First Alert Smoke Detectors

[Tango]

From what I had seen, after Googling, I should at least get First Alert smoke detectors to connect to the ISY994.  I have a number of other Z-Wave devices working with my ISY and I couldn't find anything to say they would not work.  (I did find issues with them being multi-channel, but not about no connection.)

I bought 4 First Alert smoke & carbon monoxide detectors from Amazon and opened one, put in batteries, and it would not show up for my hub.  I moved it downstairs to the same room as the ISY, in case it was a distance or wall interference thing, and that didn't help.  The directions are written in print that is probably easy to read if you're in your 20s, but not if you're over 50.  I looked up the manual online and couldn't find any reference to Z-Wave in the manual!  (And I searched, I didn't just scan it visually.)  In fact, while there is one piece of packaging that mentions Z-Wave, most of the stuff that can be seen says "Wireless."  (But the Amazon description says it's Z-Wave.)

The hub just does not detect the one alarm I opened and put batteries in.

The power LED comes on when I put batteries in, it beeps, then the LED goes off and it just sits there.  Pressing the test button does give me an alarm sound but, other than that, nothing.

Does it sound like I got sent the wrong alarm?  (All 4 look the same, but I only opened one to test, so I have 3 still in the clamshell packages.)  Is there something I have to do to get the alarms to pair to the hub?

Or are these now just incompatible with the ISY.

[Brian H]

What is the model number of the First Alert sensors? We maybe able to get more data on them.

There where First Alert Sensors that used RF but interfaced with an Insteon interface module and others. So if one went off they all followed.

 

[Broyd]

They may not be Z-Wave; they may be Insteon. They don't say z-wave so this makes me wonder.

What model number do they have? SCO500B ?

Insteon makes a smoke bridge Model 2982-222 that links to these first alert smoke + CO detectors.

[Brian H]

I found it in a web search.

Is it the ZCOMBO-G  Z-Wave enabled sensor?

The specification sheet says. "Operates with 3rd party, certified Z-Wave devices enabled with the First Alert protocol". Maybe that is a factor in the issue.

 

[Tango]

It's a ZCOMBO.  No G or anything after that.

I get the ISY model numbers confused, but I remember there's something on the end of mine for Insteon and I'm using Insteon devices.
 

[Brian H]

The Insteon 2982-222 Smoke Bridge works with the First Alert One Link protocol.

The specification sheet says the ZCOMBO-G  will not work with a First Alert One Link protocol.

ZCOMBO is indeed the model number. ZCOMBO-G is the catalog number. Seems like some vendors show the catalog number and some the model number in their web site pages.

The instructions say. Hold the Test button insert the batteries and keep holding the Test Button until the battery drawer is closed. To include the sensor in a Z-Wave setup.

[Tango]

10 hours ago, Brian H said:

...

The instructions say. Hold the Test button insert the batteries and keep holding the Test Button until the battery drawer is closed. To include the sensor in a Z-Wave setup.

Thanks - It's late, the wife is asleep, so I don't want to risk hitting the test button wrong now and setting it off by mistake, so I'll do this in the morning.

Where did you find this?  As I said, the documentation with it was small enough it was tough to read, so I Googled for the manual, found a PDF, searched it (with CTRL-F, not with my eyes), but never found "wave" in the document.

[Techness]

 I just added 3 of these to my ISY a couple of days ago and they are working fine. 

Here's how I did it:

• 1) Take the SD near the ISY
• 2) From the z-wave drop down select Exclude
• 3) While holding the test button down insert the battery compartment and continue holding the button until the smoke alarm sounds (You will get a single beep first....watch the LEDs on the SD)
• 4) Wait for the  single beep following the CO2 alarm (watch the LEDs on the SD)
• 5) From the z-wave drop down select Include
• 6) While holding the test button down insert the battery compartment and continue holding the button until the smoke alarm sounds (You will get a single beep first)

It worked for me with this method....hope it also works for you. 

You can test the install by selecting the test alarm window from the device tree once it gets added to the ISY.  Place the SD in the desired location, press the test button on the SD and make sure the ISY status changes to on,

 

 

[Brian H]

Thank you for the information on adding the sensor to an ISY setup.

This may assist others with the same model sensors.

 

[Tango]

I found Brian's directions worked fine - just hold the TEST button down while inserting the batteries.

Now the pain in the rear part - standing on a chair or ladder to disconnect each of the 4 old detectors, putting wire nuts on the AC leads for them, and making sure the base for the First Alert detectors are attached properly to the j-box in the ceiling.

[Brian H]

If you have to exclude and then include a SD. Techness's instructions look good.

[Autonow]

Just my OPINION here. I don't really consider the ISY a Hardened security controller designed for fire protection. If you are looking to connect fire/smoke alarms to "something" it should be a Security system that has battery back up power and multiple alert modes. (Phone, email SMS, audible, and visual ) There is actually a whole code that deals with Fire alarm systems. After all your life depends on it.  Of course we all love to automate and the logical next step would be fire suppression based on an alarm. Again what checks are you using to insure the signals are good and outputs are working. What happens when the power fails as in the case of many fires.

Just my 2 cents

[Teken]

1 hour ago, Autonow said:

Just my OPINION here. I don't really consider the ISY a Hardened security controller designed for fire protection. If you are looking to connect fire/smoke alarms to "something" it should be a Security system that has battery back up power and multiple alert modes. (Phone, email SMS, audible, and visual ) There is actually a whole code that deals with Fire alarm systems. After all your life depends on it.  Of course we all love to automate and the logical next step would be fire suppression based on an alarm. Again what checks are you using to insure the signals are good and outputs are working. What happens when the power fails as in the case of many fires.

Just my 2 cents

If we assume the OP had nothing but the linked smoke alarms the system would alert them if and when a fire / co condition was present ~ locally. Integrating with the ISY Series Controller on a low level would give them alert messaging at a global level. If they integrated the alert to turn on the lights for X that would be the next step. But, as you stated if its attached to an alarm system this would offer another level of protection.

But keep in mind the system depends on model will be 120 VAC powered, 120 VAC powered & battery, battery only.

Regardless of all of the above if the security alarm system isn't monitored you have nothing but a over priced noise maker. Monitoring through a certified 5 star CS is the only thing that will give you a chance in reducing loss of life and property.

Lastly, nobody should fall prey to becoming complacent in not completing a monthly (Fire Check) system test. Changing out the batteries at least once a year or do an inspection based on DST. 

[notslow]

Does anyone know if there is a 120v version of the zwave smoke alarm? Also, can these be reset remotely or still have to push the button on unit? Trying to find a solution to reset the vaulted ceiling smoke alarm without dragging a big ladder in the house.