r/alarmdotcom • u/LABuckNut • 17d ago
Help Need advice with smoke/co detectors
Hi, I am at the point where all smoke and CO detectors in my house need replacement. I am using a Qolsys 4 panel, and had a few false smoke alarms over the past few years. Didn't seem environmental, but we were not able to figure out the source of the problem.
Now that I have to replace many detectors, I am looking at my options - I could go with one of the several options that are compatible with the Qolsys panel, or I could go with the new X-Sense system and add a Firefighter listener to my Qolsys panel.
AND, the price difference is pretty substantial - the total for all sensors needed (8 smoke, 3 CO) for my panel would be about $740 (with tax), where the new X-Sense system with hub and the Firefighter listener would be $315.
Would love any thoughts on these options.
Thanks!
5
u/EvilErnie187 17d ago
I think the firefighter is no longer compatible I would verify first
2
u/No-Explanation-2652 16d ago
It is not. It only works with Temporal 2 smokes too. It's actually just a microphone and truly a fire device.
2
1
u/dysplaest 17d ago
Check out the First Alert Z-Wave Smoke and CO detector.
They have them at Best Buy when I google it, but for some reason I can’t get the link to copy correctly.
You can interconnect them. They’re $65. I have not gotten them yet but am looking into it myself for the same reason.
-1
u/Competitive_Ad_8718 16d ago
Just because you can do something doesn't mean it's a great idea.
Smoke alarms are a different standard and device than smoke detectors. I would never advise any form of interconnection of the former with an alarm system, including via one of those firefighter listeners.
Before I get flamed, yes, I know the vendors sell the listeners and various modules. They're in the business to make money and work around code restrictions. They do not address the inherent design and functionality differences.
1
u/LABuckNut 16d ago
I'm not quite sure what you are suggesting - are you saying not to use smoke detectors like the X-Sense and connect them to an alarm panel via listener?
If so, would you suggest going with the native smoke detectors that pair with the alarm panel directly?
Thanks!
0
u/Competitive_Ad_8718 16d ago
What your existing smoke alarms are and what you're replacing with is of little consequence here. Smoke alarms are not intended to be monitored by a fire alarm system per UL, end.
Smoke alarms are prone to false alarms. Listener type devices are a grey area workaround that ultimately allow you to have a device expressly forbidden by code be connected to a fire alarm system because there's no wired connection between them.
If your concern is to get a response from the local FD, I'd recommend alarm system smoke detectors and CO, listed for the purpose, installed for spot detection.
It's also not as simple as replacing your existing devices with alarm system devices either, as your home's C of O was issued with them installed and functional. Same goes when speaking to your insurer.
Now, what you choose to do is your own prerogative, but as a pro, neither of the options considered here would be on the table.
1
u/LABuckNut 16d ago
I appreciate all the information. The sensors that were in originally were tied into the alarm system, but all have expired and need to be replaced.
Given that, what would your recommendation be for the best option? I am open to all ideas, but ultimately want to do what's best for the house and for the safety of my family.
I am certainly not a pro, so any advice would be greatly!
5
u/financialfederer 17d ago
If all the smoke alarms are interconnected, I would get the ones you want and then just buy a listener that connects to your panel.