The post Best Bluetooth Smoke Detectors appeared first on Smart Home Perfected.
]]>While Wi-Fi is a popular choice for smart home connectivity, it's not readily available everywhere. Bluetooth is a great alternative, especially if you only want connectivity within the confines of your house or if you do not have Wi-Fi.
Well, that depends on what you mean by a Bluetooth smoke alarm. There are smart alarms available that have Bluetooth connectivity in them, but they do not use Bluetooth as the primary wireless connection. Instead, Wi-Fi seems to be the most popular option. Bluetooth is mainly used for initial pairing of detectors and devices, along with some basic features. Some alarms use Bluetooth when you’re in range, but switch to Wi-Fi if there isn’t a connected phone nearby.
However, Wi-Fi isn’t always available. For example, if you have a smoke alarm installed in a cabin in the woods, or in a residential vehicle, you’d want a wireless medium other than Wi-Fi. In this case, Zigbee and Z-Wave are more common. They offer better range, are less power-hungry, and are the primary source of connection for many smart hubs, such as the Samsung SmartThings hub.
Nevertheless, if you’ve your heart set on a Bluetooth smoke alarm, we have prepared a quick overview of some of the best Bluetooth smoke detectors on the market today!
The Onelink smoke- and carbon monoxide detector uses Bluetooth to interconnect with other alarms, and is available in both hardwired and wireless variants.
This smart Onelink smoke alarm will produce voice alerts to tell you about the location and the type of danger in your home. The speakers are good too, so you will hear the alerts from anywhere in the house.
You can also connect the alarm with others in your home using a Bluetooth mesh – check out the instructions here. If they’re connected through Bluetooth, then one alarm going off will cause all other alarms to go off, too.
The smoke- and carbon monoxide detector is quite easy to install and set up. You won’t need to hire anyone to do that for you. It might, however, be challenging to connect it to your smartphone.
The Nest Protect is a stylish smoke detector that is compatible with most installation designs. The Nest can communicate to you and your family members through your smartphones.
While it doesn't use Bluetooth primarily, it does have the option – more information here.
Check to see the status of the alarm when nobody’s home. Stay safe even when you’re far away from home. Everybody in the family can have their own Nest account on their phone. No need to share your password with anyone or send screenshots back and forth.
This combination smoke- and carbon monoxide alarm comes with a 10-year battery and Bluetooth connectivity for connecting multiple alarms.
This smoke- and carbon monoxide detector by First Alert is durable, can be controlled via a phone app, and offers voice alerts that can be pre-programmed.
If you purchase multiple at a time, you can connect all of them via a Bluetooth mesh. Then, if one alarm goes off, the others will sound, too. In addition to that, the alarm can voice where the danger is coming from and what the danger is.
The alarm boasts HomeKit connectivity. If you have an Apple device, you can connect the alarm to it, and receive updates and notifications in case the alarm goes off.
Netatmo’s smoke alarm sends real-time updates to your phone in case of an emergency. It doesn’t matter how loud and efficient your fire alarm is if you’re not home. So it is good to have a device that will reach out to your phone directly.
The smoke detector comes with a sealed 10-year battery that doesn’t need changing. This way you won’t ever run out of battery and neglect your fire alarm.
The Smart Home Smoke Detector by Medion will let you know if there is any danger through your phone, or via Alexa’s voice alerts.
The alarm is very perceptive to all kinds of smoke. It is also relatively loud, so it won’t go unnoticed. Its phone apps work via Bluetooth when you’re in range, and if you're away, the Alexa app can alert you to any dangers.
Bluetooth smoke alarms offer a lot more than interconnected meshes. To choose the device with the right features, you should know where and how you are going to use these alarms. It is also important to know if the alarm is compatible with any smart home device already in your home.
The Onelink smoke- and carbon monoxide detector uses Bluetooth to interconnect with other alarms, and is available in both hardwired and wireless variants.
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]]>The post Zigbee Smoke Detectors appeared first on Smart Home Perfected.
]]>We've pulled together a guide covering options available for folks in North America or Europe, interested in Zigbee-enabled smart smoke detectors.
Zigbee is expecting to sell around 4 billion chipsets by the year 2023, expanding its presence in over 37 countries globally. So, it's pretty safe to say that Zigbee-enabled devices are quite widely used.
However, despite the protocol's popularity, there are still certain issues buyers need to be aware of before purchasing a Zigbee smart smoke detector. For instance, when it comes to smart smoke detectors, Zigbee is generally not the protocol of choice. Wi-Fi smoke detectors are much more common, like the Nest Protect.
Buyers in Europe may face challenges for entirely different reasons. Zigbee smoke detectors are more common in commercial properties. While the devices may utilize Zigbee for communications, they may not be compatible with your specific hub, so you’ll need to contact the manufacturer to confirm.
You should look out for a Zigbee Home Automation Certificate that guarantees compliance with your system.
Keeping all of the above in mind, we've pulled together the most popular Zigbee smoke detectors for your home. Leave a comment below if there are other devices you think should be listed.
Heiman Tech has been making Zigbee and Z-Wave compatible solutions since 2005. And their smart smoke alarm is a mini-sized, plug-and-play device that offers remote monitoring and control through smartphone app notifications.
There really are very few options for those in the US, with the Heiman the only device worth listing. Even then, it's not widely available in the US and listed here from Aliexpress. If you are not convinced, then it's worth checking out the Ecolink listener below which provides some redundancy.
Apart from that, the Heiman 60x49mm has benefits like long battery life, a visual alarm, and a whopping 85dB sound alarm in case of detection. Thankfully, there's also a ‘mute alarm' option that you can use to turn the sound off via the app.
While this smart smoke alarm doesn't send out instant alerts for errors or low battery – it does have alarms to alert users of the impending problem.
Heiman Tech has been making Zigbee and Z-Wave compatible solutions since 2005. And their smart smoke alarm is a mini-sized, plug-and-play device that offers remote monitoring and control through smartphone app notifications.
Instead, you can rely on the Ecolink Zigbee Wireless Siren Audio Detector. This handy little device is not only compatible with Zigbee-enabled hubs, but it can also make your standard smoke detector a part of your smart home automation system without any hassle.
The Ecolink Firefighter is an audio detector that keeps an ear out for any smoke or fire alarm system to go off and then transmits that event to your hub for real-time notification. It also comes equipped with advanced algorithms to reduce the chances of false alarms.
Just because you're having trouble finding a smoke detector to integrate with your Zigbee protocol doesn't mean you have to forego your preference.
The product measures about 65x40mm and takes up very little room. But don't let its dimensions fool you because it has pretty much everything you'd want in a Zigbee-enabled smoke detector. To begin with, the alarm offers compatibility with Homey, Ok Google, and SmartThings.
It's easy to install and offers the convenience of smartphone alerts when you're away from home. There's also an audio alarm with an 85dB output and a battery life of 5 years. In short, it's everything you'd want in a smart smoke alarm.
The Leedarson Smoke Sensor is another suitable option for buyers in Europe looking for Zigbee-compatible smoke detectors. It comes with a built-in photoelectric sensor that's ideal for fast detection of slow, smoldering fires. Additionally, the sensor offers non-radioactive technology and is eco-friendly.
The alarm is designed to send alerts to your Zigbee hub and sound the alarm as soon as smoke is detected. Moreover, it's incredibly energy-efficient with a battery life of ten years – meaning you won't have to worry about your sensor running out of power any time soon after installation.
Added benefits include LED lights to signify operation and errors, insect-proof encasement, 85dB alarm, and an auto-reset feature once the smoke is clear.
Gewiss inaugurated its tech hub in 1996 and got involved in smart home automation in the early 2000s. That's possibly why the GWA1512 Zigbee Smoke Sensor ticks all the right boxes as far as convenience, protection, and efficacy are concerned.
The smart smoke alarm features a reliable photoelectric sensor for faultless detections and low chances of false alarms. Additionally, all Gewiss products undergo the strictest compliance procedures for quality control.
There are also the advantages of push notifications, sensor, and battery alerts on your smartphone. The battery life offers a run-time of three years, and there's also an 85dB audible alarm.
A Zigbee smoke detector that's so modest in size, you can set it up with a bit of 3M tape? The AduroSmart ERIA wireless smoke detector falls right under that description.
This product measures a baffling 48x55mm in size but still manages to incorporate every feature a viable smart smoke alarm should have. The alarm sends an immediate signal to your home bridge as soon as any smoke is detected, which, in turn, activates an urgent push notification on your smartphone. There's also a visible LED light and an audible alarm to alert the occupants at home.
Thanks to the Zigbee protocol, the alarm barely uses any power to function and has a run-time of 3 years. There's also a sound signal and a smartphone notification in case the battery is running low.
Installation can be achieved in one of two ways: by using the included plugs and screws or with the help of double-sided tape.
The Smart Smoke Alarm by Develoco Products is another practical option for buyers in Europe looking for products that can integrate with their Zigbee mesh.
The product features an IAS zone smoke sensor for optimal smoke- and temperature monitoring. As with all top-notch smoke alarms, the Develco Smoke Detector also offers users the benefit of instant alerts via a smartphone and an audible alarm for when at home.
However, this alarm goes one step further. It reports the temperature and status of the related area to you periodically – meaning you probably never have to worry about fire hazards while you're away. The alarm is also configured for OTA updates for seamless functioning.
One of the best things about the Samotech Zigbee-enabled smart smoke detector is that it can be paired with Samotech's Wi-Fi Gas Shut-off Valve. That means you can cut off your gas supply the minute smoke is detected and limit any impending damage.
The product features a photoelectric sensor to identify slow and fast fires and reduce false alerts immediately. Apart from smartphone notifications, there's also an 85dB alarm to alert anyone at home and a silence button in case of false alarms.
There are numerous options for buyers interested in Zigbee smoke alarm / detectors to consider – no matter where they live.
However, we recommend you to read up about the product you’re into to ensure 100% Zigbee compliance with your setup.
Heiman Tech has been making Zigbee and Z-Wave compatible solutions since 2005. And their smart smoke alarm is a mini-sized, plug-and-play device that offers remote monitoring and control through smartphone app notifications.
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]]>The post Best Alexa Smoke Detectors for your Smart Home appeared first on Smart Home Perfected.
]]>You have the choice between installing a new smoke detector with Alexa capabilities, or to use a listening device which triggers Alexa when it hears an alarm.
Featuring a Split Spectrum sensor, the Google Nest smoke alarm detects smoke from both smoldering and fast-burning fires.
We placed Google’s Nest protect at the top of our list because of the range of functionality it offers through Alexa, in addition to the highly efficient Split Spectrum sensor. Nest Protect comes in both hardwired and battery-operated versions.
Split Spectrum Sensor
The Google Nest CO and smoke alarm features a Split Spectrum sensor which allows it to detect both rapid-burning and smoldering fires quickly. This sensor features a blend of photoelectric sensor and blue LED light in tandem – helping to lower false alarms that are common in ionization sensor alarms.
Voice Alerts
The Alexa fire alarm is designed with innovative voice control features that calmly notify you when either smoke or carbon monoxide is detected. The voice alerts share the location and the danger level of each fire.
Nightly Promise
The alarm tests itself before you go to bed to ensure you do not get annoying maintenance alarms during the night. LED lights turn green in the dark to let you know everything is fine. Its pathlight feature on the other hand leaves the room you walk in glowing; functioning as a night light.
Alexa Compatibility
You can use Nest’s compatibility with Alexa to enjoy a range of features – such as remotely switching off the alarm or pre-programing the monitoring locations.
Tech Specs
Power source: | Hardwired or battery-operated (6 AA) |
Sensors: | Split Spectrum smoke sensor |
Dimensions: | 5.3” x 1.5” |
Connectivity: | 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi |
Featuring a Split Spectrum sensor, the Google Nest smoke alarm detects smoke from both smoldering and fast-burning fires.
Boasting built-in Alexa voice services, the Safe & Sound smoke and alarm detector allows you to play music, and audiobooks, and even listen to the news as you enjoy up-to-date fire safety protection in your home or office.
Connectivity
In addition to built-in Alexa compatibility, the alarm is compatible with Apple HomeKit as well. You can also download the Onelink home app (Android or iOS) and use it to control and monitor the alarm through your phone.
Voice commands
The Alexa-compatible fire detector also uses hands-free commands to allow you to control other smart home devices such as lights, too.
Installation
Featuring a simple hardwiring design, all you have to do is plug the unit in using the adapter provided to get it up and running – no need for complex wiring!
Speakers
The high-end, omnidirectional speakers equipped with crisp vocals and powerful bass can alert you even through noise-cancelling headphones.
You can also use the unit’s Onelink Home companion app to remotely test or silence your alarm, control your entertainment, and even adjust the nightlight color and brightness remotely.
Tech Specs
Power source: | Hardwired with 10-year sealed lithium battery backup |
Sensors: | Electrochemical and photoelectric sensors |
Dimensions: | 6.8” x 2.26” |
Connectivity: | 2.4 GHz Wifi |
Smoke and CO alarm featuring built-in Alexa voice services to play music, news, and audio-books.
While the Onelink smoke detector doesn’t offer the range of Alexa compatibility as the previous devices, it still functions seamlessly as a smart smoke and carbon monoxide detector. The unit connects with Amazon Alexa devices to further extend its remote and voice control features. However, when the alarm goes off during an emergency, the unit doesn’t inform Alexa. Instead, it features its own built-in voice alarm and notification feature.
Connectivity
The Alexa fire alarm still offers generous connectivity features. With the ability to interconnect, the smoke alarm pairs with other smoke alarms for a home safety network solution. Therefore, when one of the alarms rings, all of the ones connected to the home safety network will go off, too.
Sensors
Furthermore, the CO and smoke alarm is built with photoelectric and electrochemical sensors – allowing it to detect both rapid-burning and slow-burning fires.
Design
The alarm has a smooth white surface with round corners and a simple design that’ll blend easily with its environment. Its easy-access battery door means the unit lasts long – all that is needed is a battery change. The replaceable battery fitted into the unit typically lasts about 5 years.
Power source: | Battery-operated (3 lithium metal batteries) |
Sensors: | Photoelectrical and electrochemical sensors |
Dimensions: | 5.8” x 1.57” |
Connectivity: | 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi |
Just because your smoke detector doesn’t feature smart technology, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy Amazon Alexa features. Using Amazon Echo Dot’s Alexa Guard feature, you can extend your voice commands to your non-smart smoke detector. Built to deliver crisp vocals and balanced bass, the speaker delivers full sound alerts.
The Echo Dot also allows you to integrate it with other smart home devices such as lights and thermostats. However, when it comes to home protection, the Alexa Guard feature on the speaker is easy to use.
The feature simply functions by sending notifications to the speaker when it detects certain sounds such as smoke alarms or breaking glass. The notifications tell you the exact warning for the sounds heard.
The Ring Alarm Smoke and CO Listener is a nice option for users who do not want to spend money on a new smoke alarm. All you have to do is place it within 6 inches of an existing smoke or CO alarm, connect it to your Ring Alarm Base Station and enjoy real-time emergency notifications.
The alarm listener functions by sending real-time mobile notifications when it hears sirens from smoke or CO alarms in your home.
There is a catch, though: for the alarm listener to function efficiently it requires the Ring Alarm Security Kit. If you want to take it a step further with 24/7 professional monitoring, you can opt to pay for the Ring Protect Plus plan.
Smoke and CO detectors feature a choice of battery-powered, hardwired or a combo of both power sources. Battery-operated units are fitted with replaceable or permanent, tamper-resistant batteries that last anywhere between 3 and 10 years.
Hardwired units, on the other hand, require installation into your home’s existing wiring – although you may find some that feature plug adapters; requiring no complex work.
Some of the best smart smoke detectors are built with the capacity to interconnect with each other. This feature allows you to pair more than one smoke alarm with other compatible alarms (typically in a complete home or building) to create a home safety network. Therefore, when one alarm goes off, all go off.
Battery-operated smoke alarms are fitted with replaceable or fully sealed batteries (that warrant the end life of your unit when they are depleted). Generally, smoke detector batteries are long lasting – taking between 3 and 10 years to run out. You will receive an alert when your fully sealed battery dies off; allowing you to replace the detector with a new one.
Using smart smoke detector Alexa-compatible units, you can control your home’s safety through simple vocal instructions. Even when you are not around, you can still have an update on your home’s safety status.
There are loads of options available if you’re looking for a new Alexa compatible alarm. Moreover, if you already have a smoke detector and want to save up on cash, you can buy a listening device as well.
Featuring a Split Spectrum sensor, the Google Nest smoke alarm detects smoke from both smoldering and fast-burning fires.
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]]>The post Best Z Wave Smoke Detectors, Alarms & Sensors in 2023 appeared first on Smart Home Perfected.
]]>Using a Z-Wave-integrated detector, you can program advanced scenes in your home network, such as having lights flash and escape lighting activate if smoke is detected.
You could automatically unlock all smart locks to facilitate people’s exit. If your Z-Wave network is connected to your smartphones, you could push notifications to all devices, alerting them of an emergency situation.
Enhance your household protection with a new Z-Wave smoke detector for improved capabilities and real-time notifications. Explore various Z-Wave-incorporated fire detectors in the market with unique features by scrolling down below.
The 2-in-1 Z-Wave Smoke Detector by First Aid combines smoke detection and CO detection in one device.
Did you know deadly gases and smoke spread more quickly than heat during a fire? That's why getting a smoke detector that also incorporates a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm can make for an enhanced fire protection system.
This 2-in-1 Z-Wave Wireless Smoke Detector & Carbon Monoxide Alarm offers users the advantage of both photoelectric and ionization smoke sensing chambers for rapidly identifying fires.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, photochemical smoke sensors are ideal for long-smoldering fires. Additionally, First Alert's Z-Wave smoke detector enhances safety by detecting odorless carbon monoxide with its electrochemical sensor.
The product features an 85-decibel alarm, ensuring it's easily noticeable. With First Alert's 2-in-1 Smoke Detector's Z-Wave capabilities, you can receive real-time notifications on your mobile phone, allowing quick response teams to reach your house from anywhere, safeguarding lives and minimizing fire-related damage.
The easy-to-operate alarm includes mounting hardware for a quick placement process in under five minutes. After pushing the test button, inserting 2 AA batteries, and syncing with your Z-Wave smart hub, it's ready to use. Suitable for institutional and residential settings, the alarm complies with fire association codes and standards like UL217, CSFM, NFPA 720, etc.
Finally, the Fire Alert 2-in-1 Wireless Smoke Detector & Carbon Monoxide Alarm is also compatible with the Ring Alarm Security Kit. All in all, it's a pretty robust option for users that are unconvinced about their current fire alarm protection set-up.
Heiman's Europa Version Z-Wave Smoke Detector offers users a 868.42 MHz range to suit the European market.
The alarm is designed for smoking fires and can operate between temperatures of 0° to 40°.
The smoke detector is Z-Wave Plus-compliant and is compatible with several Z-Wave Gateways. It runs on a CR123A lithium battery (included with the alarm) and offers users the advantage of a three-year battery life.
Other notable benefits include an 85dB alarm volume and mobile phone notifications on the go.
Sometimes, the prospect of buying a new smoke detector for every area of your house can be a little intimidating, if not expensive. However, readers who'd rather find an alternative solution can look into wireless audio detectors for their existing smoke or CO alarm setup.
The best part – if your smoke detectors are interconnected – you may only need one audio detector to bring Z-Wave features to life in your smart home!
The Ecolink Z-Wave Plus Wireless Audio Detector is a pain-free alternative to replacing an existing fire-alarm setup.
The Ecolink FireFighter Z-Wave smoke detector can be a life-saver for homes with interconnected smoke and CO alarms. But why, exactly?
That's simple. The Ecolink Wireless Audio Detector monitors your existing CO and smoke alarms for signs of trouble. It's designed to send signals to your Z-Wave network in case of an emergency, and the Z-Wave network informs you of the danger – no matter where you are – via notifications.
Homeowners will typically only require one Ecolink Audio Detector for overall coverage. That means you can cut back on costs and effort while still achieving an added layer of protection for your home's fire security setup.
The product is also compliant with various Z-Wave controllers (like SmartThings) and doesn't require too much work in terms of network inclusion. You can connect your audio detector to your Z-Wave controller by initiating inclusion mode on the hub and pressing the ‘learn' button on the audio sensor for 10 to 15 seconds. It's that simple!
The Ecolink Wireless Audio Detector also offers users the added convenience of 5-years' worth of battery life (via a CR123A battery). The product also includes a 3-year warranty for material defects.
Finally, installing the Ecolink FireFighter Audio Detector is straightforward enough – even for beginners to handle. The product comes equipped with all the materials needed for installation, such as the mounting bracket, screws, adhesive tape, etc.
The Ecolink Wireless Audio Detector is an affordable alternative to replacing all fire/smoke alarms. It comes with advanced software for professional accuracy, minimizing false alarms. Consider this listener to enhance your fire-alarm protection without the need for costly new detectors.
While not a Z-Wave solution, if you currently have a SmartThings or Hubitat implementation that includes Alexa, you could activate Alexa Guard to listen out for sirens from your existing detectors.
Alexa Guard is a configurable feature on Echo devices that listens for sounds indicating trouble. It can detect smoke or CO detectors, sending instant smart alerts to your phone when alarms go off. You can listen to a 10-second sound byte with the notification and decide whether to call emergency services. In summary, you can use an Echo device to actively monitor each room for potentially dangerous sounds.
Z-Wave functionality can enhance the protection offered by smoke detectors through interconnected scenes, instant notifications and more. If you're hesitant about replacing all your detectors, consider a wireless audio detector to save time and money. Thanks for reading our article outlining the best z wave smoke detectors.
The post Best Z Wave Smoke Detectors, Alarms & Sensors in 2023 appeared first on Smart Home Perfected.
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