243
people found this helpful, as of 2023
ranked #119,104 most helpful
out of 571,544,897 reviews
★★★★☆
Replaces Firex 120-1072B Unit And Adds Improvements Too
My home was built in 2001, and it was equipped with Firex 120-1072B units in each room wired for interconnectivity. One of my units began to sound randomly even when there was no fire. I tried changing the battery, but I still had the same results. So after searching online, I found that the Kidde i4618 is the current replacement model.
After purchasing the model, I was hoping that I could use an adapter between the wiring in my Firex unit and the Kidde. However, I found that I was mistaken in what I thought I had read. I am about as unhandy a man as they come, and I really wasn't looking forward to rewiring for the new unit. The hardest part of the process turned out finding the correct breaker as mine are not labeled. At least for my house (please know that yours may well be different), the smoke detectors were on a dedicated breaker. Once I found it and switched it off, it was very easy from there. I removed the two screws from the bracket of the Firex unit and then uncapped the wires. The Firex wires were easy to remove. I rewired black, white, and red as indicated and put the yellow caps back on to cover the wires. Then it was a simple matter of screwing in the new mount, connecting the wire, and twisting the Kidde unit into place. Once I flipped the breaker back on, everything was back to normal.
There is one nice thing on these new units. The battery door is on the face of the unit rather than the back. The old Firex unit has the battery in the back, and it was a pain to replace the battery. Another nice improvement of the Firex unit is the power connector is much easier to plug and unplug without being insecure.
So if this is the replacement for your old Firex smoke alarm, don't hesitate to get this one from Kidde. I'm pleased with the results, and I think you will be too. Please feel free to ask questions in the comments section below.
January 2010 · Tools and Home Improvement