installing smoke detectors

Question

we just had 200amp box and riser installed in our old home rplacing old box with screw in type fuses relpaced. they are putting in smoke detectors they say its code well our home has no attic and they are puttn holes all in ceiling in our home to run the wiring. cant we just have battery operated smoke detectors installed instead of them putting holes everywhere to try and run wire to get power to them?

Answer 1

 

Hi Gibby Jr.

 

Installing hard wired smoke alarms in an existing home is generally not required. However, some jurisdiction may be enforcing it if any other major electrical updates are implemented within the property, such as the main electrical service update. 

 

You may want to call or visit your local building department and ask about this situation. They may only require interconnected type of smoke alarms to be installed which can be done without hard wiring / by using wireless, battery operated devices.