Usually when we sell/install a security system, we provide & install the smokes as well, and tie them into the alarm panel. But occasionally, the electricians either beat us to wiring smokes, or the builder or homeowner insists on using the electrician's smokes. What's the best method of integrating these into a DSC Power Series panel? My coworker found the Encore Controls EC-FF433, which will do the trick, but relies on wireless communication with the panel. Is there anything similar out there we could hard wire?

[Link: kidde.com]

In Kentucky we have really weird laws concerning smoke detectors so we run into this a lot. We use the FF433 and the 2Gig equivalent on occasion. One advantage it has over the Kidde relay is it still works in a power outage. The Kidde is a good piece if you read all the fine print in the manual. We had issues with false alarms so we stopped using them. Another option is the GE 350CX. We'll either sell them to the electrician, or go in after and swap the electrician's out. They also have a model that will let you set up every smoke as a separate zone.

This is 100% what we use with Kidde detectors. Due to all the Building codes with regards to Smoke and CO detectors here in Canada (Ontario) the 12/24V smoke detectors do not meet the building code (Neither does Nest or any other "Smart Home" smoke detector but that's beside the point).

We have two brands of detectors that could be installed (Kidde or BRK). Both brands make a relay similar to what is linked above and we have connected both to our security panels (Paradox) and have never had an issue. One thing to note is that these are NO relays.

We did this for about five years. Then the calls started rolling in about the smokes false alarming, tripping because of battery issues, and on and on. The headaches and liability of false fire alarms made us re-think this situation. Customers will always forget that the electrician installed the $9 smoke when they have a $100 or $300 bill from the fire department.

Now we either replace all of the electric smokes, or put up a few of our own. Of cource we still get the calls about the Sparky provided smokes beeping or going off...

I would not use these,

1. they are against code if your jurisdiction follows the NEC since they are UL listed but not for that application.

2. the smoke detectors will not trip the relay if they are on battery.


there is a company that makes a smoke that is UL listed for both life safety and property safety, I can't think of it now of the top my head.

Just happened at my house this morning at 5am!! Woke up to the sirens and all three kiddies screaming/crying.

Our company doesn't do any fire/burg systems, so we let the electrician provide what was needed for the house to bring it up to code.

Even when you replace all the batteries in these things at the same time, you still get false alarms/trips for no reason.

The Kidde's are my biggest PITA and have not delved into finding replacements yet. Got any recommendations for replacements??

We just backup the Electrical smoke detectors 1 per floor. Yes there are 2 smokes next to each other in some areas but its better than every other alternative I could come up with.

I would rather a false alarm than not being able to get out of the house because the detectors weren't working properly. If you are getting false alarms I would remove the detector and take a can of compressed air to it and blow it out. Sometimes dust particles will get into them and clog them up causing them to go into alarm.

In the manual it will explain how to determine what detector initiated the alarm via the LEDs.

I would also check the install date as the detectors only last for 10 years. If there isn't a date on the detector then I would suggest replacing it to ensure that you have a new proper working detector.


Kidde has new 10 year sealed lithium battery smoke and CO detectors now and all their detectors come with a 10 year warranty. No worry of having to replace batteries and when they start beeping it's time to replace the detector. We switched from BRK to Kidde as a company because of this and the fact that they have a 3 in 1 (smoke, CO, and a strobe light, required by code in Ontario, Canada).

Thanks SWO. The smokes were installed all within the last 2-3 years. I find its mostly the batteries that cause the issues.

I'll look into the newer Kidde versions, so thanks for that tip.

finally found the detector i couldn't remember-

[Link: gentex.com]

I haven't thought about that when the power is out for the detectors themselves.

From what I read, when an alarm goes off. The red lead gets a 9volt signal on it. But when the power is out, how do the other detectors know that one alarm went off?

First, is the 9 volt DC like the battery? Or do they use an inverter to make it 9VAC? And use the neutral wire as the other wire for the signal, whether there is power or not.

KOT

number 1---illegal and not listed... BIG NO NO

number 2....dsc neo....no problems.....