjoyed my smoke detector installation video! Yeah on all my videos I like to show things up close so my viewers can actually see what I’m doing. I’ve watched a lot of videos where the camera is too far away! I always try showing the details up close to make a more helpful video! Thanks for watching!

[@rennellzimmerman582]

My Kidde smoke detector was stuck tight! After many tries, I used a hairdryer to warm the plastic housing and twisted counterclockwise. The smoke detector came off and replacement was easy!

[@tabathastaples7884]

You are AWESOME... this video was just what I needed to Shut my husband's mouth.... I got everything replaced the right way.....if it came with everything ...why not replaced everything.. all it takes is a little more time.. love your videos

[@libbylong9059]

Thank you! Almost midnight and the chirping began…you saved the night!

[@quenemoend]

Yes!!!! Mine usually started at around 1 am!!! Tall ceilings so have to drag the 10’ ladder in from outside!! I got mad at them and yanked them all out!!! I seriously need to put new ones in. Great video.

[@heder98]

This video gave me a boost when it started by saying it's easy to do even for beginners. Thanks! The old and new smoke detectors shown here are exactly what I have. The step-by-step process was very helpful in that it simplified everything. Though I have to agree with the observation that the step to check if there's power in the wires were off. I simply used the non-contact voltage tester. Nevertheless I'm bookmarking this, for it's virtually impossible to recall what steps I took to accomplish this 10 years from now.

[@robbiebrett9829]

Excellent video. I do like short and to the point instruction. Well done.

[@jimseviltwin1]

Just switched out all of my smoke detectors same as yours. A couple tips, when you pull off the old detectors back plate. Make a note of the symbols next to the existing mounting holes. There will be a symbol for a square, rectangular, circle. Use this to accurately identify their location on the new plate. Also, there’s no need to use an utility knife to open the keyholes. They are knock outs; use a blunt tool to simply punch out your desired keyhole.

[@eddieloius4592]

not pronounced "Kiddey" , but "Kidda". Thanks for the cool video

[@TheHollyHammon]

Great tutorial. I was a bit anxious since the very old (1996) smoke alarms did not match up with the wire plugs with the new ones though they are both FireX, now I understand I need to switch out the wires.

[@deedeecalamia2425]

This video was so helpful! Thank you ! I was able to change my smoke detectors by watching your “to the point” directions

[@lithiumtensors1]

Extremely helpful. Thank you.

[@TheRenderQ]

You’re welcome! Glad my smoke detector installation video was helpful!

[@interestedparty7523]

Short, concise and clear. Good work.

[@michael2466]

That was super clear and well explained. Thank you so much.

[@TheRenderQ]

Glad you enjoyed it! It’s actually not too difficult to replace a smoke detector.

[@auggatronicRoblox_official]

Great video! However, you made a quite crucial mistake when checking if power is still running through the wires. For Kidde (FireX) detectors, Black = Live, White = Neutral, Red = Interconnect. You put the tester across the interconnect line and neutral line, meaning you won’t get any signal if the breaker was on or off.

[@marymenendez1430]

Should it be black and white or black and red (cupper)?

[@auggatronicRoblox_official]

@@marymenendez1430 black is live (positive), white is neutral (negative), so you would want to measure between black and white

[@HinsleyReel]

This was a perfect how to. I had to rewire a smoke detector today. Thanks for the video!

[@TheRenderQ]

You’re welcome! Nice work rewiring your smoke detector!

[@jennifermiller5393]

Thank you so much for this video! It was so easy to follow and helped me switch out some smoke alarms without my husband's help. High five!

[@TheRenderQ]

You’re welcome! Glad you were able to change some of your smoke detectors yourself! Thanks for watching!

[@lorigraves760]

Thank you for this video! I just finished successfully installing a new smoke detector in my home with help from this video!😊

[@TheRenderQ]

You’re welcome! I’m really glad you were able to install your own smoke detectors with my video! Nice job! Thanks for watching!

[@ilovenoodles7483]

Thank you best video on KZbin about these Kidde smoke alarms. Very detailed, exactly what I needed to know and even some stuff I didn't, but it all worked together so as to not confuse me. 👍🏼

[@TheRenderQ]

You’re welcome! I’m really glad that my smoke detector installation tutorial helped!

[@toxiclis5016]

I love noodles p

[@elizabethriches5546]

Thank you so much for making me believe I could do this by myself! It worked!

[@Soothsayer210]

Thx. for the video. You make it sound so easy. How do i know how circuit breaker corresponds to the smoke alarm.

[@lynnemobrien2953]

Good God thank you! You are the only person to show how to get that dam thing off . I almost broke it and all I had to do was pinch those things and pull it off. It was a bit old so tight going but suprised at how easy it was . Everyone else took for granted that I just knew that part. I did not. Befor your video I was getting very frustrated

[@pamelaktay]

Very good instruction and demo of what and why things are done as they should. THANK YOU!

[@CageyLeigh]

Most of the Kidde units come with a variety of adapters to plug and play the new unit.

[@CecilDSouza]

Very clear and informative video in every way. Clear demonstration with near perfect visual and audio instructions. Thank you. I am wondering how to replace an old wired smoke alarm with a new smoke, fire and Co detector since I am not there and the house in rented. Obviously, handyman are hard to come by and it's not easy. Perhaps the tenant could do it himself. Is kidde a good brank?. Lots of complaints on Amazon and about beeps going off or 10 year battery out in no time.

[@officiallytrav]

Good video! The screw holes punch out perfectly. Just put the plate down (on something soft like carpet or a towel) and push with your screwdriver. They will pop out cleanly. Way faster than using a utility knife!

[@TheRenderQ]

Thanks for the tip on punching out the screw holes! That’s what I would’ve thought to do but it didn’t work right away so I cut them out with a utility knife. Glad you enjoyed my video!

[@WorldOfARandomVegan]

Thank you! Now I feel confident to try this myself!

[@TheRenderQ]

You’re welcome! Yeah it’s not really that difficult to change a smoke detector! Thanks for watching!

[@kurtisca]

Awesome video - All quality content and no chaff - Thanks!

[@TheRenderQ]

You’re welcome! I’m glad my smoke detector installation video was helpful! And yeah I try to make my videos as short and concise as possible! No need for unrelated content to fill up time! Thanks for watching!

[@quenemoend]

Yes, some people fill videos with cutsie stuff, trying to be comedian or entertaining; I just need the info. I’ll find my entertainment elsewhere thank you. Very good instructional video.

[@marydsmyth]

Great video: clear, concise and precise. No waffle. Thanks a billion!

[@TheRancher03]

I was concerned about a red blink every 30+ seconds but it apparently means that it's working perfectly. It is annoying for those models that have large bright LEDs, especially in a bedroom.

[@mohammedsbabou6311]

You are an amazing instructor.. keep such videos coming!!!

[@paulac8116]

Thank you my dear. My lazy ex-husband didn't indicate on the fuse box which breakers connect to the smoke detectors but I know they'll be 15 amps. I'll have to test them and mark them accordingly for next time.

[@TheRenderQ]

Mine breakers were labeled very poorly by the builder of my house. But it took me quite a few tries running upstairs and out to the garage to figure out which ones I needed to turn off. But once you figure out your breakers definitely label them for the future!

[@quenemoend]

Yes, if you want it so YOU can use it I’ve found it’s just easier in the long run to do it myself. Ex always got so mad doing things he would start throwing tools around- I’m thinking it was his way of making me kick him out and do it myself. It worked! In more ways than one.

[@paulac8116]

@@quenemoend Much easier to do it yourself. I've learned how to do so many things. My lazy ex flipped out once when he had to paint a room with no furniture in it, literally 4 walls. After that I did all the painting. Soooooo much happier without him!

[@pattyw831]

Thanks for showing me how to change my smoke alarm!

[@abiyasa807]

Was looking for how to unplug. Thank-you!

[@beachwave2]

Would you recommend electric smoke alarms with battery backup in case power goes out ?

[@txb4u]

THANK YOU!!! Simple and very understandable!

[@gungadin164]

You should update this video with an added graphic warning at the point where you test the wrong wires for voltage.

[@yhhhhuuu667ij]

Thank you! I installed a pair of similar units and your video is what I went by.

[@life2shorty]

Great video and very helpful. Thank you

[@estelatalavera681]

I did it!! Thank you so much for such an easy diy video.

[@TheRenderQ]

You’re welcome! I’m glad you were able to replace your smoke detector yourself! Good work! Thanks for watching!

[@culfidant4851]

awesome instruction. Great work!

[@Liz-pp7bo]

This was explained very well, thank you

[@brr5459]

Such a great video... THANKS!

[@Nympho4Hire]

This just saved me so much money. Mom was gonna hire a $120/hr electrician.

[@TheRenderQ]

Excellent! It’s a great feeling to be able to do a repair yourself and save money! Nice work! Thanks for watching!

[@pilot2020]

If your watching this now kiddie has discontinued these smoke detectors and they changed the connectors and will have to change the pigtails which they are different now

[@kentusmc0311]

Thanks

[@thomaschristopher8593]

great video. i was able to replace my two smoke detectors. thank you.

[@TheRenderQ]

You’re welcome! I’m really glad my smoke detector video was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@sangsim2529]

Very nice and no confusion.

[@kellygay3650]

You explained that very well. Thank you

[@dalelittle6519]

Why change the wiring harness when there's nothing within the wiring to wear out? It would seem there would be a greater likelihood of damaging the existing wiring configuration by changing something that doesn't actually require changing. Any discussion on this?

[@TheRenderQ]

There’s really no reason to change the wiring harness on the smoke detector if the old and new one is exactly the same. Partly I was showing this for demonstration purposes but also partly because the existing detectors are really old and I just decided to put all new connectors on there. If the existing connector is usable then the replacement of the smoke detector is super easy! Thanks for watching!

[@jettvasquez4727]

Thanks now I can take rig dabs in my room💙🖤your a legend

[@jchsmartsecurity4345]

Thank you so much for this video! We focus on Wireless Smart Alarm Systems, hoping to provide safety protection for more people, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, Door Sensor,a small item may be able to help many families stay away from disasters.

[@Andrew-ze5yo]

Super easy video, super helpful thank you 🙏

[@mkfinessing1822]

Simple, easy...Thank you!

[@bradandrews777]

I think best practice is to use electrical tape ones you put the wiring cap on. I had a garage door opener have problems because this was not done, though those wire connections may have been more exposed.

[@uzomachinedulight9527]

Thank you very much, I have understood that if he first smoke detector trips off others will also trip off. But what if the second one or the third one trip off, will other one trip off too?

[@TheRenderQ]

I’m pretty sure in most modern homes the smoke detectors are all linked together. No matter which one is triggered they will all go off. Perfect example that happens often with me is when I cook and there’s too much smoke/steam in the kitchen. They all go off! Hope this helps!

[@insertnamehereofficial]

you can also open the screw holes by stabbing them with a screw driver

[@vandamathismusic8101]

Excellent video and directions!

[@lablvr6000]

GREAT VIDEO! thank you for step by step instruction 😀👍

[@Nokyai]

Great video with clear instruction! Thanks!

[@TheRenderQ]

You’re welcome! I’m really glad that my smoke detector installation tutorial was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@Nokyai]

@@TheRenderQ I changed my old smoke detector to the new new successfully after watching your video. Thanks a lot again!

[@daveshaw4159]

I noticed the red wire end on the new one does not have the wire exposed. Does that "bulb" on the end just pull off? Thanks for the video.

[@WVteach234HI]

Your video is great. My question is: What if you don't have 3 wires? We only have the black and white ones.

[@TheRenderQ]

I’m not an electrical expert so I’m not 100% sure what to do if you only have black and white wires. But an article I read says black is HOT and white is NEUTRAL. The orange/red wire is for interconnected smoke detectors. Which I interpret the red wire to talk to the other detectors in your house. Assuming you have more than one in your home. It’s possible the home builder didn’t wire the smoke detectors for interconnection? I’m not exactly sure. Read about the power connector in the following article: www.brkelectronics.com/faqs/newconstruction/how_do_i_install_hardwired_brk_alarms

[@WVteach234HI]

@@TheRenderQ Thanks. We do have 2 detectors. It would not surprise me that they cut the corner of connecting them. I think we will have an electrician come and wire them properly.

[@Josef15569]

Thanks man! That was super helpful!

[@YegNinja]

I have looked videos but your one explained very well . Do I have to change the wires or I can keep the old one as it is

[@PerfectPitch62]

I see you used the circuit tester only on the red and white wires but not the black? Don’t you have to touch one of the wires to metal (ground)?

[@ms9771]

just wish to say, if you have a high ceiling how do you change the battery,

[@TheRenderQ]

Sorry I won’t be much help for you! I’m not sure why they install things like smoke detectors in a high place where you can’t reach it with a normal ladder! I have a rent house with one light that is 2 stories high. It is not easy even with the pole that’s supposed to help. In your case you need a very tall ladder. If I had one like yours I’d probably consider having it moved if possible to a spot more convenient.

[@jkraft2652]

Very useful and well presented

[@TheRenderQ]

You’re welcome! Really glad my smoke detector installation video helped! Thanks for watching!

[@alexb1836]

Great explanation/ guide. Thank you.

[@ComingAtYouBro]

I removed the yellow battery strip BEFORE plugging the alarm, what kind of issue could this do?

[@TheRenderQ]

You won’t have any issues if you removed the battery strip before plugging it in. That’s because later you’ll never have a strip in there when removing and plugging the smoke detector back in. Hope this helps!

[@margarethwlodarski4777]

Thank You 💐

[@TheRenderQ]

You’re welcome! Glad my smoke detector tutorial helped! Thanks for watching!

[@jayde2649]

Great video but I was just wondering before I open the packaging for my new ones, what if the wire colours in your replacement one don't match what's coming out of the ceiling? How do you know which ones to connect to which ones?

[@user-ec7rh9dk5i]

Usually red is live and black is zero. If you are not sure, you can use voltmeter to check. If the number is negative, swich around.

[@jayde2649]

@@user-ec7rh9dk5i Thank you :)

[@leroythemaster4268]

@@user-ec7rh9dk5i The Black and white go to black and white but my old one has a Green that looks like a ground. Is the Red wire live or a ground? I also have a yellow wire coming out of the ceiling.

[@marsolie8349]

The wires in my ceiling are connected to a transformer and it has red, white, black and yellow wires. Where do I connect the yellow wire? The old kid a smoke detector had a yellow wire along with a white and black wires.

[@user-ec7rh9dk5i]

@@leroythemaster4268 Then you may need to check your local electric code. I am not electrician

[@jennyhughes2752]

I have not replaced my detector yet, but did take it down. Why after two weeks did the hole in the wall begin chirping?

[@gailbrault9251]

Thanks

[@melissaharrispiano]

Thank you

[@Eleo828]

Great video man.keep it up !! but how do you stop from chirping, even if your smoke alarm is new ??

[@TheRenderQ]

I made a video earlier this week about how to change a battery when the smoke detector is beeping. However since your detector is new I have to ask if you pulled out the plastic battery tab that prevents the detector from draining the battery before it’s purchased? If the tab is still in the detector essentially thinks there’s no battery in it.

[@Eleo828]

@@TheRenderQ Yes, I have seen that...but the Kidde i have has no battery and it's directly connected to the wires.

[@hollyhaycraft7111]

And what if the existing wires are white, yellow, and black? I have no idea what color to connect the new wires to.

[@darshansharma436]

Thank you! I know this video is under 5 mins. His long does it actually take for a professional to change one smoke detector. ? I have six of these that need to be replaced.

[@TheRenderQ]

A professional could probably change out a smoke detector in 10-15 minutes. A couple of years ago I switched out all the detectors in a house. The first one always takes the longest but the more I did the faster I got. As an amateur I would say for me it takes about 20-30 minutes to change one out. But I’ve replaced quite a few of them.

[@KylanaG]

Thanks for the great instructions!

[@TheRenderQ]

You’re welcome! I’m glad my smoke detector installation video was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@virgilio1956]

that snap in prongs on my new SD don't match that snap in prong from old the SD. What do you do ? ?

[@ishaggydiggitydog]

Seems nicely made

[@lindle1039]

How will u replace the battery on the new one?

[@winglee1976]

I bought the same smoke detector and tried to install it, but it didn’t work, because there was no red wire connection. The old BRK one that I got rid off didn’t have the red wire connected and it still worked, but it was beeping because it’s old. How can I make it work? Thx

[@DavidOLessons]

Very clear guide thanks

[@TheRenderQ]

You’re welcome! I’m really glad that my smoke detector tutorial was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@lorijoyce8682]

HI, the links to the smoke detector aren't working. I needed to know which one to buy, which is the one you demonstrated. Thank you.

[@riasat001]

Very good

[@aigledemasyaf]

Very helpful! Thank you so much!

[@timothymcgillivary2252]

Great video. Thank you.

[@TheRenderQ]

You’re welcome! Glad my smoke detector tutorial helped! Thanks for watching!

[@pedantic79]

You should really use a non-contact voltage tester, since those can find hot wires without the need of you completing the circuit.

[@TheRenderQ]

Thanks for the tip! I have since purchased a non-contact voltage tester! It’s definitely better than what I used in my video! Thanks for watching!

[@LindaLouise625]

I canNOT figure out how to replace the backup battery :( My Kidde smoke detectors are ALMOST identical to the ones in the vid But .. not the spot where the battery goes in. THere just is No place to open that I can find :(