Incidents of fire can happen at any time of the day and having working and dependable smoke alarms is a MUST.
There are two types of smoke alarms that you can use to secure your safety in your property – hardwired and battery-operated smoke alarms. Each have their advantages and disadvantages. So, let’s explore them!
Hardwired smoke alarm vs. battery-operated
A hardwired smoke detector is a smoke alarm system that’s interconnected to a 120-volt circuit and are wired directly into your home’s electrical system. Battery-powered smoke detectors are, as their name describes, powered only by a battery.
Wait, Don’t All Smoke Detectors Have Batteries?
Some smoke detectors rely exclusively on batteries for power, but hardwired smoke detectors have a battery that provides power only in the event of an electricity outage, such as could happen during a power outage or other event that interrupts the electrical circuit.
This makes a hardwired system much safer since it will fail only in the unlikely event that both circuit power and the battery fails at the same time.
Installing hardwired smoke detector vs. battery-operated
This one depends on how competent you are with electrical wiring. Hardwiring a new fire alarm system isn’t a DIY job; you’ll need to call an electrician *cough cough*.
If you’re a landlord or letting agent, it is imperative that the smoke detectors in your rental accommodation are correctly installed by someone electrically trained to ensure the safety on your tenants.
All rental properties in England now come under a higher detection level requirement than ever before. Landlords must follow the Domestic Fire Alarm Regulations (BS5839-6:2019). Find out more here.
For those who prefer the easiest possible installation with the least amount of know-how, a battery-operated smoke alarm may be best.
Winner: This one could go either way, but hardwired options provide much better safety protection, so they’re a clear winner in our eyes. Battery-operated smoke alarms, on the other hand, require the least amount of technical skills.
How long do hardwired smoke alarms last?
If you’re aiming for the longest dependable smoke alarm coverage, hardwired alarms can easily offer 10 years of protection, in fact, did you know that every alarm must be replaced every 10 years? Or sooner if they do not respond properly when tested.
Regular testing of smoke alarms should help identify inoperability, as testing a smoke alarm does not simply test the power supply. At NSI, we check all “replace by” dates, clean out any dust and dirt, and ensure the correct type of detectors have been used. Therefore, smoke detector testing remains a top priority, especially for landlords and letting agents. Need your smoke detectors checked? Click here.
Winner: Hardwired smoke alarm systems win this round, hands down.
Dependability
Hardwired alarms are connected to a power supply ensuring the constant power needed for a working smoke alarm, and therefore are more dependable than battery-operated smoke alarms.
Working smoke alarms double the chance of escape from a home fire, so having the constant power supply ensures your smoke alarm will be functioning.
Winner: Again, hardwired smoke alarms seem to be the clear winner here!
Safety
Any working smoke alarm is better than none, so you’re headed in the right direction with installing either type. However, we stress that hardwired smoke detector units are often better in the long run because you’ll most likely have power in the case of a fire. On the other hand, you cannot rely on battery operated smoke detectors for longer than their due date of replacement.
Hardwiring is also great for forgetful types who may not remember to routinely check and replace batteries, or for people that may struggle to reach their smoke detectors for this maintenance.
Winner: Hardwired with 10-year backup battery operation wins this round.
So, what’s the verdict?
We think it’s pretty clear! In a nutshell, hardwired smoke detectors win on installation, dependability and safety and these are things that matter most.
You’ll hardly ever have to hear that annoying “chirping” that occurs when a battery-operated smoke alarm begins to wear out. Another benefit is that hardwired smoke detectors can be interconnected. In the event of a fire, if one of the smoke alarms detects a fire, all the smoke detectors will sound the alarm, ensuring everyone in the property is alerted.
Smoke Detector Testing
Is your smoke alarm beeping? It might be time to book in for your smoke alarm test now.
Your smoke alarms should be regularly checked by someone electrically trained for damage, deterioration, or non-compliances with present day safety standards.
Plumbers and heating engineers may not be qualified to carry out these checks and any missed hazards could leave them, and you, accountable. All engineers at NSI are qualified to check your smoke alarms and identify any hazards or problems. Ensuring that your smoke alarms are carefully and properly maintained could save lives.
How much will it cost?
Prices start from just £65 + VAT* (*dependent upon location).
Our NSI electricians offer the most efficient and professional service. Just look at our 900+ 4.9-star reviews!
If you would like to find out more about our SAFE Certified package, which combines three amazing services in just one appointment (including Smoke Detector Testing), with savings of over £100 per property, click here.