Replacing BRK / First Alert Smoke Alarms

I replace hardwired BRK / First Alert smoke alarms with the SM6W10A ($69.99 installed) or the SC6W10A smoke/CO combo ($109.99 installed), plus a $99.99 service fee per visit. We match the brand already in your home, and I test the interconnect before I leave.

How do I know if my alarms are BRK / First Alert?

BRK and First Alert are the same family of alarms, and plenty of Lower Mainland homes have their hardwired units. The logo on the front is often worn off, so check the label on the back. Most hardwired alarms twist off their mounting plate. The label shows:

• The brand: BRK, First Alert, or both.
• The model number.
• The date of manufacture. This is the date that matters.

If the alarm is too high, or you'd rather not take a hardwired unit down, leave it. I read every label on the visit.

How old is too old for a smoke alarm?

Manufacturers say to replace smoke alarms 10 years after the date of manufacture. Pressing the test button tells you the horn works. It doesn't tell you how old the sensor is.

BC's Office of the Fire Commissioner recommends marking the installation date on each alarm. Our guide on how long smoke alarms last has more.

What are the signs a BRK alarm needs replacing?

• The date on the back is 10 years old or more.
• A chirp that won't stop, even after a new battery.
• False alarms for no clear reason, or an alarm that won't reset.
• On the newer sealed models, BRK's SoftCue sound and light reminders that it's time to replace.
• No response when you press the test button.

Chirp patterns differ between models. When in doubt, see beeping smoke alarm repair.

Which BRK models do you install?

BRK lists both as conforming to CAN/ULC-S531 for smoke alarms and CSA 6.19 for CO alarms, the Canadian standards, and says the sealed battery needs no replacing for the life of the alarm. Our photoelectric guide explains the sensor type.

What do I get for the $99.99 service fee?

The $99.99 service fee is charged once per visit, not per alarm. What you get:

• I come to you. Travel is included anywhere in our Lower Mainland service area. There's no call-out charge.
• Labour to take down the old alarms and put up the new ones.
• Every alarm tested before I leave. On hardwired systems I test the interconnect too.
• A written record for every alarm: location, type, manufacture date and test result.
• Old units taken away, and a 30-day workmanship warranty.
• Same price 10am to 8pm, every day. No evening or weekend surcharge.

Can I switch to Kidde instead?

Yes, but it's all or nothing on that interconnect. Hardwired interconnected alarms should be one brand on the same interconnect. So:

• If one BRK alarm is due and the rest are in-date, we match your home's existing brand.
• If you want Kidde, I replace every alarm on that interconnect.
• Either way, I test the interconnect after install.

Here's a typical Maple Ridge rancher with 4 smoke alarms and 1 combo, both ways:

See the full price list, or price your home with the quote builder.

Selling the house or turning over a rental?

A home sale or a new tenant is a good time to check the dates. The written record lists every alarm's location, type and manufacture date, which is handy if a buyer, tenant or insurer asks.

Gas heat or an attached garage? An SC6W10A in the hallway near the bedrooms adds CO detection for $40 more. See CO alarm installation in BC. Several units? See our strata and landlord service, or start at smoke alarm installation in Vancouver.

Frequently asked questions

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