Converting old ADT heat alarms to wired CO/fire alarms

Hello, my home builtin the late 90s has wired ADT systems including these [1] heat alarms. Each alarm apparently has 4 (18AWG) wires. The wires all come to a central alarm panel. The alarms are Edwards Systems Technology model 281B. Here’s a data sheet I found [2]. And, apparently these were recalled [3]!

Anyway, I want to ditch ADT’s systems ultimately (I never signed up) but thought I could use these wires for new fire/CO alarms (hopefully zigbee or zwave connectable). If this wiring can be repurposed, I see two paths forward:

  • Wire these directly into the electrical system at the alarm box at 120V AC. This assumes these wires are rated for this.
  • Setup some kind of 120V -> lower voltage (24/48V DC) converter and battery to power new alarms. I’m not sure what I would buy yet for that or what kind of alarms would be appropriate (since most wired alarms are meant for 120V AC?).

I’d be very thankful to hear any perspective/advice from the folks here. Thanks!

submitted by /u/batrick
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April 12, 2023
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