Top Smoke Detectors and Fire Alarms
First Alert Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Detector
[Check Price] Available in a one- or three-pack, this First Alert detector offers two-in-one protection with its included smoke and carbon monoxide monitoring. The battery-operated device includes a mutable low-battery signal and an easy-access door that lets you replace its batteries without taking it down. In addition to its simple design, the smoke and carbon monoxide detector has a seven-year limited warranty and an end-of-life chirp that signals the need for a replacement.
X-Sense Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector
[Check Price] This dual-sensing detector alerts homeowners to fire and carbon monoxide hazards in the home through its LCD and alarm horn. The LED light will also flash yellow or red at the same time as an audible beep to alert homeowners of an issue, which can be a helpful indication for those who are hearing impaired. In addition to its carbon monoxide detection, this device displays your home’s carbon monoxide concentration levels to help you understand the severity of a leak. This device is great for homeowners who are looking for an easy-to-read detector, and it comes with all the necessary installation hardware, including a mounting bracket, screws, and anchor plugs.
Kidde Hardwire Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector
[Check Price] This smoke and carbon monoxide detector is hardwired into your existing electrical system and provides an additional layer of protection through its battery backup. The two-in-one detector supports many features that ensure it’s in working condition, including a tampering-detection alarm, adjustable mounting bracket, and battery door that only closes if the batteries are installed properly. Additionally, the detector alerts homeowners to fire or carbon monoxide dangers through its LED status light and alarm.
Google Nest Protect Smoke and Carbon Dioxide Detector
[Check Price] This smart fire alarm from Google detects dangerous levels of smoke and carbon monoxide in your home and is a solid choice for customers with existing smart home technology. Similar to traditional smoke detectors, this device triggers an alarm when it detects a fire or the presence of carbon monoxide. The device has a light ring which turns yellow for an early warning and pulses red for an emergency, providing a visual alert for those who are hearing impaired. However, this smart device differs from traditional models with its instant mobile notifications that alert you to a fire in your home even if you’re not there. Additionally, the alarm is equipped with voice alerts that let you know where the smoke or carbon monoxide is in your home.
Kidde Battery-Operated Smoke Alarm
[Check Price] This affordable smoke detector from Kidde runs on a nine-volt battery and uses a flashing LED light and alarm to signal a fire. Although it’s a basic model, the device features a 10-year limited warranty and includes an easy-to-use test button to verify its operational status.
What To Consider Before Buying a Smoke Detector or Fire Alarm
Before purchasing a smoke detector or fire alarm, it’s important to understand how each device’s specifications and smoke-detecting sensors affect its performance. Here are some considerations to think about when buying a detector.
Lifespan
Most smoke detectors and fire alarms, including the Kidde Battery-Operated Smoke Alarm and X-Sense Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector, are designed with a 10-year battery life. While hardwired and battery-powered smoke detectors have similar lifespans, battery-operated models may require frequent check-ins to ensure the batteries aren’t dead.
Backup Power
Most smoke detectors and fire alarms are battery-powered or hardwired directly into your home’s electrical system. Typically, hardwiring the alarms calls for electrical expertise, which may require you to hire an electrician to install the smoke detectors. Battery-powered smoke detectors are easier to install because they run off of alkaline batteries and can detect smoke through power outages because they don’t rely on electricity.
Smart Capabilities
Some smoke detectors and fire alarms are equipped with smart features that send custom mobile alerts and communicate with surrounding devices. For example, the Google Nest Protect Smoke and Carbon Dioxide Detector sends you a mobile message when it detects smoke or carbon monoxide in your home.
Underwriters Laboratories Listing
The Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is a third-party certification company that has helped develop smoke alarm standards for over 40 years. A UL-certified smoke detector or fire alarm must meet the company’s requirements to receive its stamp of approval. Many smoke alarms, including the First Alert Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Detector and Kidde Battery-Operated Smoke Alarm, meet UL requirements.
Sensor Type
There are three different types of sensors inside a smoke detector, including a photoelectric sensor, an ionization sensor, and dual-sensing technology. Photoelectric A photoelectric smoke alarm uses a light-sensitive sensor and an LED light to detect smoke. The smoke detector’s light sensor can’t pick up the LED light that’s emitted unless there’s smoke in the air, which causes the light to reflect and be picked up by the device’s sensor, triggering an alarm. Ionization Ionization fire alarms like the Kidde Hardwire Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector use radioactive material that’s positioned between two electrically charged plates, which triggers air to flow from one plate to another. When smoke enters the detector, this airflow is restricted and triggers an alarm. Dual sensors Some smoke detectors, including the X-Sense Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector, use both ionization and photoelectric detectors to sense smoke and trigger an alarm. Utilizing both detection methods helps a device detect a range of fires while providing an alternative in case one method fails.
Top Brands
When it comes to smoke detectors and fire alarms, Kidde and First Alert lead the pack. Check out the history behind each company’s fire detection technology below. Kidde Founded over 100 years ago, Kidde is one of the largest fire safety product manufacturers and produces devices like smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. The company’s offerings go beyond just detection, as the company offers equipment like fire extinguishers and escape ladders that can help homeowners after a fire is detected. First Alert First Alert is a manufacturer of fire prevention devices and products, including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, and fire-resistant safes. The company created the first battery-powered smoke detector, which went on to earn a UL listing.
Where To Place Smoke Detectors and Fire Alarms
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests installing a smoke detector in every hallway, level, and bedroom inside your home. The best place to install a smoke detector is on a ceiling, though you can install one on a wall if you position it within inches of your ceiling. The NFPA recommends placing a carbon monoxide detector in every area you install a smoke detector. It’s important to remember to install carbon monoxide alarms away from flame-producing appliances, as this can trigger a false alarm.
How often should I replace a smoke detector?
Most smoke detectors, including the First Alert Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Detector, emit a chirp that signals the end of their working life. If you own a model that isn’t equipped with an end-of-life signal, you should replace the entire model after 10 years of use.
How can I tell if there’s carbon monoxide in the house?
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, and colorless gas that can lead to serious health complications and possibly death if exposed to in high quantities. While the gas can’t be detected using taste, smell, or sight, it can cause symptoms like dizziness, shortness of breath, blurred vision, and confusion. A carbon monoxide detector can also detect high levels of carbon monoxide within your home and alert you when this occurs.
What can cause a carbon monoxide leak in the home?
Carbon monoxide is emitted by appliances like boilers and water heaters when their fuel source isn’t burned properly. Additionally, a car’s engine emits carbon monoxide while running, which can lead to health complications or death if you breathe in high levels of carbon monoxide inside an enclosed garage.
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