Battery to Wired Smoke / CO Detectors

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Mar 31st, 2022 10:47 am

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Mar 30th, 2022 3:38 pm

sen6es [OP]: Newbie; Oct 23, 2010; 70 posts; 3 upvotes; Toronto

Mar 30th, 2022 3:38 pm

Battery to Wired Smoke / CO Detectors

Hi all,

In the middle of a renovation for our house. We noted that all (3) smoke / CO detectors in the house were battery operated and need to be upgraded to wired to be in accordance with code.

Can anyone advise how much this would usually cost to have an electrician do? Is it a DIY-able project?

Thanks in advance.

8 replies

Mar 30th, 2022 4:43 pm

RCLapCar: Sr. Member; Dec 21, 2020; 651 posts; 573 upvotes

Mar 30th, 2022 4:43 pm

You don't NEED to upgrade them. They are grandfathered in so you can keep using battery powered ones.

Mar 30th, 2022 5:54 pm

Firetech: Banned; Mar 14, 2022; 392 posts; 405 upvotes; Outer GTA

Mar 30th, 2022 5:54 pm

Has your designer or an inspector from the building department suggested this?

Typically a Reno wouldn’t trigger this type of upgrade. It may be something you wish to voluntarily upgrade, however typically not required.

Mar 30th, 2022 5:55 pm

westcoastyvr: Deal Addict; Nov 30, 2011; 1150 posts; 504 upvotes; HRM

Mar 30th, 2022 5:55 pm

RCLapCar wrote: ↑ You don't NEED to upgrade them. They are grandfathered in so you can keep using battery powered ones.

Unless it was called out as a required upgrade when he submitted for permit.
If not specified then they don't need to be changed.
BTW, Kidde makes a 10 year smoke/CO2 combi unit with a 10 yr battery.

Mar 30th, 2022 6:34 pm

sen6es [OP]: Newbie; Oct 23, 2010; 70 posts; 3 upvotes; Toronto

Mar 30th, 2022 6:34 pm

Unfortunately it was explicitly called out in our inspection report: Smoke alarms shall hard-wired, interconnected with battery back-up.

Is it possible to push back against the inspector and refuse to perform the upgrade?

The kicker is I upgraded the battery alarms to the 10 year smoke/CO units just last year..

I called around for a few places - seems like the going rate is $2500-$3800 (taxes in). This would be for 3 alarms on each floor, and one alarm in each bedroom. Naturally they don't do the drywall repair if a hole needs to be made.

Guessing nobody has tackled this on their own?

Mar 30th, 2022 6:46 pm

CaptSmethwick: Deal Fanatic; Oct 12, 2007; 8320 posts; 7048 upvotes; Ottawa

Mar 30th, 2022 6:46 pm

When we did our reno a dozen years ago, I was told by my GC that the permit required that any room being modified that the modifications (not the room) had to meet code. Since our reno involved getting rid of the stippled ceilings, the smoke detectors had to be removed to do that and they could not be reinstalled. Also, our reno was significant enough that it required a physical inspection and an occupancy permit. I was told that the inspector would not allow battery operated smoke detectors to pass - and that was in 2010.

I always upvote respectful/helpful posts wherever I encounter them.

Mar 30th, 2022 9:40 pm

GoodFellaz: Temp. Banned; Jun 24, 2015; 7649 posts; 2507 upvotes; 0 downvotes

Mar 30th, 2022 9:40 pm

all the electrician would be doing is running 14-3 between 3 junction boxes at most, and 14-2 from the closest one to your hydro panel. just hire the electrician to do the wiring only then install the smoke alarm yourself, its a peace of cake

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Mar 31st, 2022 9:16 am

sen6es [OP]: Newbie; Oct 23, 2010; 70 posts; 3 upvotes; Toronto

Mar 31st, 2022 9:16 am

Makes sense. I have been quoted $3,300 + HST for the electrician to do this. Seems a bit high?

Mar 31st, 2022 10:47 am

tmkf_patryk: Deal Addict; Dec 27, 2007; 4447 posts; 1733 upvotes; Edmonton

Mar 31st, 2022 10:47 am

All depends on the routing. I have done it before and it’s not bad. Take your time on the weekend and then the weekend after just patch up drywall, mud and tape and your good to go. It’s almost all labour work

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