I literally kissed my fire alarm this morning.
Bought this two months ago to put in my detached building that houses my exotic birds. This morning the heater started to smoke and this alarm detected it IMMEDIATELY! The alarm woke me up (through the baby monitor) and I ran outside barefoot! Luckily, the building didn't even have time to fill with smoke, and you could only smell the smoke on the heater. This fire alarm saved my building and most importantly it saved my beloved birds!! Birds are incredibly sensitive to smoke, so the fact that this thing was able to detect the problem so soon is INCREDIBLE. The alarm was positioned about 5 feet almost directly above the heater. I highly recommend!!!
My old hardwired smoke alarm went off at 4:15 AM 2 nights ago and I dutifully went down to the garage, got the longest ladder (6 foot) and carefully removed the detector from the ceiling (not easy: have to move a side dresser to get the ladder in position and then climb nearly to the top of the ladder, straddling the top and using the paint tray as a place for my other foot while making sure not to hit my head on the ceiling). Okay, I removed the battery and got the detector partially removed from the ceiling - it's still hanging by one wire (slight shock made me stop the process) and THEN found out the problem was a circuit was out - don't know why but electrician coming out on Monday. Why am I telling you all this? Well, I researched the hell out of various alarms and settled for the First Alert SA3210 Dual Sensor Smoke and Fire Alarm. The three alarms arrived today and I read the package insert and saw the following: WARNING! Do not install this Smoke Alarm over an existing electrical box. I called customer service and received prompt assistance. Apparently, if there is too large a hole from the previous hardwired alarm, a draft could occur which would interfere with the operation of the SA3210 unit. I was advised to patch the hole before instilling this unit. So, just a piece of information that might help you decide if this is the smoke alarm you want to purchase. I would leave the current alarms where they are and simply place the new SA3210s elsewhere on the ceiling but 1) dear wife doesn't want more clutter on the ceiling and 2) the battery would still need to be changed as before which is the reason I went with the 10-year lithium model in the first place. (Alternate Headline: No more ladder climb for 10 years!) Good luck. It seems like this is a good unit to purchase if you can install it easily (i.e., not over an existing hole/electrical box).
Finally got around to replacing the ancient smoke detectors around the house. It's amazing what 10 years will do to your smoke detectors!
The testing procedure is clear cut and the design is very modern. I actually will be picking up 2 more of these (already bought 3 of them) as I missed a couple of locations that need replacing.
Installed SA3210 10-year sealed unit on my popcorn ceiling. Since the base that attaches to the ceiling covers they ceiling I was pretty sure that I would be able to attach this unit to my popcorn ceiling. After finding a spot, I used a wood chisel to remove some of the popcorn where the hole would go. Now that the surface was pretty flat I marked the spot and drilled the first 3/16 hole. I then used the base as a template and chiseled the area for the second hole and drilled that hole too. I pushed the red screw anchors into the holes and attached the base. It is very secure as the screws tightened completely. It tested great, and hopefully I am good to about 10 years. After installing the first one easily, I installed 2 more.
THE PROBLEM: Like many of you, I had the you-know-what scared out of me in the middle of the night with what turned out to be a false alarm. I called First Alert, and the agent's first question was whether the unit was located near any type of air vent, fan, return grille, etc. Mine was about 6 feet from a ceiling air vent. THE FIX: Apparently any molecule of dust on the sensors inside the unit can trigger false alarms, so his recommendation was to blow air all around and inside the unit using a can of compressed air or a hair dryer on the cool setting. I used the reverse/blower function on my shop vac, and blasted it from the top and sides. BEFORE YOU REINSTALL BATTERIES: Hold down the test/silence button for 10-15 seconds, then proceed to install the batteries. It's back to normal and working/testing perfectly.
Feature Product
- Help keep your family safe with this battery-operated smoke alarm; it requires no rewiring for installation and provides continuous monitoring even if there's a power failure
- The 10-year lithium-ion battery offers continuous power for the life of the alarm and provides continued monitoring even if there's a power failure
- Loud 85-decibel siren sounds to alert you to danger
- To ensure complete protection make sure to place one on each level of your home and in each bedroom
- Meets UL217 standards and complies with legislative requirements for 10-year battery-operated smoke alarms
Description
The First Alert Dual-Sensor Smoke and Fire Alarm with 10-Year Sealed Battery makes use of both ionization and photoelectric sensors to alert you to danger in your home as early as possible, even if it's a smoldering fire. A single test/silence button mutes unnecessary alarms and tests function, while an end-of-life timer sounds when it's time to replace your alarm. The 10-year lithium-ion battery provides continuous power for up to a decade, and the alarm requires no hardwiring for installation. The First Alert SA3210 meets UL217 standards and complies with legislative requirements for 10-year battery-operated smoke alarms. It is recommended that you install a Smoke Alarm in all rooms, halls, storage areas, finished attics, and basements, where temperatures normally remain between 40 ̊ F (4.4 ̊ C) and 100 ̊ F (37.8 ̊ C).
We recently were awakened by our smoke alarm. Unbelievably, an empty bedroom was ON FIRE!!! My husband was able to put out the fire before the fire dept. arrived. With a First Alert extinguisher. Without that smoke alarm, we would have never known. The fire inspector recommends the dual sensor detectors. So, we got extras. The old one worked, it was dual sensor, too. Please, ALWAYS have one of these AND an extinguisher!
I have a couple First Alert dual-sensor alarms that have been on the job for around 7 years. One of them started beeping like the battery was dead, which it wasn't, just partly used. But the unit had apparently reached its end-of-life timer, and would not reset with a fresh battery. I tried to buy the same model, but couldn't find it; apparently this is the upgrade. One of the things I really liked about the last First Alert units was the separate mounting plate, which you put on the wall, then you "screw on" the actual detector to the plate with one-quarter turn to lock it in place. This makes it very convenient for battery changes, testing, and cleaning.
Of course, when they "upgraded" the models, they had to change the mounting design. The new mounting plate is smaller, and the mounting tabs are different, so you can't just leave the old mounting plate on the wall and attach the new detector to it. And to top it off, the mounting holes in the new plate aren't in the same positions as the old plate. You can re-use one hole but have to drill a new one for the second screw. I guess keeping the mounting plate the same would just be too convenient for the customer, I guess.
Otherwise, the display is about the same, and I assume the function is also. Would have gotton 5 stars if not for the mounting plate issue.
Packaging:
The three alarms arrived in individual bulk brown box packaging; nothing wrong with that. In the box was the alarm, 2 AA alkaline batteries, mounting screws, and instructions. I am a guy so who needs instructions. The alarm itself was wrapped very well in bubble-wrap. I am very satisfied with the packaging.
Installation:
Installation was a breeze. You first install the two batteries according to the diagram on the alarm. The new alarms were replacing old First Alert fire alarms that we have had for over 20 years. I now know you should replace alarms every 10 years. I removed the old alarms by loosening the mounting screws a couple turns, turning the old alarm to align the mounting holes and that was that. The new alarm has a base and alarm. The new base fit perfectly over the existing screws from the old alarm. Tighten the screws and the hard part is done. Then place the alarm over the mounting plate and give a 1/3 turn and you are done.
Operation:
After they were mounted I pushed the test button and each unit gave two sets of 3 beeps. Happy alarms.
Observations:
I have heard that the alkaline batteries provided last between one and two years. When they do wear out I will be trying Lithium batteries to see if they last longer. I tried Lithium 9V batteries in the old alarms and two out of four had corrosion on the positive terminal after one year. (P.S. the fourth new alarm was a CO2 + Fire alarm). The only time our fire alarms have ever gone off is when my bride has used them as a dinner bell. Alarm goes off = Dinner is done. PBJ for dinner tonight.
• Installation was easy because there are many holes available on the mounting bracket so you can re-use your last detector's screws or have room for error when installing.
• I love the idea of dual sensor that is battery operated vs. hard-wired. Have only had it a few days so cannot attest to false alarms or not.
• BUT opening the battery compartment was difficult. Ridiculous pin to remove first.
• And it is only ETL approved, not UL. Even though it appears from what I read online that UL and ETL are both what are called Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTL). UL develops the testing standards and tests to them. ETL tests to UL standards.
I bought 4 of these 10 year lithium battery, dual sensor smoke and fire alarms which were rated #1 by Consumer Reports. Installed easily and hopefully won't ever be needed. I find it very upsetting that the dual sensor alarms are not available in stores, and are only available on line, when they are rated the best for alerting you to fires and smoke which will save lives. They should be readily available in many stores. Please note that they have an inexpensive battery version of this smoke detector, but thanks to a new California law in July 2015 requiring 10 year batteries they are not available in California .
