Smoke alarms are lifesavers. However, it's never easy to pick the right one for your home, because there are so many smoke alarm brands on the market. Believe us, after reading this detailed guide, you will be able to find out without a doubt the best hard-wired smoke detector.
Here are the best hard-wired smoke detectors you can buy in 2025:
- Best For Garage (Ionization Smoke Detector): First Alert BRK9120b
- Best For Kitchen (Ionization Smoke Detector): FIRST ALERT SC9120B
- Best For Bedroom (Photoelectric Smoke Detector): Kidde KN-COPE-IC
- Faster Responding (Photoelectric Smoke Detector): X-Sense XP04
- Easy To Install (Dual Sensor Smoke Detector): First Alert BRK 3120B
- Best For Hallway (Dual Sensor Smoke Detector): Kidde 21026061-N
| 6 Best Hard-Wired Smoke Detectors | ||
|---|---|---|
Best For Garage | First Alert BRK9120b
| |
Best For Kitchen | FIRST ALERT SC9120B
| |
Best For Bedroom | Kidde KN-COPE-IC
| |
Faster Responding | X-Sense XP04
| |
Easy To Install | First Alert BRK 3120B
| |
Best For Hallway | Kidde 21026061-N
| |
Best For Garage: First Alert BRK9120b
- Ideal for garage
- Offer more protection coverage – compatibility with BRK or First Alert smoke detectors
- Easy to install - universal mounting brackets and the tamper resistant locking brackets
- Wish the included batteries were better
The First Alert 9120B Smoke Detector is a reliable way to ensure the safety of your garage.
It features an ionization sensor that's responsive to fast flaming fires. When this sensor detects unusually high smoke levels in the air, the built-in 85-decibel siren is triggered. To silence it, you just need to press the test/silence button.
This detector meets UL standards for safety and quality, so you can rest assured using it.
We appreciate the universal mounting brackets and the tamper resistant locking brackets for easy installation.
| First Alert BRK9120b Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 5.6 x 1.9 x 5.6 inches |
Temperature Range | 40F to 100F |
Alarm Noise Level | 85 decibels |
Highlight Features | Ideal for garage compatibility with BRK or First Alert smoke detectors universal mounting brackets and the tamper resistant locking brackets |
The First Alert BRK9120b is a perfect choice for garage.
Best For Kitchen: FIRST ALERT SC9120B
- Able to detect CO in the air - electrochemical carbon monoxide sensing technology
- Convenient - indicator lights on the face
- Not include screws
Making the FIRST ALERT SC9120B a great choice for kitchen is its electrochemical carbon monoxide sensing technology which can detect CO in the air.
This smoke detector lets you know about the detected threat through two things: the loud 85-decibel siren and the indicator lights on the face.
The battery backup keeps the device working during a power shortage, which is a great plus.
Note: You can pair the device with First Alert or BRK detectors.
| FIRST ALERT SC9120B Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 5.6 x 5.6 x 1.9 inches |
Alarm Noise Level | 85 decibels |
Highlight Features | electrochemical carbon monoxide sensing technology indicator lights on the face |
The FIRST ALERT SC9120B is our solid choice for kitchen
Best For Bedroom: Kidde KN-COPE-IC
- Ideal for bedroom – feature smoke and CO sensors
- Ensure you’re well-alerted about the danger – voice alerts
- Wide protection coverage – interconnection up to 24 devices
- No complaint
The Kidde KN-COPE-IC is an important part of any bedroom safety plan, keeping your family safe while sleeping.
It's a smoke and carbon monoxide detector combo unit that can detect both fire and carbon monoxide. When a threat is detected, the device will kick start an 85-decibel alarm, along with voice alerts announcing "Warning. Carbon Monoxide." or "Fire. Fire."
With battery backup, this device will keep on working even if there's a power outage. And the quick replacement battery door makes it easy to change the batteries when necessary. All you need is a step ladder and some basic tools available in most households.
You can connect this photoelectric smoke detector with up to 24 other devices.
| Kidde KN-COPE-IC Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 5.79 x 5.79 x 1.85 inches |
Temperature Range | 40 to 100.4 Degrees Fahrenheit |
Alarm Noise Level | 85 decibels |
Highlight Features | feature smoke and CO sensors voice alerts interconnection up to 24 devices |
We picked the Kidde KN-COPE-IC as the best hard-wired photoelectric smoke detector for bedroom.
Faster Responding: X-Sense XP04
- Faster responding - a Figaro electrochemical carbon dioxide sensor & an advanced photoelectric smoke sensor
- Last up to 10 years - great materials
- Wish the mounting brackets were better in quality
The X-Sense XP04 is a top-of-the-line smoke and CO detector that offers unbeatable accuracy and coverage.
It features a Figaro electrochemical carbon dioxide sensor and an advanced photoelectric smoke sensor that utilize smart technology to accurately sense both carbon dioxide and smoke. So, you can be sure that any threat will be quickly detected.
Made from great materials, this detector can work well for up to ten years to offer lasting protection for your family.
Plus, you can interconnect it to 18 units for full coverage of your home.
| X-Sense XP04 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 5.5 x 5.5 x 1.5 inches |
Alarm Noise Level | 85 decibels |
Highlight Features | a Figaro electrochemical carbon dioxide sensor an advanced photoelectric smoke sensor |
If you want a hard-wired photoelectric smoke detector with faster responding capability, then we highly recommend the X-Sense XP04
Easy To Install: First Alert BRK 3120B
- Easy to install – clear directions & simple installation required
- Suitable for outdoor use – UV resistance
- Easily accessible from all angles - Optipath 360 patented technology
- It requires a 9V (rectangular) battery
- The mounting rings don’t work with a 4
The First Alert BRK 3120B is one of the easiest-to-install dual sensor smoke detectors that we've tested. It comes with everything needed for installation and the directions are very clear.
If you have some experience on wiring a device, you might not need to hire a licensed technician for this job. Plus, the whole process takes no longer than 5 minutes.
As a big plus, this device is UV-resistant, so you can install it outdoors.
About functionality, this smoke detector gives you quick access to it from all angles, thanks to the use of Optipath 360 patented technology.
It also features 2 latching features that can let you know about the originating alarm in a system or a low battery.
| First Alert BRK 3120B Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 5.7 x 5.7 x 2.4 inches |
Temperature Range | 40 to 100.4 degrees F |
Highlight Features | clear directions & simple installation required UV resistance Optipath 360 patented technology |
Easy to install, UV-resistant, and easily accessible from all angles, the First Alert BRK 3120B is one of our favorite dual sensor smoke detectors.
Best For Hallway: Kidde 21026061-N
- Easy installation
- Able to turn off the alarms temporarily - a Hush button
- Expensive
Not just dual sensors, but the Kidde 21026061 also features a light, making it a great replacement in the hallway.
This unit emits a loud siren of 85 decibels at 10' away when it detects fast-flaming and slow-smoldering fires.
It has two buttons: A Test/Reset button for testing the horn and electronic circuitry, and a Hush button for temporarily turning off the alarms when in need.
Like most other smoke detectors, this model has an interconnectable design that allows you to create a network of alarms throughout your home for maximum protection.
| Kidde 21026061-N Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 7.8 x 7.3 x 2.8 inches |
Alarm Noise Level | 85 dB at 10ft |
Highlight Features | a light a Hush button |
Looking for a versatile dual-sensor smoke detector for hallway? Then, you should try the Kidde 21026061 – N
How To Choose The Best Hard-Wired Smoke Detector?
Sensor Types
There are four types of sensors that are commonly used in hard-wired smoke detectors:
- Ionization Sensors
- Photoelectric Sensors
- Dual-Sensor Smoke Detectors
- Heat Sensors
Ionization Sensors
These sensors work by detecting the particles that are created when something is burning. When these particles enter the ionization chamber of the sensor, they create an electrical current that triggers the alarm.
Photoelectric Sensors
Photoelectric sensors work by detecting the smoke that is created when something is burning. The sensor has a light source that shines a beam of light into the area where the detector is located. When smoke enters the area, it scatters the light beam and triggers the alarm.
Dual-Sensor Smoke Detectors
They have both an ionization sensor and a photoelectric sensor. This allows them to detect both small particles and large particles of smoke, which makes them more effective at detecting fires.
Heat Sensors
Heat sensors work by detecting the heat that is created when something is burning. The sensor contains a component that expands when it gets hot, which triggers the alarm.
Alarm Noise Level
When it comes to choosing the right alarm noise level for your home, it's important to strike a balance between too loud and too soft.
You don't want an alarm that will startle you awake, but you also don't want an alarm that's so quiet that you'll sleep through it.
The best way to figure out the right alarm noise level for your home is to test out different options until you find one that's just right for you.
But from our experience, a siren of 85 decibels is the best.
Size
The size of the smoke detector should be appropriate for the size of the room in which it will be installed.
For example, a small smoke detector may not be adequate for a large room. Likewise, a large smoke detector may be too cumbersome for a small space. In general, hard-wired smoke detectors are available in two sizes: standard and mini.
Standard hard-wired smoke detectors are typically 4 inches in diameter, while mini hard-wired smoke detectors are only 2 inches in diameter.
Which Brands Make The Best Hard-Wired Smoke Detector?
First Alert
First Alert is the retail brand of BRK Brands, Inc. Founded in 1976, they have been one of the most reliable companies in the USA that produce safety products including carbon monoxide detectors, smoke alarms, and fire extinguishers.
Kidde
The Kidde company was founded in 1917 by Walter Kidde, one of America's earliest pioneers in the detection and suppression of fire. Kidde is known for their innovative products that protect people and property from the dangers of fire.
X-Sense
X-Sense is renowned for delivering high-quality smoke alarms and CO alarms. All of their manufacturing processes involve testing and calibrating each individual product to meet the highest standards.
Furthermore, these products are visually appealing. One of them wins both the Red Dot Design Award 2020 and the IF Design Award 2020.
FAQs
Is Kidde or First Alert better?
First Alert has better features than the Kidde because of the alarm system with a verbal warning of the threat.
Is a hardwired smoke detector better?
Hardwired smoke alarms are more reliable as they are connected on a stable power supply. With an extra battery for backup, they will make sure your safety is always on.
Do all hardwired smoke detectors have the same connection?
All modern hardwired smoke detectors use the same wiring technology, and can interconnect.
Do I need an electrician to replace hardwired smoke detectors?
A qualified electrician is necessary when you install or replace your hardwired smoke detector system. you will always be sure that it is done in a safe and correct way.
How often should hard-wired smoke detectors be replaced?
It is recommended that we replace our smoke detectors every five to seven years.
Conclusion
After reading this article, you should now have a good understanding of the best hard-wired smoke detectors on the market. We hope that our reviews and buying guide have helped you narrow down your choices and find the perfect smoke detector for your needs.
Remember to always put safety first, and don't hesitate to reach out to a professional if you have any questions or concerns about installing a smoke detector in your home.
