Hardwired and battery Wireless Interconnect Smoke/CO Alarms ($125-150 / 30% off)

Hmm is the interconnect or wired version worth it? I got talking 10-yr battery smoke and CO2 detectors for $42 at Rona a few weeks ago. Figured that was a good deal at the time.

Cdn4evr wrote: ↑ Hmm is the interconnect or wired version worth it?

I think these are code now

Btw IMHO First Alert > Kiddle

I had no idea that they now have wireless interconnect capability. That's great as interconnect capability is really a must have. However, this is an odd package. If you need three, why would you get just one with CO detection?

Cdn4evr wrote: ↑ Hmm is the interconnect or wired version worth it? I got talking 10-yr battery smoke and CO2 detectors for $42 at Rona a few weeks ago. Figured that was a good deal at the time.

Interconnect is absolutely worth it as a safety feature to me (assuming you have a multistory house). If there's a fire in the basement (heating appliances), I'd definitely want to know about the situation ASAP when I'm in bed, 2 stories up.

The extra notice can make escaping a lot easier, spending the money once every 10 years seems like a no-brainer to me.

HD / Lowe's always has sales on these, might not be same model but I got my Kidde smoke detectors for $20 each last year. Not sure this is a good price unless market has significantly shifted.

It's not wireless but Home Depot has a 3 pack Kidde hardwire interconnected combination smoke and CO alarm with voice for $157. Seems like a better deal as you're getting 3 combo alarms.

Home Depot

Costco warehouse has these detectors on sale ever few months. I got the dual pack hardwired w/10yrs battery backup CO & Smoke detectors for $7x couple months ago.

https://www.costco.ca/kidde-10-year-har ... 46905.html

frugal1 wrote: ↑ I had no idea that they now have wireless interconnect capability. That's great as interconnect capability is really a must have. However, this is an odd package. If you need three, why would you get just one with CO detection?

My newbuild came with smoke+CO only on top level sleeping floor while main floor and basement were just smoke. Agree the more CO monitors in the house the better, but likely that's the thinking behind that bundle to lower the overall cost vs. 3 x CO+smoke detectors.

stevewk wrote: ↑ My newbuild came with smoke+CO only on top level sleeping floor while main floor and basement were just smoke. Agree the more CO monitors in the house the better, but likely that's the thinking behind that bundle to lower the overall cost vs. 3 x CO+smoke detectors.

I'm not saying this is a good idea, but probably because CO detector mainly used for detecting CO from your furnace, which is blown throughout the house.
But fire/smoke is more localized to where the fire's starting.

I'd replace them all with smoke+CO for peace of mind.
Heck, I'd just bought a Kidde all gas plugin, that I'll plug in my furnace room just have another sensor.

vkizzle wrote: ↑ I thought I was paranoid with 10 plug-in CO detectors. Lol

Can never have too much.
I already have on CO+smoke on each floor.
I plug in an extra all gas in my kitchen/living room, in case of my gas stove or my gas fireplace acting up.
Adding that new all gas in the furnace room (though I'm sure this isn't very productive, as any CO wouldn't dwell in the furnace room probably, but maybe for natural gas leak)

my business has one that is connected through electricity (wired) and also has battery, the battery is low, can i switch the battery without the wired to electrocute me?

L4cky wrote: ↑ my business has one that is connected through electricity (wired) and also has battery, the battery is low, can i switch the battery without the wired to electrocute me?

The ones I've seen, usually you twist the main body off the plate that's screwed to the ceiling (and wired in).
Unless you touch that plate with the connections, normally it should be safe to replace the battery.
In doubt, just google up the manual for your model.

andrewmp416 wrote: ↑ I think these are code now

Btw IMHO First Alert > Kiddle

Hardwire interconnect is the code now for new builds, but the rules are slightly different for existing builds. You can go from battery powered alarms to hardware or hardwire interconnect, but you're not supposed to go the other way as it's considered less secure.

I was looking for a Z-Wave smoke alarm and the only options I found were the Nest Protect alarm or battery-powered ones from First Alert. I currently have hardwire interconnect and found out I can't replace with battery-powered only after consulting someone about the local fire code.

L4cky wrote: ↑ my business has one that is connected through electricity (wired) and also has battery, the battery is low, can i switch the battery without the wired to electrocute me?

You shouldn't worry about being electrocuted from a smoke alarm. The wire has a plug that connects to the smoke alarm like what you insert into your computer - you would have to expose the wiring or stick a metal pin into the connector before you would come in contact with a live current.

As for replacing the battery, you should consult the manual for your alarm for instructions (most can be found online). Most of the models I've seen with replaceable batteries have a door or cover that you can remove easily without taking the alarm off the ceiling. However, some alarms have a built-in battery that are expected to last the life of the alarm and are NOT replaceable. New alarms have a ten year life from manufacture (there should be a date printed on the alarm).

A sale on Toast Protectors.

jdossantos wrote: ↑ Hardwire interconnect is the code now for new builds, but the rules are slightly different for existing builds. You can go from battery powered alarms to hardware or hardwire interconnect, but you're not supposed to go the other way as it's considered less secure.

I was looking for a Z-Wave smoke alarm and the only options I found were the Nest Protect alarm or battery-powered ones from First Alert. I currently have hardwire interconnect and found out I can't replace with battery-powered only after consulting someone about the local fire code.

Hardwire + interconnect + strobe has been code since 2012 or 2014, at least in Ontario. Note that these detectors have a courtesy light not a strobe so these are NOT code, at least in Ontario.

Still waiting for a good products that has both, otherwise its multiple units that cost a small fortune.

Amazing price for three wireless versions, great gift for the parents with older homes that don't interconnect with that third wire. With their poor hearing its key to have a whole house alarm.