Kidde 10Y29 RB Ten Year Life Sealed Battery Smoke Alarm , White

Product Information

Although I wasn't able to test the X-Sense XSO3-WX, I have hands-on experience with several X-Sense models, including the discontinued X-Sense SD01, our previous winner in this category. I have had great experiences with both functionality and overall build quality of the units. The XSO3-WX offers the same simple installation process as its siblings — use a pair of screws to mount in place or adhesive tape if you'd prefer something less invasive. The best smoke detectors let you sleep easily at night knowing your home is being protected from fire and carbon monoxide by a reliable, audible alarm. As a residential carpenter, I've installed plenty of hardwired and battery-powered smoke detectors over the years. For this guide, I interviewed three fire safety experts and tested dozens of smoke detectors for sensitivity, audibility, and ease of installation, using an aerosol spray to mimic real smoke.

Multifunctionality: If possible, try to choose a smoke detector that includes more than one function, like a combination smoke and carbon monoxide model. The best smoke detectors generally have both ionization and photosensitive sensors for greater effectiveness. Smart features: Smoke detectors with smartphone connectivity allow you to shut off nuisance alarms without having to climb a ladder. Smart features can also let you know if the alarm goes off while you're not home.

Sealed 10 Year Smoke Alarms

Your smoke detector should have a "test" button. When you press and hold this button for a few seconds, a high-pitched siren should start to sound. If you don't hear anything or the sound seems quiet, it's time to replace the battery or smoke detector. Many insurance companies advise replacing smoke detector batteries every six months regardless of the siren's loudness.

The ability to connect up to 24 Kidde devices using neither WiFi nor hard-wired electricity makes this battery-powered device dependable, especially if you have issues with your electricity or internet service provider. So if you’re out of your home and not near your phone when the messages come through, you’ll have no way of knowing the alarm was sounding. We test smoke alarms using an aerosol tester, sprayed in the direction of the alarm for up to five seconds from a distance of 30cm. If the alarm doesn’t respond within four seconds, we don’t recommend it. Having completed this functional test, we take a careful look at any controls, screens, or indicators to see how clear and effective these are. These alarms are more sensitive to smaller particles of smoke produced by the flaming stage of fires than optical alarms, and more easily triggered by cooking – causing false alarms.Fire and rescue services attended over 150,000 fires last year in England alone, and while the number of fire fatalities dropped to their lowest ever figure, 240 people still lost their lives. Buying a smoke alarm is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your home, your life and the lives of your family and friends. It can give you early warning of a fire before it spreads, and the best chance of getting everyone safely out of the house.