An electric smoke alarm for the ceiling is an inexpensive and easy-to-install alternative to wall-mounted units. Mounting them to the ceiling lets them detect rising smoke, as opposed to airborne particles that can re-circulate and affect their operation.

Fishing cable through walls can be tricky, so some professional electricians prefer to run them up into attic spaces, along ceiling joists, then down into the smoke detector boxes. This method can save some time, but it may require more cable.

Location

The ideal location for an electric smoke alarm for ceiling is in a central location, either on the ceiling or high up on the wall. It must be at least 4 inches from a wall, with a maximum distance of 12-inches when installed vertically on the wall.

Avoid installing a smoke detector near doors, windows, vents, heating and air conditioning equipment, or near fresh air registers. The drafts of these items can blow smoke away from the unit, preventing it from reaching its sensing chamber and triggering the alarm.

Smoke detectors should also be located in every bedroom, sleeping porch, multifunctional guest room, and any other place in the home where people might sack out. They must also be connected primarily to the home’s electrical system.

Types

The types of electric smoke alarm for ceiling vary depending on what type of fire you’re looking to protect against. There are photoelectric and ionization detectors, and combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Photoelectric detectors use a light source and a photocell to detect smoke particles. When a fire breaks out, the smoke scatters the beam of light, redirecting some to hit the sensor, which triggers the alarm. These alarms are better at detecting smoldering fires than ionization sensors.

Ionization sensors, on the other hand, use radioactive material to ionize the air. When smoke enters the air, it binds with the radioactive ions to form an electrical path.

In the United States, smoke detectors must be installed outside each sleeping area and on every level of a home. The requirements are based on standards established by the NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code.

Features

Smoke rises, so it’s best to install smoke detectors high, typically on ceilings. If you mount them on the wall, find a spot away from air ducts and windows to prevent a draft that could block rising smoke from reaching the alarm.

Interconnected alarms also give you more protection in larger homes by triggering all of the units if one detects smoke, regardless of where that unit is in your home. These models take a little extra work to install and test, but it’s worth the effort for peace of mind in case a fire breaks out.

Hardwired smoke detectors operate with a direct connection to the building’s electrical system and include a battery backup in case of a power outage. These devices are considered the safest option in most cases and are required by many building codes across the country.

Cost

Electric smoke alarm for ceiling cost depends on the type of detector and how many you want to install. If you decide to install hardwired smoke detectors throughout your home, you can expect the cost to run between $30 and $50.

Battery-operated smoke detectors don’t require electricity to work, so they’re typically cheaper than hardwired models. These devices can be installed by yourself or a handyman, and they take less than an hour to complete.

Wired smoke detectors, also called hardwired smoke alarms, are linked to one another and will sound in case of a fire, making them more reliable than battery-operated versions. In addition, some hardwired alarms include a backup battery in case of a power outage.

If you’re installing hardwired smoke alarms in your home, be sure to contact a licensed electrician to make the necessary connections and interlink them. This process can be tedious, but it’s important to ensure that all your detectors are working properly and will save you money in the long run.