HomeNewsWhat do I need to know about smart smoke detectors?

What do I need to know about smart smoke detectors?

2023-03-22

What do I need to know about smart smoke detectors?

For the most part, smart Smoke Alarms tend to work almost identically. The device installs on the ceiling or high on the wall (typically replacing an old-school Smoke Alarm in the same location), either using batteries or in-wall power. Most of the smart smoke alarms we evaluated are available in either format and cost the same. When shopping, pay close attention so you don`t end up with the wrong type.

If you`re upgrading a hardwired model, it`s important that you replace all the detectors in the chain with the same make and model. One of the reasons for hardwiring a Smoke Detector is that if one detects a dangerous condition, it can trigger all the others to go off. But there`s no guarantee that feature will work if you have a mix of devices from different manufacturers wired together.


What should I look for when shopping for a Smart Smoke Detector

Smoke and CO: Your home needs to warn against the danger of Carbon Monoxide as well as smoke. Some detectors will do both, so you don`t need to deploy–and monitor the batteries in–more than one device.


What should I look for when shopping for a smart smoke detector

Smoke and CO: Your home needs to warn against the danger of carbon monoxide as well as smoke. Some detectors will do both, so you don`t need to deploy–and monitor the batteries in–more than one device.

Detector sensitivity and accuracy: It`s very difficult to scientifically test how well a smoke/CO Detector does its primary job without actually burning your house down. That said, simulating smoky conditions can reveal a little about how sensitive a detector is. As well, you can consider the general consensus about the underlying technology in a smoke detector. The Isafenest Protect, for example, uses a Photoelectric sensor that is considered superior to the ionization sensor used in many older devices and which is more prone to false alarms.

Notification variety: A loud siren is expected, but voice alerts are quite handy: They not only tell you what type of hazard has been detected, but also alert you to its location and can even tell you how to respond (whether that`s opening a window or calling 911). Color-coded lights on the alarm itself are another plus. And, of course, speedy push notifications to your phone are a must in the smart alarm space.

Multiple users: Obviously you`re safest if more than one person receives a push alert that there`s a fire in the house. Look for a system that supports multiple users through an invitation system.

Interconnectivity: Some devices support an interconnectivity feature, so if one alarm goes off, all the other alarms in the house will go off as well. This can be a big benefit if you have a very large home and fear you might not hear an alarm going off elsewhere in the house. We didn`t test interconnectivity features in our review since we tested single alarms individually, so check specifications when shopping if this feature sounds useful.

Previous: Home Use Fire Alarm Standalone Smoke Detector

Next: Best smart smoke detector to keep your home safe

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