First Alert SA302CN Double Sensor Battery-Powered Smoke and Fire Alarm
by First Alert
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List Price: Our Price: $22.59 You Save: $22.40 (50%) Availability: Usually ships in 3-4 business days Category: Tools See more product details |
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of First Alert SA302CN Double Sensor Battery-Powered Smoke and Fire Alarm
Customer Review: A smoke detector that's easy to use
Summary: 5 Stars
Up until now I've only lived in houses with the usual smattering of random low-end smoke detectors. This smoke detector puts all of them to shame.
Installation is incredibly easy. The smoke detector separates from the base with a light twist (not the usual yanking or bending that always has me convinced I'm about to break the thing). The mounting base is really light, which is nice when your standing on a chair and pressing it to the ceiling above your head. There are two long channels for placing the two screws that hold it up, which gives you a decent amount of error margin. If you're replacing an existing smoke detector, sometimes you can even use both original holes.
First Alert also put some thought into battery replacement. The battery compartment is a dedicated slot that swings out from the side. It's easy to open and close and keyed so it won't close properly if you put the battery in backwards. Although the battery is a standard 9V, the smoke detector uses pressure clips (like you'd find with AAs) rather than the standard snap-in design which requires more forcing.
The remote silencer/test feature is great. Basically you hold down the volume or channel controls from your TV remote to silence or test the detector. This makes this smoke detector ideal for kitchens and rooms with high ceilings since you can silence it without having to get out a stool.
One drawback of the remote feature is that if you have a bedroom or kitchen with a TV in it, you probably shouldn't buy this smoke detector for that room. Before we installed them, I had the detectors on a side table in the living room and managed to accidentally set off their test modes while using the remote to operate the TV.
If you're buying the smoke detector for use in a house you plan to rent out, you might be concerned that all these convenience features will make it too easy for your tenants to disable the detectors. First Alert solved this problem by providing two locking pins: one for the battery compartment and one for the twist-off base. These pins are installed and removed with a pair of pliers. Of course installing the locking pins makes the smoke detector harder to use.
As one of the other reviewers commented, this smoke detector doesn't look like the picture on this page. Go to First Alert's web site if you want to see an accurate picture.
Customer Review: Happy So Far
Summary: 5 Stars
In the absence of a disaster, writing a review for something that's intended to work in a disaster can only be limited. I can say, however, that this smoke and fire alarm installed easily and seems to work fine, if the test button is any indication. I like, in particular, that changing the battery is very simple; just pop open the little door with the unit in place. And no usual battery connector to deal with. You just slide the battery in and close the door. It connects automatically; very nice feature. Also, a simple twist of the unit frees it from its holder, if you ever need to take it down, like when you're painting the ceiling or something. Goes back up just as easily. The alarm is loud, as you'd expect, and testing it is easy using the button feature. Your tv remote can initiate a test, too, instead of using the unit's test button, and it can stop the alarm from ringing, also. Note that the steam from a shower will set the alarm off. I've seen this before with other smoke/fire alarms, too. This happened to me because I had the bathroom door open while taking a shower, and the alarm is right outside the door. Keeping the door closed solves the problem. I guess the final test of this unit is a test I hope I never take: a fire in my house. But with this alarm, I feel reasonably sure it will do its job in that event.Customer Review: Packed with features and looks great installed.
Summary: 5 Stars
Positives
* Dual sensor. One optical and one radioactive/chemical sensor. Best of both worlds.
* Looks great.
* Easy to install.
Cons
* The heads of the installation screws for the mounting plate to the ceiling/wall are about 1-2mm smaller than desirable. They barely hold the thing without actually pulling through the fitting hole altogether. If you are a installer, you would know what I'm talking about. Also the screws are also few mm too short.
* The height of the thing post install is a taller than some other brands. A little taller than my expectations but still looks good.
Recommendations
* A lot of people have mentioned the remote test feature is too sensitive and how watching tv can activate it by mistake or ways to disable the feature. My recommendation? Just cut a small square or round non-transparent (I used electric tape) to cover the little infrared "remote sensor" hole you see. There are two holes, make sure you cover the IR one. That's it and problem solved.
Customer Review: Quick, Easy, Effective
Summary: 5 Stars
Standard ion-based fire alarms have a success rating of a big 35%. I didn't know this until a fire expert talked to me about fire safety in our home. That was when I found out that in Europe and Canada, ion-based smoke detectors are outlawed and photo-sensors are the norm. These have a much higher rate of success and reliability.
This model is affordable and has a lot of great features. Be aware, however, that if you install yours anywhere near a heat source that could make steam, cooking smoke, etc., the alarm will go off. This is where the mute feature comes in so handy--especially the TV remote ability.
When you install one in the kitchen, just be sure it's on the opposite side of the room from your stovetop and you'll have very few false alarms. I learned this the hard way, but I also learned that smoke I can't see will set off this alarm--as well white smoke and even heat radiance and steam (none of which will trigger your ion-based alarm).
Customer Review: SA 302C Battery Powered Smoke Alarm
Summary: 5 Stars
This smoke detector / alarm is a great product with some thoughtful features that make it easy to put in and use. I replaced two (2) wired in units (connected to AC power) with these battery-powered alarms.
Installation was super easy since the new alarm's base unit contained a hole pattern that perfectly matched the existing box cutout from the electrical fixture (nice touch). Another wonderful feature is the battery compartment, which cannot be closed without the battery, to ensure that there is power to the unit before closing the lid and walking away. You don't have to try and recall whether you installed the battery or not; it will beep for you to verify the unit is working correctly.
It is easily accessed, so there is no excuse for not changing the battery when necessary. Testing is also easy and the alarm is plenty loud. Dual sensing capabilities means your covered for different types of fire threats so what else can you ask for? Great product!