Electronic Alarms and Home Security Devices - Hardwired Smoke detectors

Hi, I have hardwired smoke detectors on all three levels of my home. I need to replace them as they are the cheap ones the builders install and when you try to test them using smoke or something they may go off on differnet floors but no where the smoke is but occasionally it does.. i am going to upgrading my alarm and installing smokes in all the bedrooms and such but still want the hallway ones actvice to. what would you suggest for a really good hardwired smoke detectors??

Thanks in advance for all the help!!

If you mean 120v hardwire with battery backup; spend a little more and get the photoelectric model instead of the Ion model.

Less prone to false trips, and generally longer lived if given a cleaning on a regular basis (a couple of times a year).

Any of the major brands at most home centers will work just fine.

Thanks! Thats what I will do!

I have a couple other questions in regards to installing an alarm system. I currently have ADT and I am to say the least thrilled with them, and being as over the summer months were at the lake alot, i dont feel that much better with a system that covers a few doors and one motion sensor for a 4000sqft house... but anyway I am thinkin of installing a new alarm myself. been looking at DSC Powerseries systems and wondering what your thoughts are on these systems? I get the impression that you need good perimiter protection with all easy access windows that open sensored and glass breaks in place.. what about motions? where would you put these then? living room, kitchen, hallways media room ect? Is this a good idea? Now we live like maybe a couple minutes outta down in a subdivided area so would it be best to have all Zones instant except the entry doors you need to come in and disarm the system? Also how well do the smoke detectors work for these systems? are they better than traditional smokes? Thanks for the Help!! Much Appreciated!

Depending on which model you had ADT install, you may already have the core of a good base to expand from.

If you got the "Safewatch 3000", it's just a re-labeled Vista 20p, a very good and flexible base system that is compatible with all of the standard Honeywell/Ademco hardware.

I'm not a big fan of going crazy with motions (they are a high false trip source), they are best used for strategic placement: Approaches to locations with major valuables, inside rooms with large windows or patio doors where someone can simply break the glass and come in, bypassing the door opening contact (sometimes a glassbreak or combo unit is a better choice). Really a lot of those choices have to be made based on your floor plan.

The smoke detectors designed for alarm system use are of much higher quality (in general) than the single station smoke alarms, and get the advantage of the alarm system as a power source and battery backup.

Hi, I currently have the Ademco Lynx! I really do not like that system to say the least. I really dont know why I put it in.. guess you get smarter as you get older... After I have read about the All in one units and how secure they really are. Why do they even bother making these systems if they are that easy to destroy? Shouldnt they be banned... Now I have had alot of problems with false alarms with the lynx and there motion detector so thats why I have been thinking of going with a different brand of system. also a couple of keypads as our lynx is installed by the garage door and its seperated from the front door. The kids sometimes come home and forget to disarm it until the siren goes.. Think I will be installing about 2 motions and more glass breaks then motions. anything other helpfull hints are greatfully appreciated. Also for monitoring I am going to be going with a local company instead of adt.

Thanks for the Great help!

Yup, if you are looking to upgrade from the Lynx, go with the Vista panels. If you get the wireless receiver or a RF model keypad, you can use your existing wireless devices.