Article Summary:
If you’ve ever installed a light switch or overhead light, you should be comfortable installing Nest Protect (Wired 120V). Here’s how.
Before you start
There are several things to consider prior to installing Nest Protect in your home: Even if you’re simply replacing an old alarm, read through the articles below to determine if you have the right number of alarms for the size of your home and if they’re installed in the best location in each room.
Nest Protect is a connected smoke and carbon monoxide detector, so it will save you time to set them all up at the same time, then proceed with installation in each room.
Where in the room should I install my Nest Protect?
Which rooms in my home need a Nest Protect?
To get an overview of the installation process for both Nest Protect (Battery) and Nest Protect (Wired 120V) watch the video below.
If you need more help, there are detailed instructions provided in the User’s Guide that was included with your Nest Protect box.
If you don’t feel comfortable installing Nest Protect yourself, installation of Nest Protect (Wired 120V) can be done by a qualified electrician. Click here to find a Nest Pro installer near you.
Installing Nest Protect (Wired 120V)
You might want to keep the dust cover in case you decide to paint or renovate in the future. This will protect the Nest Protect (Battery) sensors from getting scratched or damaged during a remodel.
If you already have the Nest app installed on your smartphone or tablet, you should make sure that it has been updated to the most recent version before attempting to set up your Nest Protect.
How do I connect my Nest Protect to Wi-Fi and my Nest Account?
How do I know if I have a wired or a battery-powered smoke alarm?
Give it a slight twist clockwise and it’ll CLICK into place. Make sure the Nest logo is upright and facing out.
1) Remove the dust cover from your Nest Protect (Wired)
2) Get the Nest app
The Nest app will guide you through creating a free Nest account, pairing your Nest Protect securely, telling Nest Protect which room it’s in, and connecting your Nest Protect to your home Wi-Fi network.
3) Set up Nest Protect (Wired 120V)
Once the Nest app is installed, you can start the process of setting up your Nest Protect (Wired 120V). Detailed instructions for how to do this are in the article below.
4) Turn off the power
Protect yourself and avoid blowing a fuse. Switch off the correct circuit breaker or remove the correct fuse from the fuse box. If your current wired smoke alarm is equipped with an always-on green LED, it may take a few minutes for the light to turn off.
5) Remove your old alarm
Make sure the green LED on your old alarm is off, then take the old alarm off its baseplate and disconnect its power wires. Warning: Your old alarm might make a loud noise when you disconnect the wires.
6) Remove the old base
Unscrew the baseplate from the electrical box. You might want to save the screws for later.
7) Remove the old connector
Unscrew the wire nuts to detach the 120V electrical connector from your old smoke alarm. Make sure the exposed wires coming out of the ceiling are clean and straight.
8) Attach the Nest 120V connector
Now, just match the wires - white to white and black to black. Press the wires together, cap them with a wire nut and twist clockwise. Tighten until it’s secured. Nest Protect interconnects wirelessly. There is no need for the red/orange/yellow wire. For safety, cap it with a wire nut.
9) Install the Nest Protect backplate
Screw the backplate to the existing electrical box, reusing the existing screws. (Alternately, you can screw the plate directly into the wall or ceiling with the Nest screws.)
10) Connect the power
Plug the 120V connector into the back of your Nest Protect.
11) Mount your Nest Protect (Wired 120V)
Tuck any excess wiring into the electrical box and line up Nest Protect with the backplate.
12) Turn on power
Switch the power back on or replace the correct fuse.
13) Press the Nest button to test
After installation, test your Nest Protect (Wired 120V) by pressing the Nest button twice. Before sounding the alarm, Nest Protect will give you a countdown so that you have time to move away from the alarm. Nest Protect will tell you when the test is complete.
Have more smoke alarms?
Repeat these steps to install additional Nest Protects. The Nest app will help you connect them to Wi-Fi and add them to your Nest Account.
Once all your Nest Protects are installed, test that all of them are wirelessly interconnected by pressing the Nest button twice.
While Nest Protect is performing the test, walk from room to room throughout your home to make sure that all installed Nest Protects are working. Nest Protect will tell you when the test is complete.