In the event of a power outage, hardwired smoke detectors can rely on backup batteries.Ī complete commercial fire alarm system costs between $2 and $12 per square foot. Hardwired smoke detectors are linked to one another, meaning if one alarm detects smoke in the basement, a connected detector two floors up will also sound. The cost of hardwired smoke detectors is slightly higher than battery-operated detectors-usually $20 on the low end for a basic ionization sensor. Because this process involves connecting the smoke detectors to your power supply, most homeowners should hire a local electrician to handle the installation. The cost to hardwire smoke detectors throughout the house ranges from $80 to $120 per hour, depending on the contractor’s experience and the complexity of the project. Hardwired Smoke Detector Installation Costs

You can purchase combination ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms for as little as $40, but they can reach up to $75. The National Fire Protection Association recommends that homes have both ionization and photoelectric smoke detectors. It doesn't respond as quickly to flame-heavy fires as an ionization smoke detector, but it's better at detecting smoldering fires.

This type uses a photoelectric detector to detect smoke when it scatters a light source. These smoke detectors are best for fast-moving fires, as opposed to smoky fires.Īn optical smoke detector starts at $20 on the low end but can go as high as $60.

A chamber with two electrodes passing an electrical current between them triggers an alarm when smoke enters the chamber, which lowers the chamber's ionization level. The cost of an ionized smoke detector runs between $10 and $40.

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