Home Improvement Training - How to Replace Battery Smoke Detectors | Ask This Old House

In this video, Master electrician Heath Eastman helps a homeowner upgrade outdated battery-operated smoke detectors to a safer hardwired, interconnected system. SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: http://bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse. Smoke alarms are one of the most important safety devices in any home. While older battery-powered detectors can still provide protection, many homes today are upgrading to hardwired, interconnected smoke alarm systems that provide faster, more reliable warnings. Looking for more step by step guidance on how to complete projects around the house? Join This Old House Insider to stream over 1,000 episodes commercial-free: https://bit.ly/2GPiYbH Want weekly tips, project guides, and behind-the-scenes content from the TOH crew? Sign up for our free newsletter here: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/pages/newsletters Plus, download our FREE app for full-episode streaming to your connected TV, phone or tablet: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/pages/streaming-app Where to find it? Codes vary by location. Check with your local fire department to learn the local requirements, including questions about which detectors to purchase and where to install them. Smoke Detectors Installed Combo Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms = BRK SMC0110V-AC [https://bit.ly/4rNOuHP] – Heath installed at least one on every floor, and one installed within 10 feet of each bedroom door. Smoke Detectors = BRK SM110V-AC [https://bit.ly/47imaGo] – Heath installed smoke detectors inside the bedrooms, at the base of each stairway, and made sure one was installed within 1,200 square feet of living space for each floor level. Cut Holes for Detectors Tape Measure [https://homedepot.sjv.io/LKWkyj] Nonconductive Fiberglass 4 ft. Ladder [https://homedepot.sjv.io/xL1BGv] Safety Glasses [https://homedepot.sjv.io/4GXnQM] Hearing Protection [https://homedepot.sjv.io/baWkLm] Insulation Supports [https://homedepot.sjv.io/PO5oDQ] – Heath used as a feeler bit to make sure the area above the ceiling was free of obstructions before drilling. Drill [https://homedepot.sjv.io/xLRyQk] 3-¾" Hole Saw [https://homedepot.sjv.io/o4rA9m] Arbor Bit with Pilot Drill Bit [https://homedepot.sjv.io/6y4vZG] Dust Bowl for Hole Saw [https://homedepot.sjv.io/RGezVb] Plastic 1-Gang 3-¾" Round Old Work Bracket Box [https://homedepot.sjv.io/QjkB13] Screwdrivers [https://homedepot.sjv.io/N9maJ7] Wire Detectors Fiberglass Fish Stick [https://homedepot.sjv.io/9LKN3W] Electrical Tape [https://homedepot.sjv.io/OePXJQ] 14/2 NM-B Wire [https://homedepot.sjv.io/rEEQ1y] – to run from power source to the first detector 14/3 NM-B Copper Building Wire [https://homedepot.sjv.io/e1mDGr] - to run wire between all detectors Universal Wire Stripping Tool [https://homedepot.sjv.io/K0QVAn] Linesman Pliers [https://homedepot.sjv.io/kOx5Kd] Diagonal Cutting Pliers [https://homedepot.sjv.io/GKLayL] Tan/Red Wire Connectors [https://amzn.to/4qJj8To] About Ask This Old House TV: From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. ASK This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home. Follow This Old House: Facebook: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFB Twitter: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTwitter Pinterest: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterest Instagram: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseIG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisoldhouse How to Replace Battery Smoke Detectors | Ask This Old House https://www.youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse/