I'm looking to replace my wired smoke detectors. What are my options?
Q: About 10 years ago, I replaced the original wired smoke alarms in my home with wired dual sensors that use both photoelectric and ionization technology. Because I've read that in-home smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years, I have looked for replacements. But I've found just photoelectric detectors and photoelectric plus carbon monoxide detectors, which I don't need because we have stand-alone CO alarms. What is the best type of replacement smoke alarm to buy? I would like to add a battery-operated smoke detector in the garage. Can it be connected with the ones in the house? Also, I am considering internet connectivity for the alarm system. In a wired system, should each alarm be connected to the internet? Or do we need only one alarm to be connected to get alerts on our mobiles?
A: Your question about whether to get photoelectric or ionization detectors is easiest to answer. A new testing standard for smoke alarms went into effect in June that requires all new models to be good at sensing both smoldering fires and open flames. Before that, photoelectric detectors were better at sensing smoldering fires and ionization detectors were better at sensing flames. The difference was significant enough that the National Fire Protection Association recommended installing both types, leading manufacturers to make dual-sensing units. The distinction is no longer relevant as long as you buy sensors that are labeled as meeting the new requirements. The new rules also include a test designed to reduce false alarms: An alarm must stay silent when two hamburger patties are grilled 10 feet away.
Because finding dual-mode sensors isn't really an issue anymore, figuring out how to link a battery unit with wired-in alarms might seem like your biggest challenge. Numerous websites say flat-out that it's not possible and that only wired alarms can interconnect. That's outdated advice, too. First Alert and Kidde both make bridge units that allow a battery-only detector to communicate with wired-in detectors, creating the interconnected system you want.
The picture you sent shows that your current detectors are made by Kidde. Its bridge unit, P4010ACSCO-W, has only 1.2 out of 5 stars from customer ratings reported on its own website. The company is no longer making it, although some retailers may still have some in stock.
First Alert's bridge unit, the SA520B, has good reviews but is being replaced by the SM500-AC to comply with new electrical standards; these models are also listed with the same codes as a products from BRK, a sister company. The NFPA warns not to mix detectors from different manufacturers in an interconnected system because the way they communicate might be incompatible. Because you are planning to install new detectors throughout, switching to a different manufacturer is no issue, but if you were just trying to add a battery unit, you'd be wise to stick to one manufacturer or call your current company to ask about compatibility of a bridge unit from a different company.
If you go for First Alert's products, you could get the SM500V ($59.95 on the First Alert website) for the garage. This alarm runs on batteries and delivers warnings by voice. Note, though, that First Alert does not recommend installing a smoke alarm in a garage because of the risk of false alarms. But if you aren't starting a car or running equipment that generates smoke there, the warning probably wouldn't apply. The new battery-only detector should include 'wireless interconnect' as a feature, but that means it can connect wirelessly to a bridge unit inside your house, not to your phone.
For the bridge unit, which would link the battery unit in the garage to the other detectors in your house, you could replace one of the wired-in units with the SA520B or, when it is available, the SM500-AC. Finding these could be a challenge if you want to update your alarms soon. A First Alert customer-service representative said there is no estimate of when the new units will be available. The older model, SA520B, is sold out at many companies, although some online retailers still have it in stock. Elliott Electric Supply, which has dozens of stores in many states, had 256 units in stock earlier this week, although some stores had none. Call before you place an order. (The SA520B is described on some websites as a battery unit, but it has a way on the back to wire it in, which is what you'd need to do, after you turn off power at the circuit-breaker panel.)
For the other wired-in detectors in your house, you have numerous options, including the SM100V-AC, a photoelectric sensor with voice commands ($59.95), or the SMI100-AC, an ionization detector that also has voice commands ($34.95 on Amazon).
Could the combination of a battery unit in the garage and a bridge unit and wired-in detectors in the house also allow you to monitor the system from afar via cellphone? Not currently with First Alert products, said a customer-service representative who specializes in interconnectivity at First Alert. First Alert did make them, including a model designed to work with Ring, but no new ones are being made while the product is being redesigned. Kidde's Smoke Alarm with Smart Features also seems to have problems: On the company's website, more customers gave it one-star reviews (the lowest option) than gave it five stars. Kidde smart alarms that include air-quality monitoring have better reviews.
There are companies that make devices for linking alarms to home-monitoring systems accessible via phone using Z-Wave, a technology protocol that uses a different wavelength than WiFi, thus avoiding interference. The Zooz Z-Wave Plus Smoke and CO Detector Bridge, which lists for $34.95 at TheSmartestHouse.com, is one example. But study the technical details or contact that manufacturer to make sure it would work with whatever smoke alarms you buy. Installation instructions for the Zooz device suggest installing it at the last smoke detector in a wired system because that electrical box doesn't have as many wired connections. You would need only one bridge for the system.
You'd also need a compatible hub to receive the message. Zooz has tested Ring and ADT systems and verified they work. If you have a different home-security system, you'd need to call the company to make sure.
Have a problem in your home? Send questions to localliving@washpost.com. Put 'How To' in the subject line, tell us where you live and try to include a photo.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
What is the Chromebook Challenge? The trend that has students destroying school laptops
A new social media challenge encourages students to not hop on the latest dance trend or pour buckets of ice over their heads, but intentionally destroy school property. The "Chromebook Challenge," which began on TikTok in early May, encourages students to stick small items like paperclips or pencils inside of their school-assigned Google Chromebooks' USB ports, all in hope for a small cloud of smoke or better yet, a spark, to ignite. The challenge gained nationwide attention after a 15-year-old high school student in Belleville, New Jersey was arrested and charged with third-degree arson and criminal mischief for intentionally manipulating his Chromebook as part of the challenge on May 8, a Belleville Police Department news release states. The laptop, which was left outside of a classroom while students and staff evacuated the school, emitted smoke and was charred when police and firefighters arrived. As schools across the country warn students and parents about this new trend, here's what to know about the Chromebook Challenge, including how schools and TikTok itself, are handling the fallout. The Chromebook Challenge encourages students with school-assigned Google Chromebooks to shove small items, like paperclips or graphite pencils, into the laptop's USB ports, which can result in smoke, fire or even an explosion. More TikTok news: Alabama sues TikTok: State AG accuses app of fueling youth mental health crisis Yes, the Chromebook Challenge is dangerous. Placing items like paperclips inside a Chromebook's USB port can cause the laptop to short-circuit, generating heat, sparks, and smoke. For example, by placing a paperclip into a laptop's USB port, the paperclip becomes a pathway for electricity to travel outside of its intended circuit path, the National Fire Protection Association states. This can lead to a short circuit, which could result in the generation of excess heat. Laptops contain lithium-ion batteries. When these batteries are heated too much, it can lead to toxic gas generation, fire and even explosions, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Even if noticeable damage doesn't occur after placing something like a paperclip into a Chromebook's USB port, there is an increased risk of malfunction. The malfunction can be minimal, like the USB port no longer working, or result in something more serious, like toxic gas generation, the National Fire Protection Association states. School districts across the country are sending letters to parents and using social media to educate about the Chromebook Challenge, in addition to the repercussions students may face if they participate. Most districts outline that students will be held financially responsible for a full replacement cost of a new laptop, which hovers around $300. Two senior high school students at the San Diego Unified School District encouraged their peers in a blog post to avoid participating in the challenge. "Truthfully, it's just dumb. These computers are lent to us so we can better learn. It's wasteful, dangerous and everyone loses," Scripps Ranch High School senior Quinton Baldis said in the blog post. "I'm highly advising my classmates to not join in on this careless trend. We're better than this." New Hampshire's Cooperative Middle School Principal Drew Bairstow shared in a letter to parents that over the course of three days, at least 15 incidents of students intentionally damaging their Chromebooks had been reported. On May 9, Jackson County Public Schools in North Carolina shared a photo of a burned Chromebook on social media. As of May 19, the school district confirmed four cases of Chromebooks that fell victim to the challenge, Jackson County Public Schools Public Information Officer Shaneka Allen told USA TODAY. "This behavior is not only extremely dangerous but also a direct violation of school policy and is considered vandalism," the school district shared in a social media statement. "We are asking all families to have a serious conversation with their students about the significant dangers and consequences of participating in this trend." As of May 20, TikTok did not generate any content from the search, "Chromebook Challenge." "Some online challenges can be dangerous, disturbing or even fabricated," a pop-up on the platform reads. "Learn how to recognize harmful challenges so you can protect your health and well-being." TikTok then directs users to resources for determining if an online challenge is safe to participate in and how to report one that isn't. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Students destroy laptops in new TikTok trend Chromebook Challenge
Indianapolis Star
20-05-2025
- Indianapolis Star
What is the Chromebook Challenge? The trend that has students destroying school laptops
A new social media challenge encourages students to not hop on the latest dance trend or pour buckets of ice over their heads, but intentionally destroy school property. The "Chromebook Challenge," which began on TikTok in early May, encourages students to stick small items like paperclips or pencils inside of their school-assigned Google Chromebooks' USB ports, all in hope for a small cloud of smoke or better yet, a spark, to ignite. The challenge gained nationwide attention after a 15-year-old high school student in Belleville, New Jersey was arrested and charged with third-degree arson and criminal mischief for intentionally manipulating his Chromebook as part of the challenge on May 8, a Belleville Police Department news release states. The laptop, which was left outside of a classroom while students and staff evacuated the school, emitted smoke and was charred when police and firefighters arrived. As schools across the country warn students and parents about this new trend, here's what to know about the Chromebook Challenge, including how schools and TikTok itself, are handling the fallout. The Chromebook Challenge encourages students with school-assigned Google Chromebooks to shove small items, like paperclips or graphite pencils, into the laptop's USB ports, which can result in smoke, fire or even an explosion. More TikTok news: Alabama sues TikTok: State AG accuses app of fueling youth mental health crisis Yes, the Chromebook Challenge is dangerous. Placing items like paperclips inside a Chromebook's USB port can cause the laptop to short-circuit, generating heat, sparks, and smoke. For example, by placing a paperclip into a laptop's USB port, the paperclip becomes a pathway for electricity to travel outside of its intended circuit path, the National Fire Protection Association states. This can lead to a short circuit, which could result in the generation of excess heat. Laptops contain lithium-ion batteries. When these batteries are heated too much, it can lead to toxic gas generation, fire and even explosions, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Even if noticeable damage doesn't occur after placing something like a paperclip into a Chromebook's USB port, there is an increased risk of malfunction. The malfunction can be minimal, like the USB port no longer working, or result in something more serious, like toxic gas generation, the National Fire Protection Association states. School districts across the country are sending letters to parents and using social media to educate about the Chromebook Challenge, in addition to the repercussions students may face if they participate. Most districts outline that students will be held financially responsible for a full replacement cost of a new laptop, which hovers around $300. Two senior high school students at the San Diego Unified School District encouraged their peers in a blog post to avoid participating in the challenge. "Truthfully, it's just dumb. These computers are lent to us so we can better learn. It's wasteful, dangerous and everyone loses," Scripps Ranch High School senior Quinton Baldis said in the blog post. "I'm highly advising my classmates to not join in on this careless trend. We're better than this." New Hampshire's Cooperative Middle School Principal Drew Bairstow shared in a letter to parents that over the course of three days, at least 15 incidents of students intentionally damaging their Chromebooks had been reported. On May 9, Jackson County Public Schools in North Carolina shared a photo of a burned Chromebook on social media. As of May 19, the school district confirmed four cases of Chromebooks that fell victim to the challenge, Jackson County Public Schools Public Information Officer Shaneka Allen told USA TODAY. "This behavior is not only extremely dangerous but also a direct violation of school policy and is considered vandalism," the school district shared in a social media statement. "We are asking all families to have a serious conversation with their students about the significant dangers and consequences of participating in this trend." As of May 20, TikTok did not generate any content from the search, "Chromebook Challenge." "Some online challenges can be dangerous, disturbing or even fabricated," a pop-up on the platform reads. "Learn how to recognize harmful challenges so you can protect your health and well-being." TikTok then directs users to resources for determining if an online challenge is safe to participate in and how to report one that isn't.
USA Today
20-05-2025
- USA Today
What is the Chromebook Challenge? The trend that has students destroying school laptops
What is the Chromebook Challenge? The trend that has students destroying school laptops Show Caption Hide Caption Chromebook challenge prompts concern among schools Schools are taking precaution amid the dangerous 'Chromebook Challenge' circulating on social media where kids are destroying the laptops. Fox - Fox 29 The Chromebook Challenge gained traction on TikTok in May. The trend encourages students to stick small items into school-assigned Google Chromebook USB ports. A New Jersey high school student has been arrested and charged with third-degree arson and criminal mischief for participating in the challenge at school. The Chromebook Challenge is dangerous because placing items into a laptop's USB port can cause the device to short circuit, resulting in excess heat, smoke or even fire. A new social media challenge encourages students to not hop on the latest dance trend or pour buckets of ice over their heads, but intentionally destroy school property. The "Chromebook Challenge," which began on TikTok in early May, encourages students to stick small items like paperclips or pencils inside of their school-assigned Google Chromebooks' USB ports, all in hope for a small cloud of smoke or better yet, a spark, to ignite. The challenge gained nationwide attention after a 15-year-old high school student in Belleville, New Jersey was arrested and charged with third-degree arson and criminal mischief for intentionally manipulating his Chromebook as part of the challenge on May 8, a Belleville Police Department news release states. The laptop, which was left outside of a classroom while students and staff evacuated the school, emitted smoke and was charred when police and firefighters arrived. As schools across the country warn students and parents about this new trend, here's what to know about the Chromebook Challenge, including how schools and TikTok itself, are handling the fallout. What is the Chromebook Challenge? The Chromebook Challenge encourages students with school-assigned Google Chromebooks to shove small items, like paperclips or graphite pencils, into the laptop's USB ports, which can result in smoke, fire or even an explosion. More TikTok news: Alabama sues TikTok: State AG accuses app of fueling youth mental health crisis Is the Chromebook Challenge dangerous? Yes, the Chromebook Challenge is dangerous. Placing items like paperclips inside a Chromebook's USB port can cause the laptop to short-circuit, generating heat, sparks, and smoke. For example, by placing a paperclip into a laptop's USB port, the paperclip becomes a pathway for electricity to travel outside of its intended circuit path, the National Fire Protection Association states. This can lead to a short circuit, which could result in the generation of excess heat. Laptops contain lithium-ion batteries. When these batteries are heated too much, it can lead to toxic gas generation, fire and even explosions, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Even if noticeable damage doesn't occur after placing something like a paperclip into a Chromebook's USB port, there is an increased risk of malfunction. The malfunction can be minimal, like the USB port no longer working, or result in something more serious, like toxic gas generation, the National Fire Protection Association states. How are schools responding to the Chromebook Challenge? School districts across the country are sending letters to parents and using social media to educate about the Chromebook Challenge, in addition to the repercussions students may face if they participate. Most districts outline that students will be held financially responsible for a full replacement cost of a new laptop, which hovers around $300. Two senior high school students at the San Diego Unified School District encouraged their peers in a blog post to avoid participating in the challenge. "Truthfully, it's just dumb. These computers are lent to us so we can better learn. It's wasteful, dangerous and everyone loses," Scripps Ranch High School senior Quinton Baldis said in the blog post. "I'm highly advising my classmates to not join in on this careless trend. We're better than this." New Hampshire's Cooperative Middle School Principal Drew Bairstow shared in a letter to parents that over the course of three days, at least 15 incidents of students intentionally damaging their Chromebooks had been reported. On May 9, Jackson County Public Schools in North Carolina shared a photo of a burned Chromebook on social media. As of May 19, the school district confirmed four cases of Chromebooks that fell victim to the challenge, Jackson County Public Schools Public Information Officer Shaneka Allen told USA TODAY. "This behavior is not only extremely dangerous but also a direct violation of school policy and is considered vandalism," the school district shared in a social media statement. "We are asking all families to have a serious conversation with their students about the significant dangers and consequences of participating in this trend." How is TikTok responding to the Chromebook Challenge? As of May 20, TikTok did not generate any content from the search, "Chromebook Challenge." "Some online challenges can be dangerous, disturbing or even fabricated," a pop-up on the platform reads. "Learn how to recognize harmful challenges so you can protect your health and well-being." TikTok then directs users to resources for determining if an online challenge is safe to participate in and how to report one that isn't. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@
