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10 Best Wired Smoke Alarms 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,414
Interconnectivity
Ease of Installation

Most important from
27526 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
10.0
Chosen by1,414
Interconnectivity
Ease of Installation

Most important from
27526 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.
#2

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

Rating
9.7
Ease of Installation
Power Source
Smart Features

Most important from
6705 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
9.7
Ease of Installation
Power Source
Smart Features

Most important from
6705 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.
#3

Kidde Smoke Detector, AA Battery Powered, LED Warning Light Indicators, 1 Pack, White, 30CUAR

Rating
9.1
Interconnectivity
Power Source
Alarm Volume

Most important from
1029 reviews

Interconnectivity
The interconnected feature enhances safety by ensuring all alarms sound simultaneously, providing comprehensive protection throughout the home.
Power Source
The AA battery backup is a valued feature, offering continuous protection even during power outages.
Alarm Volume
The alarm's loud volume and distinct tones for fire and CO are effective and ensure clear alerts during emergencies.
Ease of Installation
The Kidde Hardwired Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector is highly praised for its ease of installation, even for those with minimal experience.

The Kidde Hardwired Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector combines smoke and carbon monoxide detection in one device, which is cost-effective and space-saving. It uses advanced photoelectric and electrochemical sensors to detect smoke and carbon monoxide accurately. The alarm operates on a hardwired power source with a backup from two AA batteries, ensuring continuous protection even during power outages.

The interconnectivity feature is beneficial for larger homes, as it allows all connected alarms to sound simultaneously when one is triggered, enhancing safety. The alarm volume is robust at 85 decibels, ensuring that it is loud enough to be heard in an emergency. The three LED notifications provide clear indicators of the alarm's status, making it easy to understand its condition at a glance.

Installation is straightforward thanks to the included mounting hardware and user guide, though some users might need professional help if they are not comfortable with electrical wiring. The device also includes a test and hush button for easy testing and silencing of false alarms. While it doesn't have advanced smart features like app connectivity, it meets rigorous safety standards and includes a 10-year limited warranty, which indicates its reliability. It might not be suitable for those looking for the latest smart home integrations. The self-testing feature is a plus, but it doesn't replace the need for regular manual testing. This detector is ideal for homeowners seeking a reliable, dual-function smoke and carbon monoxide alarm with essential safety features without the need for smart home compatibility.

Rating
9.1
Interconnectivity
Power Source
Alarm Volume

Most important from
1029 reviews

Interconnectivity
The interconnected feature enhances safety by ensuring all alarms sound simultaneously, providing comprehensive protection throughout the home.
Power Source
The AA battery backup is a valued feature, offering continuous protection even during power outages.
Alarm Volume
The alarm's loud volume and distinct tones for fire and CO are effective and ensure clear alerts during emergencies.
Ease of Installation
The Kidde Hardwired Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector is highly praised for its ease of installation, even for those with minimal experience.

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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