Article Summary:
If you have a wired 120V Nest Protect, the Nest app will notify you if it loses power but is still connected to Wi-Fi. This is usually due to a circuit breaker being switched off, a power outage, or an issue with the wiring.
How to tell if a wired Nest Protect isn't receiving power
Wired Nest Protects come with long-life backup batteries, so they'll keep on working when you need the most. If your wired Nest Protect stops receiving power from the building's electrical wiring, it will automatically switch to backup battery power.
Even when it’s running off the backup batteries, your Nest Protect (Wired) will stay connected to other Nest Protects in your home. It will continue to monitor smoke and carbon monoxide conditions and alert you in the event of an emergency or Heads Up alarm. It will also continue to send notifications to the Nest app in the event of an alarm as long as the Wi-Fi network is still working.
You'll know your Nest Protect isn't receiving power when the small green light at the top of the Nest button has switched off.
Receiving power
Not receiving power
You'll also get an alert on the Nest app telling you that the power is out.
Troubleshooting wired Nest Protect power problems
If you receive a power out notification from the Nest app and you see that the green power light on a wired Nest Protect is out, try these two troubleshooting steps in order.
If you had a professional install your Nest Protects, contact them to fix any trouble you’re having. We strongly recommend that you have a professional installer diagnose wiring issues. A trained professional knows how to safely deal with high-voltage equipment and ensure proper connection for all wires. You can always find a Nest Pro installer in your area with our online finder.
Check your breaker box
When power goes out to only part of your house, one or more switches on the breaker box may not be turned on. Sometimes these switches can be tricky because they’re difficult to push. You may think you flipped a switch back on, but it didn’t flip all the way. Try flipping the switches off and on again. If your Nest Protect’s small green light illuminates, after flipping a fuse switch, you’ll know that was the problem.
- Check your wiring
If one wired Nest Protect is the only thing in your house that’s not receiving power, it’s likely that there’s a problem with the wiring. While wiring issues usually crop up during or right after installation, wires can sometimes become detached later, especially if the connections weren’t properly terminated with a wire nut.
Here are steps to take for checking your Nest Protect wiring. Please refer to your Nest Protect User Guide for more wiring details.
Protect yourself and avoid blowing a fuse. Switch off the correct circuit breaker or remove the correct fuse from the fuse box. Double check that any lights, appliances or other electronics connected to the same circuit are off.
Remove your Nest Protect by gently twisting it counter-clockwise.
Make sure the connector is fully inserted into the back of Nest Protect. If it wasn’t, try turning the circuit breaker switch back on. If the small green light still doesn’t illuminate, turn the circuit switch off again and try step 4.
Check that the power wire (usually black) and neutral wire (usually white) connections are connected to the right wires on Nest Protect’s connector. Refer to your Nest Protect User’s Guide for more details.
There must be solid contact between the power wires. Make sure that all wire connections are capped with a wire nut that has been twisted until secure.
Flip the circuit breaker switch back on and check to see if the Protect’s small green light is on. The status in the Nest app may take a few minutes to change, so it’s best to check the light.
If your Nest Protect still hasn’t turned back on, contact your professional installer or give us a call. We’re here to help.
1) Turn off the power
2) Remove your Nest Protect
3) Check the connector
4) Check the wiring
5) Turn the power back on