Due to city fire safety code change, I am in need of 24 new hard wired battery back up smoke alarms. My research and fire department recommendation is to get the photoelectric type, not ionization, due to less chance of kitchen cooking and shower moisture false alarms. It seems both major brands, BRK and First Alert, have several negative reviews of failure and false alarms, but also positive ones in the majority. Regardless what have you found to be the best, troublesome free photoelectric hardwired battery back up smoke alarm?

Please name the brand and model number.if you can.

I get the newer types with a 10 year lithium battery back-up and a "hush" button to silence them for 10 minutes while clearing the smoke/steam.

Because there are no many recalls, I install one type in the bedrooms and a second type (manufacturer) in the hallways.

BRK 7020B is my recommendation. It has an escape light, photoelectric, and a 10 year warranty.

If you want to pay less, the 7010B is same with no escape light.

Most people die in smoky fires, which are best detected by a photoelectric unit. However, most houses have flame ionization because they are cheaper.

The experts recommend dual-sensor units, but they are expensive.

I also recommend using some common sense. For example, in some areas dust can set off a false alarm on a photoelectric one, so if you have a woodshop...use the other type.

The 2018 NEC now requires detectors in one new location...in hallways adjacent to a bathroom. It seems people showering could not hear sometimes and there were some deaths. Not all municipalities follow the NEC, but you can check what's required in your area.

In our home inspections we recommend:

Use photoelectric sensors, one in each sleeping room, one in the hallways adjacent to the sleeping rooms, at least one on each floor, one in the hallway adjacent to a bathroom, and a CO alarm near the sleeping rooms. I use the type of CO alarm you just plug into the wall, but there are other ways to do it also.

Any detector over 10 years old should be replaced according to the experts. Although I don't follow this rule, there is a point where I would not trust an old detector...maybe it's 15 years or 20...but you can TELL when they are too old...pick a number and replace if they look old.

Lastly, testing an alarm by pressing the "test" button is not adequate. Don't let people tell you "I don't need to replace that 25 year old alarm...watch this....it works fine". Pressing the test button only tests the siren, NOT the detector. To properly test the detector you need to use a smoke stick or smoke canister or a flame depending on the type of unit you have.

Good luck