the new lithium 10 year smoke detectors - any reviews? or information?
1990327
This alarm was highly recommeded by consumers reports. I have purchased and Installed two of these alarms. The instrauctions are easy to follow and easy to installl. Any handy man should have no problems with installation. I have had them for a few months now with no issues. The only thing I do not care for is that you have to remove the unit from the wall to change the battery. Our course you don"t how good they are until you need them. Hopefully, I will not find out.
1837143
Well, it was several years ago that I wrote the review.I DO seem to remember that there was a UL symbol on the back of the unit.I threw the unit away after the smoke and sparks appeared.The unit was just very poorly designed
2216487
I saw this alarm on a news program as the most reliable smoke detector available. I gave one to each of my kids, they've never had to be used so I cannot answer your question, I am very sorry.
242484
I purchased an earlier version of this detector in 2008 and yesterday it began the 3-chirp per minute "end of life" warning. Once I checked the manufacturing date on the unit it became obvious why it was chirping. Planned obsolesce, some might say, but if the detection system is only good for a limited time then this is a good thing. I just purchased this CO615 to replace it. By the way, the 3 chirps come very quick together (at least on my old unit) - it would be easy to mistake it for a low battery chirp, which I thought at first.
1963184
I wouldn't use them for smoke detectors as the charge only last for a few weeks. I bought them to use in cordless microphones, and they work fine in that capacity.
1874880
I am not s sure but why would you? The battery should last between 5-7 years and if the cost of the battery exceeds a new smoke detector then you replace the detector. Have to ask the mfg this 1.........
1389045
Get a new smoke detector. They get dusty with age and dust sets them off. I hate them
755150
I cannot say that for sure. From what I understood doing a little pre-purchase research, is that it can replace any smoke detector that is part of an interconnected system. What convinced me, is that it is very easy to install and, buying them from Amazon, it wouldn't have been a problem to return them if they hadn't worked properly.
844556
the 2 old units I replaced were Lifesaver Model 1255 - I think most units are standardized to communicate over the 3rd wire so all alarms connected together sound when any one goes off. If you don't require that feature, I think any standard 2 wire unit can replace any other. See this link to help in deciding if you want photo or ion (or the combo unit I bought) https://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/fire-and-safety-equipment/smoke-alarms/ionization-vs-photoelectric
2225376
They are now made in China. This is not tedium or "jingoism," but is a very serious change. My concerns range from lack of environmental and worker safety standards at the factory, to the quality of the batteries per se. I would not trust them in critical devices like smoke detectors.
1874882
The lithium battery supplied is designed to last the life of the detector. At that point, in my opinion, its probably best to go out and buy a new detector.
1219143
These are photoelectric smoke detectors. They are less sensitive than the older smoke detectors you might be used to. This is done on purpose so it doesn't go off every time you burn something on the stove or create a lot of dust or steam. From wikipedia: According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), "photoelectric smoke detection is generally more responsive to fires that begin with a long period of smoldering (called smoldering fires)." Also, studies by Texas A&M and the NFPA cited by the City of Palo Alto California state, "Photoelectric alarms react slower to rapidly growing fires than ionization alarms, but laboratory and field tests have shown that photoelectric smoke alarms provide adequate warning for all types of fires and have been shown to be far less likely to be deactivated by occupants." Although optical alarms are highly effective at detecting smouldering fires and do provide adequate protection from flaming fires, some fire safety experts and the National Fire Protection Association recommend installing what are called combination alarms, which are alarms that either detect both heat and smoke, or use both the ionization and photoelectric/optical processes. Also some combination alarms may include a carbon monoxide detection capability.
1465090
I lived in England a little over 30 years ago and these were standard for home use. I can't imagine them being more technically advanced then. I think the warning against home use in the US is purely legal based. Of course, just like a burning candle, you need to be careful. I have combined smoke/CM detectors in my house so that is added protection. 30 years ago, never gave using one of these the slightest thought since they were standard in so many homes in England (I bet they are widely used throughout Europe, but that is only a guess).Search internet for "Blue Flame Cabinet Heater UK". You'll get a list of places to buy - I didn't see warnings typical of US products. I lived in England a little over 30 years ago and these were standard for home use. I can't imagine them being more technically advanced then. I think the warning against home use in the US is purely legal based. Of course, just like a burning candle, you need to be careful. I have combined smoke/CM detectors in my house so that is added protection. 30 years ago, never gave using one of these the slightest thought since they were standard in so many homes in England (I bet they are widely used throughout Europe, but that is only a guess).Search internet for "Blue Flame... » Read More I lived in England a little over 30 years ago and these were standard for home use. I can't imagine them being more technically advanced then. I think the warning against home use in the US is purely legal based. Of course, just like a burning candle, you need to be careful. I have combined smoke/CM detectors in my house so that is added protection. 30 years ago, never gave using one of these the slightest thought since they were standard in so many homes in England (I bet they are widely used throughout Europe, but that is only a guess).Search internet for "Blue Flame Cabinet Heater UK". You'll get a list of places to buy - I didn't see warnings typical of US products. « Show Less
2240452
From the Kidde website it appears that they only make a wireless smoke detector. But First Alert makes a wireless combined smoke and CO detector (sold at amazon - search for SCO500, it's available in 1 or 2 pack). Note that the Kidde wireless detector is ionizing, whereas the First Alert wireless is photoelectric. Ionizing is better for open flame detection, but photoelectric is better for smoldering fire detection.
2190524
The battery is not the issue. Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years (actually 86,000 hours) whether or not they have replaceable batteries. This is why the unit has a 10 year battery. So that it will be maintenance free for its entire lifetime, and you will be forced to replace it after that.And yes, it probably does make them more money, but it's a matter of statistics. Your particular detector may still work at 15 years, but the vast majority don't at that age. It's a matter of risk management. I'd hate to loose my house (or part of it) because I tried to stretch $20 out another few years. The battery is not the issue. Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years (actually 86,000 hours) whether or not they have replaceable batteries. This is why the unit has a 10 year battery. So that it will be maintenance free for its entire lifetime, and you will be forced to replace it after that.And yes, it probably does make them more money, but it's a matter of statistics. Your particular detector may still work at 15 years, but the vast majority don't at that age. It's a matter of risk management. I'd hate to loose my house (or part of it) because I tried to stretch... » Read More The battery is not the issue. Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years (actually 86,000 hours) whether or not they have replaceable batteries. This is why the unit has a 10 year battery. So that it will be maintenance free for its entire lifetime, and you will be forced to replace it after that.And yes, it probably does make them more money, but it's a matter of statistics. Your particular detector may still work at 15 years, but the vast majority don't at that age. It's a matter of risk management. I'd hate to loose my house (or part of it) because I tried to stretch $20 out another few years. « Show Less
1261478
Let me start by commenting on the date on the device, since it has come up in other posts. I ordered my smoke alarms in May and the device was stamped end of March which seemed quite reasonable. Yep, replacement time is 10 years and if I do it exactly on the 10 year mark I'll be amazed with myself. As per your question Edwin I hooked up my alarms to the house power and they did the low battery beep until I pulled the plastic tab out of the side of the detector which made the battery connect inside the unit itself. I used the battery that came with the unit and didn't need to ever open the battery compartment. When I do replace the battery if it continues to beep I would check the battery connection and also make sure that my batteries were not dead. I expect to replace all the smoke alarm batteries the first of the year, which is what I used to do, and didn't bother this year because I knew I had to replace the detectors. Best of luck with your smoke detector.
432383
Wish I could help as I am all about these detectors, but I would reach out to the manufacturer via their website for that information. Sorry.