How To Remove First Alert Smoke Detector? – Complete Guide

How to remove first alert smoke detector? Many reasons will require you to remove your First Alert smoke detector.

However, doing that is hard or easy, depending on some conditions.

Smoke detectors can be either battery-powered or hardwired. Battery-powered models are very easy to remove and repair. Hardwired models require a lot more care on your end.

No matter what model is in your house, the guide below will help you with all the necessary information.

We will first cover very basic notions you must have before attempting anything. After that, we will teach you to proceed carefully.

How To Remove First Alert Smoke Detector?

Whenever you need to remove your First Alert smoke detector, there are plenty of things you must not ignore.

First, there are electronic components, meaning you must act carefully to avoid damaging the system.

Suppose you are removing the smoke detector to clean it. In that case, you also must ensure you use only the correct materials for the procedure. 

As you can see, smoke detectors are very sensitive devices. Fortunately, we will guide you through the entire process.

Reasons You Might Need To Remove Your First Alert Smoke Detector

First, you must ask yourself why you are trying to remove your First Alert smoke detector.

Then, depending on the motive, there is no necessity for such a thing.

The most commons reasons you should truly try to remove your First Alert smoke detector include the following:

• It is defective and needs to be checked
• Some parts require replacement
• It is placed somewhere that gets dusty, meaning you must clean its inside
• The smoke detector stopped working entirely
• You don’t want a smoke detector anymore
• You are replacing the current smoke detector with an upgraded model

Thus, you must not remove your smoke detector without proper reason.

Remove Your First Alert Smoke Detector – Step By Step

As you already know, there are two main types of smoke detectors.

So if you googled “first alert smoke detector how to remove,” there are two methods. Certainly enough, each method applies to a different model.

Check which type of First Alert smoke detector you have, and then follow the correct guide below.

Removing A Battery-Powered First Alert Smoke Detector

Since battery-powered smoke alarms are not connected to your electrical network, they are very easy to remove.

Smoke alarms powered by 9-volt batteries are the most cost-effective choice and can be placed anywhere easily.

Unfortunately, these smoke detectors need annual battery replacements. 

The main advantage of smoke alarms powered by rechargeable batteries is their simplicity and adaptability. 

Remove Your Battery-Powered Smoke Detector

To begin, turn off the smoke detector using the button on the back of the device.

One alternative option is removing the battery cover and disconnecting the wires.

You might use a few different routes to get the alarm’s battery compartment. The location of the battery compartment may be plainly labeled in certain circumstances.

Also, look for a little hole in the base or back of the security system. Finally, there are three screws keeping the battery compartment in place.

Before turning off a smoke alarm, remove the battery. You’ll need to pry off the cover with a flathead screwdriver to access the battery.

1. You must pop the cover.
2. Remove the battery terminals.
3. Test for problems

Turn the alarm clock counterclockwise to remove it from the bracket. It may be necessary to remove the locking pin if twisting the alarm does not cause it to separate from the bracket.

You may switch out the batteries in your alarm for any major brand.

Tip: When the alarm starts to chirp a low battery warning, it's time to change the battery, just as when your clock needs a new one.

Removing A Hardwired First Alert Smoke Detector

In addition to the 240V mains electricity, hardwired smoke alarms may also run off a 9V battery.

That provides a higher level of safety than conventional battery-only smoke alarms since there are always two power sources available in the event of a blackout. 

One thing to remember is that the 9V battery has to be changed out yearly.

You may choose between photoelectric or ionization variants. It makes them a flexible option for your house.

When the hardwired smoke detector fails or its backup battery needs to be changed, it is time to remove it. 

Remove Your Hardwired Smoke Detector

Removing a battery-powered smoke detector is plenty simple. Next, we will teach you how to remove your hardwired smoke detector.

Prepare to pay attention to all steps, as removing them is a bit trickier, and you must ensure everything turns out alright.

Sometimes a hardwired alarm requires a professional to remove it. If you don’t feel comfortable managing electrical components, definitely call a pro.

Is your smoke alarm defective? Until the power is turned off, hardwired smoke detectors into a building’s electrical system will continue to sound an alarm.

Also, during a power outage, they can usually continue operating on backup batteries.

But you’ll need to disconnect them and investigate when they cease operating permanently or exhibit any difficulties.

Getting Started

Devices like smoke detectors that must be permanently connected to an electrical outlet (“hardwired”) are no different from any other electronic device.

Without regular upkeep or repairs, they become useless. Many see unplugging them to inspect or replace them as a difficult task.

Consequently, “first alert smoke detector how to remove?” is a common Google search query amongst homeowners.

Take Caution With Electricity

Working with this system requires at least a basic familiarity with electricity.

In addition, the sensors are fragile and must be handled with care because of the extensive wiring throughout your house.

The alarm itself is wired with three separate cables. The hardwired smoke detector requires AC 120 V, provided via black and white wires.

A third red cable connects the detector to the home’s electrical system. So if one of the smoke detectors goes off, they all will.

Before touching any wires, ensure the circuit breaker is turned off, and the electricity is out of the area.

Removing The Hardwired Smoke Detector

Now you know all the information to ensure you don’t damage your device.

Then, we can proceed to the step-by-step:

1. Remove the wires apart from the detector 
2. Check if there is no electricity still running
3. Use a tester to confirm 
4. Unscrew the screw that holds it in place
5. Remove the detector from the wall or ceiling by
6. Slide the screws over the holes in the plate
7. Remove the mounting plate

Are you replacing any components? In this case, you don’t need to remove the screws before installing the replacement part.

Instead, you may just paint over the visible holes.

Note: Are you trying to repair your smoke detector? The electrical components of a hardwired detector are more difficult to repair. 

However, it is achievable with the right tools and attention to detail.

What We Learned

How to remove first alert smoke detector? Since there are different First Alert smoke alarm models, you must proceed cautiously.

First of all, pay attention to the specifics of your device. 

Do you have a hardwired smoke detector in your hands? We urge you to proceed with extreme caution, so you don’t damage your wiring or the device itself.