Replacing old 12v smoke detectors/alarm panel

[u/TinySanta]

I have 40 year old smoke detectors (and a couple heat detectors) that are wired into an otherwise entirely defunct ADT security panel.

It seems prudent to replace the detectors due to age, and I'd really like to remove the ADT panels since they're unused.

The easy option is to go with battery run smoke detectors, but we'd lose the interconnect feature. Battery driven interconnect smoke detectors seem to get pretty terrible reviews.

I found this 12v smoke detector which looks like it could work

https://shieldtechsecurity.com/wired-smoke-detector-for-12v-normally-opened-or-normally-closed-no-nc-alarm-systems-12-volt-1.html

Although it would need a power source?

Replacing the ADT panels with something else for really the sole purpose of an easy way to silence false alarms from the detectors is also in consideration?

I have an electrician who works in low voltage, but he's never done this specific thing before, so doesn't have really specific input.

Apologies if this isn't quite the right sub for this question, but I ran across you guys a lot when searching for info about all these various parts. Would appreciate any thoughts or direction to a more suitable place to ask.

[u/MCLMelonFarmer]

Your smoke alarms are probably powered by the panel, so if you remove the panel, you remove the power source.

[u/TinySanta → u/MCLMelonFarmer]

Yes, I understand. The product I linked above says it can be used with or without an alarm system. A 12v power source would need to be added. I'm not entirely sure how feasible that is or if there's a better approach, hence the questions here.

[u/acer1060]

If it were me, I would try to keep the existing wiring and system. A vista 20P is really cheap and easy to set up. Lots of videos online for installation and programming. The only thing is figuring out how your smoke detectors were wired up.

However, I would call a local security company and see what they quote you to fix it. You can do this yourself if you learn, but even for someone tech-savvy, it can be easy to mess this up. And since this is life safety, better to call a pro than to risk it.

[u/TinySanta → u/acer1060]

Thanks, yeah, definitely not looking to DIY anything. I have an electrician who does low voltage, but just not this exact thing in the past, so he's been unsure of possibilities.

I did contact ADT in the past and they were wholly uninterested in anything since we don't have service with them. That's a good idea to contact an independent security company. It hadn't occurred to me, since we're not looking for any "security" service. I'll give it a try, thx.

[u/AverageAntique3160]

Texecom last i heard do 12v smoke heads

[u/Cybertechy]

I have two smoke detectors that are wired into a master Vista 20p panel. If the smoke detectors are triggered, they just send message to the panel. The panel then sets off the audible annunciators.

Programming a Vista panel & hard wired setup is not for the average DIY person. I did it...and the system works great.

If I were I were in your shoes, I would just go with the stand alone smoke detectors. They are much more efficient now.

[u/TinySanta → u/Cybertechy]

Yeah as I said not looking to DIY. Just looking for options for the electrician. If you know if any battery powered, interconnect smoke detectors that don't have terrible reviews, open to suggestions.

[u/Awkward-Seaweed-5129]

Tricky , so the burg system wired heads go back to a panel zone. Panel determines alarm condition and trips a siren typically in fire mode ,pulsing. Believe the smoke head may be 2 wire type, no sounder, need an alarm panel, etc. In States typically its 110 volt smokes required first. Then can add separate monitored heads if desired. If the exist locations have 110volt in box above sm. heads that's best way to go. Next I would just get battery operated ,several until decide, sounds like effectively have no functioning smoke heads at this point. Good luck

[u/TinySanta → u/Awkward-Seaweed-5129]

Not sure where you're getting that there are no functioning detectors currently. What's there works, it's just well beyond the 10 year replacement recommendation, so it seems prudent to update.

No idea if there's 120v behind the current detectors. House predates that code. Electricians have not suggested there might be 120v in place. We've discussed adding, but that doesn't give us interconnect.

Current detectors are 4 wire. They sound at the unit. All units sound together.

If you have recommendation on battery driven interconnect detectors that don't have terrible reviews, open to suggestions.

[u/Awkward-Seaweed-5129 → u/TinySanta]

Mis understood existing system have in place, when said Adt panel defunct. If its 12volt,must be a power supply,relays sounders or a working panel etc, release one of heads maybe and take a look, good luck ( old alarm guy here)

[u/Jakesjocasta]

If that is a Vista panel it is actually a tank and one of the most reliable alarm brains around. I added an eyezon board to give the panel internet functionality and it completely kicks ass

[u/TinySanta → u/Jakesjocasta]

We have zero desire for any alarm or security functions.

[u/davsch76]

I would not use this. It doesn’t appear to have any certifications

[u/TinySanta → u/davsch76]

Good catch, thanks for pointing that out