We have Kidde hard wired smoke detectors in the house, all about a year old. They are all linked together with 10-year battery backup. Mostly model i12010S but also a combination smoke/CO monitor in the bedroom, model i12010SCO. We've had some false alarms, all in the middle of the night while we were sleeping. Never during the daytime, of course.

I want to replace these crappy detectors. But reading the online reviews for Kidde and First Alert brand detectors, there are many good reviews but also a large number of very bad reviews (you guessed it, false alarms in the middle of the night).

Does anyone here work with these things professionally? Are there any reliable smoke detectors on the market that won't just sound off for no reason?

Thanks for your help.

Ionization-type detectors are more prone to false alarms in certain environments.

Is the smoke loop properly connected to a dedicated breaker? Is it an arc-fault or a standard breaker?

Some municipal codes require placement of photoelectric-type detectors within a certain distance of kitchens and bathrooms.

quote:

Originally posted by striker1:
Ionization-type detectors are more prone to false alarms in certain environments.

Is the smoke loop properly connected to a dedicated breaker? Is it an arc-fault or a standard breaker?

Some municipal codes require placement of photoelectric-type detectors within a certain distance of kitchens and bathrooms.

I don’t know the answers, I would have to get an electrician to look at the system.

I had "System Sensor" recently installed on my HVAC ducts wired through the central alarm panel, and also latching relays to shut off power to HVAC in the event of fire.

quote:

Originally posted by 2Adefender:

quote:

Originally posted by striker1:
Ionization-type detectors are more prone to false alarms in certain environments.

Is the smoke loop properly connected to a dedicated breaker? Is it an arc-fault or a standard breaker?

Some municipal codes require placement of photoelectric-type detectors within a certain distance of kitchens and bathrooms.

I don’t know the answers, I would have to get an electrician to look at the system.

Yours are ionization. Commercial units are typically photoelectric.

So what brands/models do you recommend? Looking for some guidance.

I really like my Nest Smoke Detectors

quote:

Originally posted by matai:
I really like my Nest Smoke Detectors

I second this. I have 3x AC powered ones and also like the motion night light feature for the one in the hallway.

Thanks, I will check out the Nests.

FWIW the type of detection and the brand are not related. As a FF I haven't found much brand difference, but in most applications the photoelectric are way better in terms of false alarms. Separate the CO from these and it get better still.

Another Nest owner, 3 hardwired. I like the monthly self test and the nightlight is actually nice in the hallway. Just enough light to see but not offensive at 3AM.

quote:

Originally posted by hrcjon:
FWIW the type of detection and the brand are not related. As a FF I haven't found much brand difference, but in most applications the photoelectric are way better in terms of false alarms. Separate the CO from these and it get better still.

Photoelectric it is. Appreciate the advice!