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10 Best Wired Smoke Alarms 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Kidde Smoke Detector, Hardwired Smoke Alarm with Battery Backup, Front-Load Battery Door, Test-Silence Button, 1 Pack

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,487
Ease of Installation
Power Source
Smart Features

Most important from
22835 reviews

Ease of Installation
Installation is straightforward, requiring only a quick unplugging of the old unit and plugging in the new one, with Kidde providing easy-to-install replacement plugs when needed.
Power Source
The battery backup compartment is cleverly designed on the front or bottom of the unit, allowing for quick battery changes without removing the entire detector or unscrewing panels.
Smart Features
The silence button on the front offers convenient temporary muting of false alarms, such as when cooking, enhancing everyday usability.

The Kidde Hardwired Smoke Detector with Battery Backup is a solid choice for anyone looking to install a reliable wired smoke alarm in their home. It uses ionization sensor technology, which is particularly good at detecting fast-flaming fires that produce invisible particles. The alarm is loud enough at 85 decibels to alert most people effectively. This model connects to your home's 120V wiring but also includes a 9V battery backup, so it continues working during power outages — an important safety feature.

You can interconnect up to 24 Kidde devices, including smoke, carbon monoxide, and heat alarms, allowing the entire system to alert you if any unit detects trouble. Installation is relatively straightforward, and the front-load battery door makes changing the backup battery quick and hassle-free. The test-silence button on the face of the alarm lets you easily check functionality or temporarily hush false alarms, adding convenience.

This unit focuses on basic smoke detection and does not include advanced smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity or app alerts. Its maximum operating temperature is 100°F, which is typical but something to watch for in warmer environments. The device holds important safety certifications and comes with a 10-year limited warranty from the start of power-on, though the manufacturer has discontinued this model. The Kidde alarm offers dependable, easy-to-use smoke detection with solid interconnectivity and backup power, making it a good fit for homes wanting a tried-and-true wired system without the complexity of smart tech.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,487
Ease of Installation
Power Source
Smart Features

Most important from
22835 reviews

Ease of Installation
Installation is straightforward, requiring only a quick unplugging of the old unit and plugging in the new one, with Kidde providing easy-to-install replacement plugs when needed.
Power Source
The battery backup compartment is cleverly designed on the front or bottom of the unit, allowing for quick battery changes without removing the entire detector or unscrewing panels.
Smart Features
The silence button on the front offers convenient temporary muting of false alarms, such as when cooking, enhancing everyday usability.
#2

First Alert Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Interconnect Hardwire Detector with Battery Backup, SMICO100-AC, 1-Pack

Rating
9.7
Interconnectivity
Ease of Installation

Most important from
27875 reviews

Interconnectivity
The alarm's interconnectivity and advanced sensing technology provide reliable performance and comprehensive safety coverage.
Ease of Installation
Installation is quick and easy, taking roughly 5 minutes to complete.

The First Alert SMICO100-AC Interconnect Hardwire Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm is a reliable option featuring advanced sensing technology that reduces false alarms from cooking. It uses ionization sensors to detect smoke and carbon monoxide, providing an early warning in case of a fire emergency.

One of its significant benefits is the interconnectivity feature, meaning when one alarm goes off, all connected alarms will sound. This is particularly useful in larger homes for comprehensive safety coverage. Additionally, the quick connect plug allows for straightforward installation without the need for extensive rewiring, making it user-friendly for most homeowners.

Its battery backup ensures continuous protection even during power outages, which is a crucial safety feature. The test/silence button adds convenience by allowing easy testing and silencing of the alarm when needed. Users who prefer a simple, dependable smoke and CO alarm will appreciate what this model offers.

Rating
9.7
Interconnectivity
Ease of Installation

Most important from
27875 reviews

Interconnectivity
The alarm's interconnectivity and advanced sensing technology provide reliable performance and comprehensive safety coverage.
Ease of Installation
Installation is quick and easy, taking roughly 5 minutes to complete.
#3

Kidde Smoke Detector, Hardwired Smoke Alarm with 9-Volt Battery Backup, Test-Reset Button, Interconnect Capability, White, 6 Pack

Rating
9.4
Sensor Type
Power Source
Alarm Volume

Most important from
22835 reviews

Sensor Type
Advanced sensing technology ensures early detection, providing an early warning for swift action and evacuation.
Power Source
The hardwired connection ensures a constant and reliable power source, eliminating the need for regular battery changes.
Alarm Volume
The loud and piercing alarm serves as an unmistakable signal, alerting occupants to potential dangers.
Smart Features
The low-battery warning feature adds convenience by prompting timely battery replacements.
Ease of Installation
The ease of installation stands out with a straightforward design and clear instructions, making the setup process hassle-free.

The Kidde Smoke Detector, Hardwired Smoke Alarm with 9-Volt Battery Backup, is a reliable choice for home safety. It uses ionization sensor technology to detect invisible fire particles and includes an electrochemical sensor for CO gas, making it versatile for different types of threats. The device operates on a 120V wired power source with a 9-Volt battery backup, ensuring it remains functional even during power outages. With an 85-decibel alarm and a red LED indicator, it effectively alerts you to smoke or fire, although the alarm volume might not be the loudest available.

The Test-Hush button is a useful feature for testing the alarm and silencing false alarms, which could be particularly helpful in reducing nuisances from cooking or steam. One of its strengths is the interconnectivity capability, allowing you to connect up to 18 Kidde smoke, heat, or CO alarms, and possibly 6 strobe lights or relay modules. This is great for larger homes or buildings that need comprehensive coverage. Installation is relatively straightforward with ceiling or wall mounting options, and the included battery and brackets make the setup process easier.

However, the lack of advanced smart features means it might not integrate with modern smart home systems. The 10-year limited warranty on the alarm (excluding the battery) provides peace of mind regarding its durability. Weighing only 9.6 ounces and with compact dimensions, it won't be obtrusive in your home. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking for a reliable, interconnected, and easy-to-install smoke alarm system without the need for smart home integration.

Rating
9.4
Sensor Type
Power Source
Alarm Volume

Most important from
22835 reviews

Sensor Type
Advanced sensing technology ensures early detection, providing an early warning for swift action and evacuation.
Power Source
The hardwired connection ensures a constant and reliable power source, eliminating the need for regular battery changes.
Alarm Volume
The loud and piercing alarm serves as an unmistakable signal, alerting occupants to potential dangers.
Smart Features
The low-battery warning feature adds convenience by prompting timely battery replacements.
Ease of Installation
The ease of installation stands out with a straightforward design and clear instructions, making the setup process hassle-free.

Buying Guide for the Best Wired Smoke Alarms

Choosing the right wired smoke alarm is crucial for ensuring the safety of your home and loved ones. Wired smoke alarms are connected directly to your home's electrical system, providing a reliable power source and often featuring battery backups for added security. When selecting a wired smoke alarm, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Here are the key specs to look at and how to navigate them.
Sensor TypeThe sensor type in a smoke alarm determines how it detects smoke or fire. The main types are ionization, photoelectric, and dual-sensor. Ionization sensors are better at detecting fast-flaming fires, while photoelectric sensors are more responsive to smoldering fires. Dual-sensor alarms combine both technologies for comprehensive protection. Choose a sensor type based on the most likely fire risks in your home. For example, if you have a lot of flammable materials, an ionization sensor might be best, while a photoelectric sensor is ideal for areas prone to slow-burning fires.
InterconnectivityInterconnectivity refers to the ability of multiple smoke alarms to communicate with each other. When one alarm detects smoke, all interconnected alarms will sound. This feature is important for larger homes or multi-story buildings, ensuring that everyone in the house is alerted to danger. Look for alarms that can be interconnected either through wiring or wirelessly. If you have a large home, interconnected alarms are highly recommended for comprehensive coverage.
Power SourceWired smoke alarms are connected to your home's electrical system, but they often come with a battery backup to ensure they work during power outages. The type of battery backup can vary, with some using replaceable batteries and others using sealed, long-life batteries. Consider the convenience and maintenance of each option. Sealed batteries typically last 10 years and require less maintenance, while replaceable batteries need to be changed regularly.
Alarm VolumeThe alarm volume is the loudness of the smoke alarm when it goes off, usually measured in decibels (dB). A louder alarm ensures that it can be heard throughout the house, even when you're asleep. Most smoke alarms have a volume of around 85 dB, which is sufficient for most homes. However, if you have a large home or hearing-impaired individuals, you might want to look for alarms with higher volume or additional alert features like flashing lights.
Smart FeaturesSome modern smoke alarms come with smart features, allowing them to connect to your home Wi-Fi and send alerts to your smartphone. This can be particularly useful if you're away from home often. Smart features can also include integration with other smart home devices, voice alerts, and self-testing capabilities. If you value convenience and advanced monitoring, consider a smoke alarm with smart features.
Ease of InstallationEase of installation is an important factor, especially if you plan to install the smoke alarms yourself. Some models come with easy-to-follow instructions and mounting hardware, while others might require professional installation. Consider your comfort level with electrical work and choose a model that matches your installation capabilities. If you're not comfortable with DIY installation, it might be worth hiring a professional to ensure the alarms are installed correctly.

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