Kidde PI-2000 Dual Senso Smoke Alarm (120V with Battery) Review

Overall 4.00 of 5 (by 1 user)

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shigadeyo
Harrison, OH

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The ONLY dual sensor wire-in smoke alarm w/battery backup!

Homeowner, a techie, Mr. Fix-it

Pros

Dual sensor, Ionization sensor, Photoelectric sensor, Battery backup

Cons

Price, Must take down to replace battery

APR

2008

I purchased three of these smoke alarms to replace the existing smoke alarms in my home. The old ones were only single sensor and did not have battery backup. I choose these smoke alarms because I wanted the dual sensors (photoelectric and ionization) with a battery backup. The two types of sensors are supposed to aid in the detection of both fast burning and slow smoldering fires. I wanted battery backup because we regularly lose power and my old smoke detectors had no battery backup and are therefore useless if the power goes out! Based on my research, this smoke alarm is the ONLY 120V dual sensor smoke alarm available on the market right now! That also makes it the ONLY 120V dual sensor with battery backup alarm! Unfortunately, that's probably why this smoke alarm isn't cheap. At $39.99 MSRP, it's TWICE as expensive as the Kidde battery-only version (model 442007). I'm not sure why the wire-in one so much more expensive than the battery-only one, but the cost is the only reason why I did not give this product 5 stars...

Installation is a breeze. Just mount the removable base to the box, attach the wiring pigtail with wire nuts (not included), plug in the smoke alarm, and twist into place. Quick, easy, and painless in 10 minutes or less! DON'T FORGET TO SHUT OF THE CIRCUIT AT THE FUSE PANEL BEFORE INSTALLING! Once connected, a green LED lights up which is also convenient to be able to have peace of mind that the smoke alarm is on. One disadvantage is that the smoke alarm must be taken down and disconnected to access the battery to replace it. At least that is not needed very often though. Other than that and the price, this is the best (and only!) dual sensor 120V smoke alarm out there! As an added bonus it is fairly stylish and blends in nicely with my newly-painted white ceilings (my old smoke alarms were beige)!

Last edited on Apr 15, 2008