How to Install Hardwired Smoke Detectors

Reader asks, "What the heck is a hardwired smoke detector? Do I need one? Can I install it myself?"

I was close to writing up a reply to the reader in the negative with something like, "Forget it. Call an electrician." At the last moment, I thought to check our Electrical Guide Timothy Thiele, and saw his clear tutorial on how to install hardwired smoke detectors. Yes you can! My bad.

I need to save face one way or another, so I will add that it is not a walk in the park. But Tim makes this difficult task as clear as can be.