Thank you for emphasizing how the first alarm uses 2 wire and not 3 wire in the direction facing the panel. That’s an important point many beginners are confused about and you made it plain and simple.
@daviddeflyer867111 ай бұрын
Very important detail: use of drywall screws in an electrical junction box (as done in this video) is against NEC code; you can't use sharp pointed screws because of risk to the wire insulation.
@raulacosta602023 күн бұрын
i was going to say the same thing
@tablatronix2 жыл бұрын
I wish the nec would standardize quick connectors for these, even the same brand 10 years later I have to rewire them all..
@jefflebowski9182 жыл бұрын
Black is hot, white is neutral and the red wire is the sensor that sends a signal to all detectors.
@ervincrafford30487 ай бұрын
Its great that he is putting up smoke detectors, but somethings need to be noted. Smoke detectors should be placed 3 feet or more from the ends of a ceiling fan, 3 feet away from a central a/c or heat outlet, 3 feet or more from a bathroom door and 12 inches or more from any room or ceiling corner. Carbon/smoke combs. need to be placed outside of all bedrooms, within 10 feet of ALL bedroom doors. One carbon/smoke comb. can cover more than one bedroom, it they met the10 foot rule. If a room has a closet, just to be safe, assume it will be a bedroom, install the smoke detector inside and the carbon/smoke combo. outside. Some areas say that you don't need a carbon, unless you have gas in the house or an attached garage. Be safe, pretend you do. In this video, as others noted, in the outlet box, which is actual a wall outlet box, use a 6/32 size machine screw, NOT a sheetrock screw, you picked up off the floor. If it is a round box, you must use a 8/32 machine screw. When putting the wires together for the wire nut, DO NOT TWIST THE SMALL, STRANDED WIRE, from the wire, of the smoke detector. Extend the small, stranded wire just a bit in front of the larger solid wire and twist the wire nut on, it will twist the small wire around the bigger wire fine, then do a small pull, to see if the smaller wire, is secure in the wire nut. The ground wires are connected together with a crim sleeve.
@brucemusinguzi2354 Жыл бұрын
Finally I'm a professional electrician.thank you sir for sharing your knowledge with us.
@KrazyKajun602 Жыл бұрын
For NEC2020, and new construction does smoke /CM detectors have to be hardwired for rough-in? building a new house and would rather have wireless interconnected that is tied in with alarm system.
@feldmanjared2 жыл бұрын
When I moved into my house I replaced the 20 year old hardwired detectors (that had severally yellowed) with battery-only, not even realizing what I had done. Going to swap those out after seeing this.
@arunmegha739310 ай бұрын
Exactly what I was looking for! Thanks for the detailed video.
@TheExcellentLaborer10 ай бұрын
Fantastic! I’m glad I could help. Good luck with your project!
@rickmorris8242 Жыл бұрын
Getting ready to build my own home and save a ton of money ha,, Have watched just about all of your videos.. thanks Great job👍
@TheExcellentLaborer Жыл бұрын
Fantastic, Rick! I have built five houses on my own, and I always figure out and learn something new with each one. I appreciate subscribers like you that enjoy the content. Good luck with your build!
@sohweather54482 жыл бұрын
Awesome channel. Quick question. Would you be comfortable using a Wago instead of a wire nut?
@zack_1202 жыл бұрын
Wire nut is a smart invention that makes the whole job neat, easy and safe!
@GoByYourself2 жыл бұрын
I've always wondered how they hardwired smoke detectors. Thumbs up and thanks a lot for the tutorial.
@TheExcellentLaborer2 жыл бұрын
I’m glad you learned something Russell. Thank you for watching!
@patricksanford1943 Жыл бұрын
Hey Josh! Love the videos they have been a major help! Quick question, When wiring my smoke alarms can I just piut all the detectors on their own circuit if I have the space in my panel?
@ckuiper73322 жыл бұрын
Always make that good connection by twisting the wires together with lineman's. Some will only use the wire nut. I've seen problems with bad connections resulting in low voltage conditions. Tip: Stranded wire should always be cut back a little longer when connecting to a solid wire connection. Tip 2: Photoelectric smoke detectors are more sensitive as they use light wave to detect smoke; whereas Ionic has a radioactive chip in it to sense more heat - that is what would determine placement between a bedroom vs a kitchen to minimize false alarms. All smoke detectors need to be dated on install and then disposed of properly at their retirement. As always - Great Video!
@TheExcellentLaborer2 жыл бұрын
Great advice C Kuiper! Tip 2 is a good point. They have expiration on them but most people never think about that including myself. Thanks for watching!
@johna68456 ай бұрын
It says right on the box of wire nuts not to pretwist.
@ckuiper73326 ай бұрын
@johna6845 That's correct, when you are attaching a solid and stranded wire together.. I'm currently on a job where connections failed (flickering lights and all) in several rooms on several fixtures - the solid wires were not connected.
@johna6845Ай бұрын
@@ckuiper7332 That's not what it says on the box. I have it in my hand. It doesn't specify stranded or solid it just says wires.
@ckuiper7332Ай бұрын
@johna6845 feel free to do as you please. I've made my point abundantly clear that is how I do it; once & done.
@davidharrison30742 жыл бұрын
Fantastic video even as a reminder. Of course codes are important. Our house before where we were was just how you explained. Where we are now, they are all battery because of age. I checked code and local fire department for the best recommendation for battery smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. It's always wonderful to check things out if you aren't sure. Thanks Josh for This video. 👍🏻
@TheExcellentLaborer2 жыл бұрын
I know smoke detectors are a simple subject but I hate trying you add those later after the drywall is up so I make sure they wire is ran to code ahead of time. I’m sure older houses are fine with battery only due you obvious reasons. CO is a new code they added here in the past couple years. I appreciate you watching and commenting David! Good luck with your projects!
@davidharrison30742 жыл бұрын
@@TheExcellentLaborer most definitely older houses are difficult. Posting this video reminded me to contact the right group for any new battery units along with carbon monoxide detectors this week. We can also have a representative in our area from the fire department to make sure everything and everyone is safe.
@larrydoss Жыл бұрын
There are several code requirements for location and distances from objects...... however, I do not know where to find those in the NEX codebook. Can you please reference the articles and section where your information is located?
@kylasworld1505 Жыл бұрын
You explain everything so well. Thank you for this video😊
@SCfanIam10010 ай бұрын
Just something to consider - You shouldn't pre-twist the wires when using a wire nut. Wire nut manufacturers actually advise not to do this.
@macrapidito111 ай бұрын
Hi, thanks for the video. What size cable we are using here?
@Open-Tech2 жыл бұрын
Make sure you get ionization of photoelectric smoke detectors for smoldering and fast burning fires
@dannyheath603811 ай бұрын
I did 5 of these Smoke/CO2 detectors, only thing, I continued the 14/3 to the panel box. How do I wire in - what happens with red? Or, do I have to use 14/2 to the box? Love the videos! Great to see them and confirm I'm doing it right!! Thanks
@miked510611 күн бұрын
u could just label the red in the panel and put a wire nut on it. also wire nut the red in box #1 too. or pull and replace cable with 14/2.
@neilbrookins84282 жыл бұрын
One of the most important steps when using wire nuts is not shown in this video. That is- after you are done twisting it on, pull on each of the wires one at a time and see if any pop loose out of the nut. When my smoke alarms were 10 years old I went around my house before removing the old ones and I pulled on each of the wires. About 1/3 to 1/2 of the units had one or more loose wires! So of course putting in the new alarms meant redoing ALL the wire nuts.
@williamwchuang7 ай бұрын
I tape the wire nuts.
@Christianwarrior20142 жыл бұрын
Thanks man for this video! I appreciate you sharing this video! Have a blessed day!
@TheExcellentLaborer2 жыл бұрын
You are welcome David! Thank you for watching. Good luck with your projects!
@curtw88277 ай бұрын
Since I wear hearing aids the combo smoke/carbon monoxide detector in my main bedroom also has a 175cd strobe. This costs about $150.00 but that light intensity is supposed to be able to wake someone up when sleeping.
@bennettfuller469 Жыл бұрын
Are these used to record convocation or keep up when doors are opening are closing
@mohammedobad521911 ай бұрын
Can i use ago instead of those red stuff?
@christopherworkman6143 Жыл бұрын
If it wasn't required by code in your area, would you install hard wired smoke detectors? I have to do some electrical work and I was considering installing some.
@benphartine2 жыл бұрын
Do they have to be daisy chained or could they be wired off one home run like spokes of a wheel?
@TheExcellentLaborer2 жыл бұрын
I recommend daisy chain. It is what I have done for years and works. Thanks for watching!
@benphartine2 жыл бұрын
@@TheExcellentLaborer Thank you that’s the way I have done it too but while listening to you discussing it the thought popped into my head.
@roylogan Жыл бұрын
I’m doing a self-wire and need to do the smoke detectors wiring yet. Should I put the box 1/2” out, or should it sit inside the drywall like this box is?
@Deep_Divers7 ай бұрын
IRC code 314.20 says the front edge of the box can not be more than 1/4 inch set back from the finished surface. When installing before drywall you place the box out 1/2 inch from the surface the drywall will be attached to, assuming you are installing 1/2 inch drywall, so it will be flush with the finish.
@neilbrookins84282 жыл бұрын
There is a very important technique to use when joining stranded with solid wires using a wire nut. The stranded wire should be stripped to a longer bare length than the solid, and the extra length should extend beyond the tip of the solid wire when the wire nut is first applied. This video is a great example of the wrong way to join stranded with solid as this critical step was omitted. If you are not an electrician and are joining wires and want to do it right and safely, using a Wago 221 lever nut will work better than what you see in this video.
@ofcbob639110 ай бұрын
My home has 5 smokes, 3 are combo , 2 are regular smoke only. If I replace the 3 combo units with First Alert, and go with Kidde on the 2 regular smoke only units, will all 5 be interconnected...even tho I'm mixing manufacturers?
@williamwchuang7 ай бұрын
Don't use Kidde. Wirecutter says that they are unreliable
@neilbrookins84282 жыл бұрын
In the near future those ionization type detectors will no longer be meeting the UL 217 standard because they are unsafe as they don’t detect smoldering fires well, and also because they false trigger for kitchen cooking too much. A better choice is to use photoelectric type smoke alarms. These work well for all fire types.
@PinBallReviewerRepairs Жыл бұрын
Oh wow did not know that these were not grounded. I am glad my "experiment" I did, did not end in flames. xD I thought the red was the ground and hooked it up as so. I was not sure about the red but now I do know. ;) I said it was an experiment as I was perplexed at being able to buy carbon menoxide detectors that plug in with battery back up but no smoke alarms that plug in. So I was like I have this 3 prong that came out of one of my pinball machines that I had replaced but nothing wrong with the cord it was just to short is all. I used Wago electrical connectors to wire it up and wrapped electrical tape around the Wagos to to make sure the clips did not come up. And plugged it in and it is working fine. And I now know that the smoke alarm does not like it if there is no battery in it as I was so confused at why it was chirping at me. I was like maybe put in the battery? I did and sure enough the chirping stopped and now I have a plug anywhere smoke alarm. And after seeing this video I think I am going to unhook the ground and red wires off. Or at least take the ground out of the red Wago connector. I did make a video of it as well and pretty much put in a joke title of like, Well did this experiment burn my house down or did it not kind of thing. I am glad it did not explode or anything. xD
@NotABushFan12 жыл бұрын
per the 2020 code can 14/3 wire use and does the breaker need to be a GFCI breaker?
@jefflebowski9182 жыл бұрын
GFCI is not required since they are not within 6ft of a sink or faucet, AFCI protection is required on new work though.
@salvadorcastillo15392 жыл бұрын
Excellent explanation!!!thanks
@TheExcellentLaborer2 жыл бұрын
I appreciate that!
@Tappedline Жыл бұрын
Thanks so much.
@TheExcellentLaborer Жыл бұрын
You are welcome. I’m glad I could help!
@hgodtx6 ай бұрын
I got 6 in my house. Set up a battery system for whole house so I'm revewing the wattage draw on all my circuits, those 6 draw 19~20watts. Are there some models/brands that are super energy efficient over any others?
@gerardoaguilar386711 ай бұрын
I was wondering if you can add some receptacles from a fire alarm ?
@21gonza215 ай бұрын
Does it need to be on an electrical box?
@charlesvretis21568 ай бұрын
Good video….. I want to add a Kidie heat detector into my garage. The main house has all the detectors already connected. My problem is that my flat roof house has no access to the attic. How can I connect the red wire so that all detectors will work correctly? The main electric panel is in the garage also, so I can access the fire alarm loop in the main box.
@paulrogers5621 Жыл бұрын
If using 2.5mm2 cable and 2 smoke and one Heat & CO alarm, what Amperage circuit breaker is necessary ?
@icevariable9600 Жыл бұрын
You can use either 15amp or 20 amp circuits. But read the instructions on your smoke detector.
@justyouraverageguy4076 Жыл бұрын
I was going to change my smoke dectector, however I just have the red cable, not the white and black.. does it work with only the red wire or the builder forgot to install black and white wire???
@icevariable9600 Жыл бұрын
No! You need all three, if you have more than one smoke detector. You need an electrician to come out and look at what you have going on.
@swervomatic2 жыл бұрын
I'm my jurisdiction everything you said in this video is spot on except your only allowed to use the "10 year SEALED battery". The kind where the battery is built in and not removable
@neilbrookins84282 жыл бұрын
10 year sealed battery requirement is very common now for battery POWERED smoke alarms. But for battery BACKUP smoke alarms the 10 year sealed battery requirement is extremely rare.
@brandonbeery2484 Жыл бұрын
How many amps should these be if they are on their own breaker? 15?
@Deep_Divers7 ай бұрын
in this instance, using 14-2 wire which is more than adequate, 15 amp
@sevendust076609 ай бұрын
Hi, does this breaker need to be lockable in the on position?
@user-us5xm5gg9i4 ай бұрын
Dose it have to be 20 Amp..?
@juicer9112 жыл бұрын
Great video man! Keep it up!!
@TheExcellentLaborer2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Kenny!
@NMIBUBBLE Жыл бұрын
Just installed a smoke detector in a bedroom it's hard wired and battery back-up BKR First Alert! I connected everything white to white, black to black, and interconnected to Interconnected, The only thing is the new smoke alarm will not hard wire connect with the older smoke alarms is it bc they are 18 years old and can't tell the difference? Or What! Curious installing one bc parents are cheap! Lord help me I'm trying to keep it together/calm! If anyone can give me some advice much appreciate it!
@louisskidmore72733 ай бұрын
What size wire is used to run smoke detectors? Great video btw!
@Fishingtuts25 күн бұрын
14/2 from the panel to the first snake alarm and then 14/3 from the first to the rest, daisy chained. The third red wire nuts to the red on the smoke alarms.
@jatinderkhurana92422 жыл бұрын
Great bro ☺️
@TheExcellentLaborer2 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@MrKeithsplace Жыл бұрын
That ground not wire nutted would be a code violation, even though it’s not used, it still has to continue with proper connection.
@MrLLdog4 ай бұрын
Actually has a copper crimp on ground wires so their so no code violation here
@MrKeithsplace4 ай бұрын
@@MrLLdog ah ok, couldn’t see that, and that I believe is also a state or local jurisdiction thing, some inspectors want a green wire nut with the extension sticking through the hole in wire nut, some want a crimp, some don’t care as long as the joint is protected. I personally like the old way, and your gonna laugh, twisted, soldered, and taped.. Can’t tell you how many remodels I’ve worked on in old houses that the joints were soldered and taped, never seen one with burned up connection because of loose joint or over worked/heated circuit.
@Dawgator5 ай бұрын
GREAT video!
@Mdparvez-fj5gr8 ай бұрын
Thanks ❤
@TheExcellentLaborer8 ай бұрын
You're welcome 😊
@hectorromero64552 жыл бұрын
Thumbs up 👍 thanks 🙏
@TheExcellentLaborer2 жыл бұрын
Thank you Hector!
@ricko51232 жыл бұрын
What if garage is detached and in back of house, do I still need any monoxide detectors in house?
@williamwchuang7 ай бұрын
Yes. Near ignition source or chimney.
@mattdaddy_888 Жыл бұрын
can i run a hardwired smoke alarm on just battery power? I know it's a code violation but will I have to replace the battery every month?
@Electric-Air-Service8 ай бұрын
Great video !
@mewing-gawd2 жыл бұрын
I’m not judging, but if I were you, I would get the Kidde KN-COSM-IB, and the Kidde P12040
@everettrichard73528 ай бұрын
Thanks
@GillesTanguay2 жыл бұрын
Hey Josh. Great video again. Question: do you need a dedicated circuit for the smoke + CO detectors ?
@TheExcellentLaborer2 жыл бұрын
They can be on the same circuit as a bedroom in my jurisdiction. Thanks Gilles for watching. I hope your building is coming along nicely!
@GillesTanguay2 жыл бұрын
@@TheExcellentLaborer Hi Josh, with all your advices, we’re pretty confident everything will go smoothly. Our cabin construction will start in a few weeks, as soon as there is no more snow. Cheers !
@GillesTanguay2 жыл бұрын
12/3 wires ?
@TheExcellentLaborer2 жыл бұрын
Yes because the bedroom was 12 wire but 14 wire should be fine!
@neffgonzalez6691 Жыл бұрын
Just to clarify use 14/3 for smoke detectors. How many can you have in a circuit with a 15 AMP braker.
@mve99246 ай бұрын
CO in a house with zero gas appliances or garage?
@aurvaroy6670 Жыл бұрын
Never use drywall screws on any outlet box. Code specifically states that only 6-32 screws can be used for these junction boxes
@JudahEyes Жыл бұрын
I wasn’t aware that code states which screws must be used. What code are you referring to? NEC? What section? Thanks!
@aurvaroy6670 Жыл бұрын
@@JudahEyes NEC 404.10B states, "Screws used for the purpose of attaching a snap switch to a box shall be of the type provided with a listed snap switch, or shall be machine screws having 32 threads per inch or part of listed assemblies or systems, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions." I know smoke alarms are not switches, but they are usually mounted to 1 gang boxes like most switches are, so this code section should still apply. New smoke alarms should come with mounting screws that screw into the existing outlet box. If it doesn't come with such screws or they're missing, then any 6-32 screw can be used. Drywall screws are not 6-32.
@JudahEyes Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the info…very interesting! I saw someone using drywall screws to install kitchen cabinets to a wall recently, and it made me shake my head. Drywall screws are good for *drywall*, but they are too easy to shear with something that has some weight. Also, they are very easy to break as they are being screwed in. Thanks again!
@icevariable9600 Жыл бұрын
@@aurvaroy6670 These type of smoke alarms don’t come with screws. And, often the boxes might be mounted a bit too deep where traditional 1” screws might not reach. You’re most likely right, but using gold diggers (the gold wood screws) works when your company is too cheap to get 6/32 and 8/32.
@aurvaroy6670 Жыл бұрын
@@icevariable9600 That's explains why most of my old smoke alarms had those long wood screws of that color. Either way, if I box is too deep for any wall, you can easily get longer 6-32 screws or some spacers. Everyday Home Repairs, a channel I criticize a lot, has a great video on this, although it was for a receptacle (he calls outlet) that has sunken in.
@daleon962 жыл бұрын
Maybe I missed something, But I hope the CO detectors weren't also installed on the ceiling. It's a heavier gas, you'll be dead before it ever goes off. Especially if your sleeping
@TheExcellentLaborer2 жыл бұрын
Trust me I totally agree. CO should be low but it’s code here even on ceiling.
@icevariable9600 Жыл бұрын
CO is a lighter gas; not heavier.
@gnostix1 Жыл бұрын
As the bare ground wire isn't used, can it replace the red wire?
@icevariable9600 Жыл бұрын
No! It’s a ground wire, used for ground faults that trip the breaker. The red is used for communication between the smoke alarms.
@niceguy6780 Жыл бұрын
If you use 14/3 wire, I imagine you could use the ground from the travelling wire to be connected with the red wire from the detector, so all detectors are interconnected but you have to make sure the traveling ground wires are not connected with the ground wire from the power source.
@davidharrison30742 жыл бұрын
Quick question Josh. I have your Amazon location available to help support you. Do you have the battery smoke detectors available on your Amazon list. I didn't see it, so when I need to replace them or add one somewhere. Thank you Josh.
@TheExcellentLaborer2 жыл бұрын
Man thanks a lot! I meant to add those links and forgot. I just updated my description with them. You are awesome David!
@davidharrison30742 жыл бұрын
@@TheExcellentLaborer I will always support those who help so many others. 👍🏻
@davidharrison30742 жыл бұрын
@@TheExcellentLaborer I saw the battery units near the bottom and the choices. This is great because I can share them when I contact my local fire department. This is fantastic and any of them purchased, you will be notified correct? Thank you Josh
@davidharrison30742 жыл бұрын
@@TheExcellentLaborer hello Josh, just an update with my smoke detectors and carbon monoxide testers, the fire department is sending a guy out this Friday around 10:00 and they're going to walk through the house and tell me what I need. Once I get that list I will go ahead and get on your Amazon and give them placed on the order. Thanks again for all you do continue to be safe.
@neilbrookins84282 жыл бұрын
Code requires that wires be joined with a listed device. Those ground wires looked like they were just twisted together and no listed device was used to apply pressure to the joint. Without a listed device used to join it seems to be a code violation.
@dodge96sport2 жыл бұрын
As he said in the video the ground wires are not used with smoke detectors so it doesn't matter what you do with them.
@neilbrookins84282 жыл бұрын
@@dodge96sport interconnected smoke alarms can be interconnected with other devices such as CO alarms, heat detectors, strobe lights for hearing impaired people, relays, and other signaling equipment. Just because the one particular alarm model he was installing didn’t use the ground doesn’t mean that other models of devices in the future will never use a ground. Please keep in mind that smoke alarms are intended to be replaced every 10 years but it’s not unusual for a house to not be rewired after 20, 30, or even 50 years. How confident are you that a strobe light which uses high voltage will never use a grounded frame?
@dodge96sport2 жыл бұрын
@@neilbrookins8428 you are correct however in this specific installation grounds are unused, so if the system was ever retrofitted with the equipment you speak of then it would be the responsibility of the next installer to make sure the wiring they need is intact, up to code, and functioning properly.
@icevariable9600 Жыл бұрын
@@neilbrookins8428 If the casing on the device is plastic, there will be no ground coming from the device to connect to grounding conductor. Smoke detectors are plastic, so there is no ground wire to connect. If this were an LED light or a fan or whatever, that had a metal casing, then there would be a ground wire to connect. So, with plastic devices that do not have a ground, the grounding wire that comes in with the Romex are all spliced and tucked in the back if the box. You can add a wirenut or copper crimp (which are both listed) if you want, but the twisting with linemans should do the trick.
@notenough19372 жыл бұрын
So, smoke detectors are supposed to be installed high. CO detectors supposed to be low. Your dead in a basement bedroom with egress. Somebody explain what I don't know. I live in Minnesota. If a co goes off in a basement, it's to late.
@icevariable9600 Жыл бұрын
CO is lighter than air, so you don’t want it at low heights.
@tedmcdonald33772 жыл бұрын
😎🛠️😎🛠️😎
@TheExcellentLaborer2 жыл бұрын
Hey Ted 🔨
@smartassist97002 жыл бұрын
I create on credit card computer, a monitoring system for smoke and other detector devices. Very easy and safer as you can see condition of each device, test it , etc. I have two larger and louder alarms for each type detector so I can hear outside if I’m in the yard. I programmed it to call 911 (if) I do not reset it within 4 minutes. ( I do not pay a company to monitor that or my home security. I have “”await/vacation mode that triggers faster the police/fire automatically. And it turns various lights on /off in home to look like someone is home while gone. Lol Anyone can do this easily. It would be HUGE FOR YOU TO INCLUDE THIS IN YOUR HOME CONSTRICTION/REMODEL VIDEOS! Let’s. Video chat or talk on the phone about it for you to consider! Let me know HERE!
@joelygibson15617 ай бұрын
I'm afraid of getting electrocuted.
@adrianmejia49973 ай бұрын
New codes no more with batteries🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️more job more business obviously more secure 😅😅