Sunday, July 27, 2014

Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Reviewed!

First Alert CO615

First Alert CO615                                             

Best plug-in carbon monoxide detector

Pros
  • Plugs into any standard outlet
  • Can operate on battery backup
  • Extremely loud horn
  • Seven-year limited warranty
Cons
  • CO level is not continuously displayed
  • Flimsy battery cover                                                                                                             

    Bottom Line

    The First Alert CO615 is an effective and easy-to-install plug-in carbon monoxide detector. It operates on electricity but will run on battery backup during a power outage. It receives a recommendation from one testing organization and earns high marks from individual owners, although many complain about its flimsy battery cover. Those who don't want to buy batteries should pass on this detector, as it won't operate without them.

    Performance

    Safe and effective. Professional testers praise the First Alert CO615, citing its ability to detect high and low carbon monoxide levels, and owners agree. Although this unit is a plug-in model, owners say they feel more secure knowing it will run on backup batteries in the event of a power failure. However, the unit is not designed to run on battery power for long. CO levels are displayed when the indicator button is pressed, disappointing some users who would prefer a continual readout.
    Owners praise the detector's few false alarms, but add that nuisance alarms can be silenced with any household remote control. The unit also has an incredibly loud horn, set at 85 decibels within 10 feet, and is destined to wake up even the soundest sleeper. Some of the device's negative feedback stems from misunderstandings about the unit's battery backup; the unit will not operate without batteries in place. Furthermore, there is no bypass option for battery backup use, forcing owners to use the function whether they want to or not. When the batteries run low, the incessant chirping is unnerving, writes an Amazon user.

    Ease Of Use

    Installation is a breeze. Most owners say the First Alert CO615 is easy to install, test and use. Its manual has been improved over the years and is now easier to read. This detector comes with a 6-foot extension cord, enabling it to be wall-mounted. It should be placed at least 4 inches from the ceiling and in an area where it's not obstructed. One Viewpoints.com reviewer cautions that owners with inquisitive young children should consider installing the unit out of reach to avoid accidental setoffs.
    While the digital display screen is easy to read, it does not continuously display CO levels. To retrieve this info, you must push the indicator button. One Amazon reviewer complains this triggers "a cryptic sequence that frankly looks like it's malfunctioning." However, owners do appreciate the ability to monitor a potentially dangerous situation by pressing the Peak CO memory button, which lets them check the highest CO level recorded. The detector will save these readings until the owner clears the memory.

    Durability

    Lasts no more than seven years. The biggest flaw of this First Alert model is its flimsy battery compartment door. Several owners complain that after installing the batteries, the door is difficult to close and must be taped shut. But, the installed AA batteries are not depleted as long as the unit has power. Of note, the detector doesn't operate as well with rechargeable batteries; because they have a lower voltage, the unit considers the batteries discharged before they actually are. The first set of AA batteries is included.
    The CO615 is equipped with a seven-year limited warranty, but is designed to last between five and seven years. When its sensors have worn away, users will hear the "end of life" beep every minute until the detector is removed, says a company representative. The date stamped on the back of the device is the manufacture date and will give owners an idea of when the detector should be replaced. Also for Direct Access to Brand Name Products&Services like this Visit our Website at  http://ebuys-onlineproducts-services.weebly.com

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