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Posted by Mark H on April 3, 2008, 4:06 pm
>
>>I have a hardwired smoke detector that is old and outdated, that I'd
>> like to switch with a new unit. The only problem is that I can't
>> shut
>> off the power to the alarm before I disconnect it and reconnect the
>> new one. I'm going to have to do the take-down and installation
>> while
>> the power is LIVE.
>>
>> I live in a high-rise apartment building and the smoke detector is
>> powered not by my unit's individual power, but off of a line brought
>> in from a common hallway. There is no way to cut power to the smoke
>> detector without cutting power to all the lights in the common
>> hallway, which is impossible.
>>
>>
>> So, how can I safely (or as safely as possible) change this detector
>> with a new one? If I don't touch certain wires together, will I be
>> OK? What are the chances I would get shocked?
>>
>>
>> I know your first inclination will be to tell me to get the circuit
>> turned off or call an electrician, but please (at least
>> hypothetically) assume that neither of those options are possible.
>
>
>
> I answer the questions without making judgments.
>
> Hypothetically speaking, there is no way to get shocked or damage anything
> if you work with one wire at a time and do not ground yourself while
> touching the bare part of the hot (usually black or red) wire.
>
> If I were to do something like this I would do the bare or green wire
> first, the white wire second and the hot wire last. Once I had all the
> wires connected to the new modular plug, I would plug it in and test it
> before attached it to the box.
>
> Note there may be an inter-connection wire (usually yellow that must also
> be connected. This has no juice and can be done at any time.
>
> Also the base plate may need to be changed even if it is the same brand.
>
>
> --
> Colbyt
> Please come visit www.househomerepair.com
>
Hot comes off first goes on the last
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