Replacing Hard Wired Smoke Alarms

[oldcpecdr]

Evening all

I have three hardwired smoke detectors in the apt I built for my Dad in 2000.

They are 17 years old and I am getting an intermittent alarm so time to replace !!!!

I would like to get a combo smoke and CO detector this time.Anyone have a suggestion for a good hardwired brand and model ? I do NOT need an internet capable alarm.

Lots of conflicting info on web and in feedback on various models.

Thanks

Mike B

 

[ard]

Unless the detectors are down low, I wonder if the CO is a benefit.

Ive used Kidde detectors in the past, not sure what they have now. I believe they have combo 'heat and smoke' detectors. Can be better with some types of fires....

 

[NUTTSGT]

Personally, I'd prefer to have separate units, like a Nighthawk with a digital read out that plugs into the wall for the CO.

Currently at work, we are doing a program with the assistance of the Red Cross. They are providing the detectors and paperwork and we are installing them. I can't remember what brand they are but have a 10 year battery in them. Once they are hung up, all you need to do is test them monthly and in ten years, toss them out and hang a new one. They have a spot on the side for the date but I'm not sure if that will be legible in 10 years.

 

[LXCam]

As suggested I don't recommend the combos and the CO's should be 2-3 ft above floor level to be the most effective imo

 

[The Cobbler]

co mixes with the air so anywhere is fine for them. I have interconnected smokes with battery back up and a combo co/smoke on one of them.
not sure of the brand now, but I feel safe with them

The air we breathe is composed of 80% Nitrogen, 19% Oxygen, .6% inert gases and .4% Carbon Dioxide. So how does CO compare with air? It is 3% lighter. ... But when CO is produced, it immediately begins mixing, and therefore diluting, with the air around it.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Maybe this will help... basically the same for many states but probably a different phone number.

http://www.redcross.org/local/massachusetts/home-fire-safety

 

[captaindiode]

I just replaced all of mine in a house built in 2000. They are supposed to be replaced every 10 years, and I had intermittent alarms too, always at night. I used BRK (First Alert) from Lowe's. I did one CO/ ionization in the hall and basement and combo ionization and photoelectric everywhere else. I used AA lithium batteries in them. The CO detectors lose sensitivity after about 6 years, according to what I read.

You can also get a standalone CO/gas leak detector like this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002EVNJ6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[oldcpecdr]

So

Conflicting info.. ok ordering two combo units smoke and CO, for kitchen and downstairs hall, smoke only with separate CO for upstairs BR

THAt oughta cover it.

 

[ard]

Question for all:

I don't have a CO upstairs, simply because the upstairs and downstairs are 'connected' (open atrium). But even if it was a simple open staircase.... I assumed the CO will pool downstairs and trip the alarm there. Alarm is located 14" above the floor.

OK?

Upstairs bedroom doors never closed.

Thoughts?

 

[The Cobbler]

CO mixes with the air so one is sufficient . my interconnect co detector (as most do I'm sure) trips the other smokes with a distinguished alarm if it goes off