10 Best Wired Smoke Alarms

The FireAngel SW1-R is a mains powered optical smoke alarm with a 9V backup battery, ensuring protection even during power outages. It uses a photoelectric sensor which is effective at detecting slow, smouldering fires, making it a great choice for living areas. The alarm can be interconnected with up to 12 other FireAngel alarms, meaning if one alarm is triggered, all interconnected alarms will sound, providing extensive coverage and safety. This feature is particularly beneficial for larger homes or multi-story buildings.

A standout feature is the 'Sleep Easy' function, allowing users to silence low battery warnings for up to 8 hours, which can be very handy for a good night’s sleep without compromising safety. The alarm meets British Safety Standard EN 14604: 2005 and comes with a 5-year warranty, ensuring reliability and safety compliance. However, the device might be a bit challenging to install for those not familiar with wiring, though it includes a comprehensive instruction manual, base plate, screws, and rawl plugs. The lack of included batteries could be seen as a minor inconvenience.

For those looking for a reliable, interconnected smoke alarm system with good sensitivity and added convenience features, the FireAngel SW1-R is a worthy consideration.

The Google Nest Protect 2nd generation is a wired smoke and carbon monoxide detector powered by AC, which means it connects directly to your home's electrical system, so you don’t need to worry about changing batteries. It features a carbon monoxide sensor alongside the smoke sensor, providing dual protection in one device. The alarm is quite loud at 85 decibels, ensuring you can hear it clearly in case of an emergency.

One strong point is its interconnectable function, allowing multiple units to link together and sound simultaneously, improving safety coverage throughout your home. Installation involves wiring, so it may require professional help if you’re not comfortable with electrical work. The black color and sleek design make it visually modern, but size-wise, it’s compact and unobtrusive.

Given its wired power source and interconnectivity, this model is especially suitable for homeowners seeking a dependable, hardwired alarm system with combined smoke and carbon monoxide detection. If advanced smart features or simpler installation without wiring are priorities, other options might be better suited.

The Kidde Firex KF20 is a wired smoke alarm that uses a photoelectric sensor, which is effective at detecting slow, smouldering fires – a good choice for general home safety. It can interconnect with up to 23 other Firex alarms, so if one detects smoke, all linked alarms will sound. This is useful for larger homes or multi-room setups. The alarm is mains powered but includes a 9V battery backup to keep it working during power cuts, adding extra peace of mind. Installation is straightforward for those with basic DIY skills, and it features a combined test and hush button to easily silence false alarms and check the unit’s status. The tamper-resistant locking device helps prevent accidental removal or interference.

Maintenance is simplified with the auto-reset feature after an alarm event, and batteries are included. The product's weight (280g) and size are relatively compact but might require a sturdy mounting surface. Delivery is limited to mainland UK, which is worth noting.

This smoke alarm is well-suited for UK homes needing a dependable, interconnected system that’s easy to maintain and install.