First Alert Smoke Alarm, 10-Year Sealed Battery Detector with Test & Silence Button, SMI110, 1-Pack

Why is it not working? I’m literally holding smoke near it. The test alarm indicates it’s working but it’s not reacting to such intense smoke.

In the realm of home safety, the First Alert 0827B Ionization Smoke Alarm firmly cements itself as an indispensable asset. It’s a top-tier product that pairs affordability with outstanding performance, ultimately creating an environment of safety and security in my home. As such, it fully earns its five-star rating. Right from the outset, the sensitivity of the First Alert 0827B to fast-flaming fires, thanks to its advanced ionization technology, provided me with a significant comfort level. The reassurance that this smoke alarm will promptly alert me at the earliest indication of smoke, allowing for sufficient time to respond and evacuate, is invaluable. The installation process was refreshingly straightforward. The device is designed for easy mounting on any wall or ceiling, which means it can be optimally placed to provide the most efficient smoke detection. As a homeowner, this user-friendly setup was greatly appreciated and added to the overall positive experience. Equally beneficial is the test/silence button incorporated into the unit. This feature allows for regular operation checks, ensuring the alarm is always in perfect working order. The ability to silence any potential false alarms swiftly is an additional advantage, minimizing any unnecessary panic or disturbance. What sets the First Alert 0827B apart is its price point. Despite being extremely budget-friendly, it delivers exceptional functionality and reliability. It is truly commendable to find such an efficient, potentially life-saving device that is also affordable, ensuring all homeowners can benefit from this vital safety measure. To conclude, the First Alert 0827B Ionization Smoke Alarm is a superior safety product that expertly combines cost-effectiveness with reliable performance. It delivers a reassuring sense of security and peace of mind, which is ultimately priceless. If you're in the market for a smoke alarm that provides excellent value without compromising safety, this device is the perfect choice.

Interpreting First Alert's web site, the ionization class SMI110 "meets new standards" versus its apparent predecessor, the 0827. The 0827 has also been marketed as model SA250B. That said, the 0827/SA250B has been around for almost a decade, while the SMI110 arrived in 2023. On the back of the unit label, there is a string of text, "Manufactured," followed by a blank space. Look toward the bottom of the label to find the date. October 18, 2023 is mine; that's "brand new" considering its designed 10-year service life. The two little holes marked "smoke alarm" and "power" are just that: two little holes wherein the instructions cite 'em as LEDs. There are red and green LEDs in there, rendering a "glow" to the case when lit up. So, watch very closely or in dim lighting during the initial setup and subsequent monitoring and testing. That said, setup was easy and the unit responds quickly to the wooden match strike-flare-burn-extinguish test. There's no reason why the SMI110 won't deliver on a 10-year expectation of service. FYI: ten years has always been the actual life cycle of the ionization module itself, invented in 1951, relevant to both battery and "hard wired" designs. For the relatively new arrival of sealed 9v lithium batteries, their ten years is a coincidental, though welcome, achievement. Side Bar: One of several photo and ion detectors in my home, this First Alert is replacing a Kidde i9060 placed into service in July, 2014. Powered by an UltraLife U9LJP 9v battery, it still passes the wooden match test . With a 150ma load, the battery still measures at a full 9v on a test meter! However, no smoke or fire detector should pull more than 10 years. So this Kidde gets retired and appropriately disposed of.

Good quality

This model SM110 alarm was easy to install and activate, using a previously installed mounting bracket for an earlier First Alert model A710. This is important for me, because I am an older adult (age 70+) and not keen on standing on a stepladder with a drill or screwdriver. My old smoke alarm was installed by a contractor 12 years ago, so its mounting bracket was properly and firmly attached, but the alarm was also past its end of life. This time around, I wanted an alarm with a sealed, 10-year battery. Although the SM110 is shaped somewhat differently, the base turned out to be the same circumference as the earlier model. This model was easy to fit into the older bracket, and to activate by pulling the yellow tab. However, due to the location of the locking tabs along the side of the base, the orientation of the alarm is slightly different. My alarm was mounted on the wall over my bedroom door. The new alarm fits, but is not quite vertically oriented. This doesn't affect the function of the alarm. It shouldn't, since these alarms can also be mounted on the ceiling, so other than aesthetics, the orientation of the alarm when mounted shouldn't matter. In any case, I tested and the alarm definitely is working. Note: I recommend wearing earplugs when testing -- the alarm is very loud and piercing! Quite unpleasant, but I'm a sound sleeper, so in case of fire loud is good. Also, there's a little embedded green LED light to show that the alarm is active, but it is almost impossible to see.

When I received the smoke alarm, I first thought it was defective. It was a sealed unit with a 10 year warranty on it. When I pressed the test button, it did not work. I called the number to troubleshoot it & was told the unit will only work when it is installed on the bracket that holds it. Sounded strange but I tried it. It does work. Happy with the new smoke alarm that it has a 10 year warranty.