The last thing you would wish is your house to catch fire. This is because your house will get damaged and all your valuables can get burnt within minutes. Worse still, your loved ones can get suffocated by the carbon monoxide emitted during the combustion process. If you live in a closed space, your house may not have access to plenty of oxygen, and thus carbon monoxide may claim the life of your loved ones first.
This is the reason why most homeowners have resulted to smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. With these equipment in place, you will be alerted whenever there is smoke or any from carbon monoxide in your home. After that, you will take appropriate steps before it is too late. When it comes to smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, you may come across different types in the market.
Wireless interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have proved to offer the much-needed value for money. In this article, we shall take a closer look at some of the best wireless interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide detectors so that you can know them better.
What Is A Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Detector
If you go to the market, chances are that you will either find smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors. However, manufacturers have now combined both devices and given them a collective term, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The good news is that these devices can detect any presence of fire or smoke in your home.
Besides this, they are capable of detecting any form of carbon monoxide in your home. In case, it rises to dangerous levels, you will be alerted on the spot. Generally, these devices are meant to optimize the safety of your home. You will note that they will always monitor the air quality of your home and alert you in case there is any impending danger.
Benefits Of Installing Wireless Interconnected Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Detectors
When it comes to safeguarding your home, you can never go wrong by installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Here are some of the benefits of installing these devices in your home;
1) Provide early warnings
By installing these detectors in your home, you can be assured that you will get an early warning in case there is fire, smoke, or any form of carbon monoxide being emitted in your home. In most cases, they are normally loud and thus can even awaken you even when you are sleeping. Consequently, you will be able to take appropriate action before it is too late.
2) Help you know that some appliances are not working well
It is no secret that most home appliances are good sources of carbon monoxide. Be it a water heater or a gas stove, it is likely to emit some carbon monoxide whenever it is not working optimally. Therefore, these detectors can help notify you that one of your appliances has issues and needs urgent diagnosis and repair.
3) Prevents carbon monoxide poisoning
In case carbon monoxide is being emitted or released in your home, the occupants of your house are bound to experience some headache, weakness, nausea, and even confusion. Prolonged exposure to this gas may make you to feel unconscious.
To keep such effects at bay, you should ensure that you install these detectors in your home. In the event of smoke that might result in carbon monoxide poisoning, they will alert you so that you can leave your house immediately and run for safety.
4) They can be interconnected with other home alarm systems
The beauty of these detectors is that you can interconnect them with other home alarm systems. Therefore, in case there is carbon monoxide, fire, or even smoke, you will get alerts on the go as other alarms will also make a loud sound. They can also alert you in case the battery runs low. They are therefore ideal even for those homeowners with large homes out there.
5) Peace of mind
Since you know that you will get alerts in case of fire, smoke, or even carbon monoxide, you will be able to enjoy some peace of mind. You can even travel knowing that your loved ones will be safe. Some detectors also allow users to get phone alerts, thus enabling you to take appropriate steps even when you are away from your home.
6) Prevent the loss of property
Fire can be disastrous if it is unchecked. Most homes have been destroyed by fires in the recent past. To keep all your valuables safe, it is imperative that you install these detectors as soon as possible. In case there is a fire in the kitchen, it will alert you and thus allow you to mitigate it before it gets late. Consequently, you will prevent future loss of property and lives.
7) Increase the value of your home
If your home has these detectors, chances are that potential homebuyers will be attracted to it and thus can buy it on the go. Therefore, you can install these devices in a bid to increase the value of your home. Once you choose to sell your home, you will be able to make more profits as a potential home buyer is likely to buy it at a slightly higher price than other homes of the same caliber.
The 10 Best Wireless Interconnected Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Detectors Reviews
In the search for the best wireless interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, chances are that you will come across many models in the market. If you are buying these devices for the first time, chances are that you will be spoilt for choice. However, we have compiled some of the best models that will not disappoint you. They include the following:
1) First Alert SCO5CN
To start with, this model is battery-powered. Since it is battery-powered, it will be able to monitor the CO levels continuously even when there is a power failure. Besides this, the model comes with an electrochemical carbon monoxide sensing technology and a photoelectric sensor that enables it to detect any particles of a smoldering fire.
The First Alert SCO5CN mentioned above also comes with indicator lights on its surface. These indicator lights usually display the presence of carbon monoxide or smoke in a given room. There is also an 85-decibel siren that will alert you in case the model detects any smoke or carbon monoxide in your home. In addition, the model has been rigorously been tested and has met all the UL standards. Finally, it comes with a 7-year warranty from the manufacturer.
2) Kidde Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Detector, Battery Powered
By investing in this model, you will be able to get a fire and carbon monoxide detector in 1 unit. Besides this, the model comes with LED lights, alert modes, and a voice alarm. With these features in place, you will be able to get immediate alerts in case there is smoke or carbon monoxide in your home.
The Kidde Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector, Battery Powered also comes with ionization sensor technology that is able to detect invisible fire particles. Its 85-decibel alarm is capable of alerting you of a fire that is at least 10 feet away from your house. Since the model is battery-powered, be sure that it will still work optimally even when there is a power failure in your region or estate.
This model boasts of having a test-hush feature. With this feature, you will be able to silence the unit for about 8 minutes. It also comes with tamper-resistant technology, which prevents the removal of the unit from the ceiling or wall. Finally, the model comes with a 10-year warranty from the manufacturer.
3) FIRST ALERT BRK SC9120B-3 Hardwired Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector
Unlike other models, this one comes in a pack of 3 units. Besides this, the model comes with a battery backup. Therefore, you can be sure that it will still function even when you have a blackout in your locality. The model also comes with an electrochemical carbon monoxide technology and an ionization sensor that helps detect any fire particles present in your home.
In addition, the model comes with an indicator light on its face that helps display the presence of carbon monoxide or smoke in your home. There is also an 85-decibel siren that plays the role of alerting you in case there is smoke or carbon monoxide in your house.
Unlike other models, this one can connect to other compatible BRK or First Alert detectors. As a result, it will ensure that all alarms alert you in case there is any threat of smoke or carbon monoxide. The first alert brk sc9120b-3 also boasts of having tamper-resistant locking brackets that make it difficult to remove the detector from the wall or ceiling. In addition, it comes with universal mounting brackets that make it easy to install them in your home.
4) Google Nest Protect – Smoke Alarm – Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Detector
By investing in this detector, you will be able to get phone alerts whenever there is smoke, carbon monoxide, or even when the battery runs low. Unlike other models, this one comes with a smoke and CO locator. With this feature in place, you will be able to know where the source of the smoke is and also know the right action to take.
The Google Nest Protect also comes with a light that turns on whenever you walk underneath it. This light can light up your way at night. For fast detection, this detector comes with a Split-spectrum sensor. Therefore, slow and fast burning fires will easily be detected. Finally, the model is wireless and thus can easily be connected to the Wi-Fi in your home and send alerts to your phone in real-time.
5) Kidde Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm
If you are looking for a unit that combines both fire and carbon monoxide in one gadget, this model is the ultimate solution for you. Besides this, it comes with LED lights and a voice alarm. These will play a critical role in alerting you in case they detect fire or carbon monoxide in your home.
Kidde Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm also comes with ionization sensing technology that helps detect even the most invisible fire particles out there. There is also an 85-decibel alarm that alerts you in case there is an imminent fire in your home.
For convenience purposes, the model comes with a 2-AA battery backup that allows the device to work even when there is no electricity. This model also comes with a test-hush feature that helps silence the unit for about 9 minutes.
In addition, the Kidde Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm comes with a tamper-resistant technology that helps prevent unauthorized removal of the unit from the ceiling or wall. Finally, the model meets all the safety standards set by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and comes with a 10-year warranty from the manufacturer.
6) First Alert Z-Wave Smoke Detector & Carbon Monoxide Alarm
First and foremost, this model is certified to work with Ring alarm. As a result, users can enjoy improved compatibility and a seamless in-app experience. By investing in this detector, you will be able to get real-time notifications in your Ring app in case there is any carbon monoxide or smoke in your home.
Besides the First Alert Z-Wave Ring Alarm, this detector can work with other smart home systems such as Nexia Home Intelligence and Samsung Smart Things. However, you have to connect it to the Z-Wave Plus gateway hub. The model also comes with a battery backup that enables it to function even when there is a blackout at home.
There is also a photoelectric smoke sensor that helps reduce false alarms in case you are taking a steam shower or cooking. Other features that come with this model include; single or silence button, an 85-decibel horn, and side access to a tamper-resistant battery door. The model also comes with pins that help to lock the unit to the mounting bracket.
7) First Alert BRK SC7010B Hardwired Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector
This First Alert BRK SC7010B comes with a battery backup that enables it to remain functional even when there is a power failure in your estate. It also comes with an electrochemical carbon monoxide sensing technology and photoelectric sensor which is equipped with Optipath 360 technology. This feature plays a significant role in smoke and carbon monoxide detection.
The First Alert BRK SC7010B comes with a spread spectrum alarm that is loud enough to alert you whenever there is a fire or carbon monoxide at home. This detector can readily connect to other compatible First Alert or BRK detectors. As a result, you can be assured that all the alarms will alert you in case they detect a threat of fire in your home. The model mentioned above comes with a 10-year limited warranty from the manufacturer. Since it has been rigorously tested, this model meets the UL standards.
8) X-Sense SC03 10-Year Battery (Not Hardwired) Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector
Unlike other models, this one comes with a 10-year battery life. With this battery in place, your detector will get a constant power supply even when there is a blackout or power failure in your region. The model also comes with an end-of-life signal that helps you know when you should replace the unit for continued safety.
Besides this, the model comes with a combination of photoelectric smoke and electrochemical carbon monoxide sensors that helps notifies you instantly in case there is a threat in your home. The good news is that these sensors will not send false alarms in case you are taking a shower or cooking.
Since this X-Sense SC03 comes with 2 alarms in 1, be sure that you will enjoy more convenience. Whether there is smoke or carbon monoxide, you can trust that this model will alert you immediately.
When it comes to installation, no rewiring is needed. You can even mount it on the wall on your own, without hiring an electrician. Finally, the model comes with a 5-year warranty from the manufacturer and a 60-day money-back guarantee.
9)First Alert SCO7CN Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector
This smoke and carbon monoxide detector is different from its peers as it comes with a voice and location feature. Therefore, it can tell you whether there is smoke or carbon monoxide in your home as well as where it is originating from.
In addition, the detector comes with a battery backup that allows the model to continue working even you do not have electricity in your home. The model also comes with an electrochemical carbon monoxide sensing technology and a photoelectric sensor that helps detect larger fire particles.
On its surface, there are some indicator lights that display the presence of carbon monoxide or smoke in your home. Also, it comes with an 85-decibel siren that is loud enough to alert you in case there is a threat of smoke or carbon monoxide within your home.
Other features that make this X-Sense SC03 great is that it comes with a single test/silence button and an EZ access battery drawer.
The latter allows the user to change the batteries without necessarily having to remove the device from the wall or ceiling.
10) First Alert SCO500B Wireless Interconnected Photoelectric Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Combo Detectors
The First Alert SCO500B mentioned above is battery-powered. Therefore, it will still work even when you do not have power in your home. Since it comes with a wireless design, you will have an easy time connecting to different alarms in your home. After all, it uses radio frequency communication to make these connections possible.
Since these alarms are interconnected, be sure that they will be able to communicate with each other and thus form an integrated system that will offer the much-needed protection in your home. Besides this, the model comes with a voice and location feature that makes it easy for you to know when you have a threat of smoke or carbon monoxide and where it is coming from.
Key Factors To Consider When Buying Wireless Interconnected Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Detectors
With the proliferation of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the market, you are likely to get spoilt for choice whenever you have to buy one for your home. However, we have come up with some of the best features that you should check for you to end up with a great model. Some of the key features to check when buying these devices include:
1) Is it hardwired or battery-powered
Some of the models that you will come across out there are hardwired. This means that they are directly connected to the power supply of your home. Although such models are good, they might be ineffective if there is a blackout in your home. To avert such problems, you should choose battery-powered models.
In most cases, these models rely on carbon-zinc or alkaline batteries. In case the battery runs low, the device will sound a chirping alarm, indicating that you need to replace the battery. When these devices have good batteries, they can work optimally even when you have a power failure in your home.
2) Is it sealed
Unlike other models, sealed smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are quite new in the market. You will note that they usually come with a built-in battery that can last for ages. As a result, you will not need to replace the battery anytime soon. These models are also tamper-proof. Once they approach their end-of-life period, you will be required to replace them. Some can last for 10 years or even more.
3) Installation
When it comes to installation, some models are very easy to install. However, there are others that need an electrician for them to be mounted well. After all, the user might experience a few challenges here and there in a bid to mount them in his or her home. For optimal results, you should go for those models that are relatively easy to install. In fact, most of these models come with a guide that will help you install them successfully.
4) Noise levels
These devices are meant to alert you whenever there is fire, smoke, or carbon monoxide in your home. Therefore, your model of choice should be loud enough to be heard. In most cases, these devices have a standard noise level of 85 decibels. However, if it can be louder than this, the better. This way, you will be awakened even when you are sleeping at night.
5) Can it be integrated with other home alarm systems
Currently, some models can be integrated with other home alarm systems. The good news is that these detectors will communicate with other home alarms and thus alert everyone in your home that there are is a danger in your home. Consequently, you will be able to take appropriate action in good time.
6) Price
Some high-end models will cost an arm and a leg. This is because some of these models boast of having rare features such as a hush feature, safety light, voice alarm, among other features. However, there are others that have ordinary features and still work optimally, just like the high-end models. Such models are quite cheap. You can compare the prices of various models and choose the one that suits your budget.
7) Check the UL stamp
When buying these detectors, you should be keen to check the packaging that comes with these models. If it meets the Underwriters Laboratories standard, it will have the UL label on it. Besides this, you can check its date of manufacturer.
Remember that most of these devices usually lose their sensitivity over time and thus, may not be as effective as you might want them to be. Therefore, if your model of choice was just manufactured recently, be sure that it will work optimally and offer good service.
8) Warranty
Since these devices are prone to get damaged once in a while, it is imperative that you choose a model that comes with a warranty from the manufacturers. In case it is faulty, you can always return it to the manufacturer, and it will be repaired for you free of charge. To be on the safe side, choose a model with a longer warranty period.
Final Words
One of the biggest investments you can have is a home. Keeping it safe should top the list of your priorities. By installing wireless interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, you will keep your home safe from incidences of fire. Also, you will keep your loved ones safe as they will not suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning. Choose any of the models mentioned above, and you will be good to go. These detectors are truly worth the money.