Smoke and CO detector installation in the Bay Area

Smoke & CO Detectors

Hardwired, Interconnected, California Code Compliant.

Every bedroom, every level, every fuel-appliance area — placed and wired to meet current California code, trip-tested before we leave.

Get a Fixed Quote (650) 550-0719

What & Why

The smallest electrical investment with the largest safety return.

California code mandates smoke detectors inside every bedroom, outside every sleeping area, and on every level. CO detectors are required wherever you have a gas appliance or attached garage. After 10 years, every detector should be replaced — sensor degradation is not visible but the unit is no longer reliable.

We pull 3-conductor wire so the detectors interconnect, trip-test each one, and log the install date so you know when to replace.

Typical Project Snapshot

Common ranges for Bay Area detector work. Exact numbers confirmed in your written quote.

Replace Existing

15–30 min per location

Whole-Home Retrofit

Half-day to 1 day

Interconnect

3-conductor wire pulled

Replace Age

10 years (CA standard)

Devices

First Alert / Kidde hardwired combo smoke+CO with 10-year sealed battery backup

What's Included

Six things, every install.

Code-correct placement, interconnect wiring, trip test, and a logged install date.

Code Walk-Through

Code Walk-Through

California-required locations mapped: every bedroom, outside every sleeping area, every level. CO required everywhere there is a fuel-burning appliance or attached garage.

Device Sourcing

Device Sourcing

First Alert / Kidde hardwired combo smoke+CO units, dual sensor (photoelectric + ionization) where appropriate, with 10-year sealed battery backup.

Wire Pull & Box Install

Wire Pull & Box Install

Three-conductor cable run for interconnect, fire-rated boxes cut into ceiling at code-correct locations.

Hardwire & Interconnect

Hardwire & Interconnect

Detectors landed on a dedicated lighting circuit, interconnect verified — trip one, all sound.

Trip Test & Walkthrough

Trip Test & Walkthrough

Each unit tested with smoke source, CO sensor verified active, battery backup confirmed. We walk you through silence and test buttons.

Cleanup & Records

Cleanup & Records

Drywall cuts patched (no finish paint), old units removed and recycled. Install date logged for your records (replace at 10 years).

When You Need It

Six common reasons to call.

Existing Detectors Over 10 Years Old

Sensor degradation makes them unreliable. CA code says replace at 10 years even if they still beep on test.

No CO Detection in a Gas-Appliance Home

Furnace, water heater, range, dryer, fireplace, attached garage — all need CO detection nearby per CA code.

Battery-Only Throughout

Acceptable in many existing homes, but interconnected hardwired is safer and required after any major remodel.

Frequent Nuisance Alarms

Old detectors near kitchens or bathrooms get false-alarmed by steam and cooking. Photoelectric-only or properly placed combos fix it.

New Bedroom or ADU Addition

Any new sleeping space needs a smoke + CO at its location and on its level. Permit will catch this either way.

Insurance or Inspection Requirement

Carrier or escrow inspector flagged missing or expired detectors. Quick fix.

Pricing Context

What detector work typically costs in the Bay Area.

Every job gets a written fixed-fee quote. Service-call fee credited if you book at the same visit.

Replace existing hardwired detector$80 – $130
New hardwired detector (new wire + box)$180 – $320
Whole-home retrofit (6–10 interconnected)$1,200 – $2,400
Battery-only swap (existing locations)$45 – $80

Devices supplied by us at retail. Old units removed and recycled at no charge.

FAQ

Smoke & CO questions, straight answers.

Inside every sleeping room (bedroom), outside each separate sleeping area (the hallway leading to bedrooms), and on every level of the home including basements. For new construction and most renovations, detectors must be hardwired with battery backup and interconnected.

Outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms, and on every level of the home, in any home with a fuel-burning appliance (gas furnace, gas water heater, gas range, gas dryer, fireplace) or an attached garage. Combo smoke+CO units satisfy both requirements at the bedroom-area locations.

Replacing an existing hardwired detector is $80 – $130 per location. A new hardwired install (running wire to a new location and adding a box) is $180 – $320 per location. A whole-home retrofit of 6–10 interconnected detectors typically lands in the $1,200 – $2,400 range.

In existing homes that have never had hardwired detectors, battery-only detectors meeting the 10-year sealed-battery standard are permitted. If a permit is pulled for electrical work touching the affected rooms, hardwired interconnected becomes required.

Yes. Interconnected means when one detector trips, all of them sound — code-required for new construction. We pull 3-conductor wire between locations so the interconnect signal travels with the power.

A single replacement is 15–30 minutes. A whole-home retrofit of 6–10 detectors is typically a half-day to a full day depending on attic and crawl-space access.

Ready When You Are

Bring your detectors up to code.

$200 on-site assessment. Quote within 48 hours. Credit applied to project if you proceed.

Request a Quote (650) 550-0719
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