What is the recommended stance on interconnecting smoke alarms?

• A. Interconnect where possible
• B. Do not interconnect under any circumstances
• C. Interconnect only in the kitchen
• D. Interconnect only with wireless systems

Answer: (A)

Interconnected smoke alarms provide a single, coordinated warning across the whole home. When one unit detects smoke, the interconnection causes all connected alarms to sound, which helps wake occupants who may be sleeping in other rooms and ensures a quicker, collective alert to evacuation. Because this wider alert improves life safety, the recommended approach is to interconnect where possible, using either hard-wired interconnection or a wireless interconnect system, as long as the devices are compatible and installed per manufacturer instructions and local codes.

Relying on just a single unit or limiting interconnection to a small area reduces protection. Limiting interconnection to the kitchen, or insisting on only wireless systems when wired interconnection is feasible, would leave other parts of the home unprotected. The goal is to have the entire home alert as one system whenever smoke is present.