You can modify an old Kidde cable to work with the newer 2024+ Kidde ‘Detect’ Series detectors, models CUAR and CUAR-V. It’s easy! Follow these steps.
Do you have a newer Kidde detector like this, and missing the newer (2024+) cable that should have come with it? Here is a simple way to modify one of the older Kidde cables to fit.
First, find an older Kidde cable – that’s the one of the left. These are easily found on Ebay if you do not have on laying around, or use the existing cable if you are replacing an older Kidde detector.
We will cut off the side plastic pieces and modify the cable head slightly to make it fit into the newer (2024+) Kidded ‘Detect’ series. The cable on the right is what usually comes with a Kidde 900-CUAR or 900 CUAR-v detector.
This is what the detector looks like with the cable that normally comes with the detector. But if you are like me, you purchased one where someone stole the cable and now the detector is useless.
Using needle nose pliers and an sharp blade like an X-Acto blade, remove the side plastic pieces on the older Kidde plug head. Then use the needle nose pliers to remove the white plastic areas on the top and bottom of the plug that restrict the plug going in smoothly into the Kidde detector. You’ll have to play with it in the new detector to see what’s holding up an easy insertion.
Once complete, the new plug head should look something like this. Play around a little with your X-Acto blade to remove the plastic restricting an easy insert.
When inserted into the detector, the new plug head will look like this. The locking snap on the detector will not snap, but it does not need to. You may need to use a flat head screwdriver to push the modified plug in all of the way into the detector. Once inserted, the new cable will work just fine and as intended and will be very secure.
Hope this helps! Please ask any questions or add comments below in the comment section.