Seems impossible to find a smoke detector that meets the following requirements. Looking for a unicorn?

Hardware
1

Dear Home Assistant Users,

Previously I had some questions about a smoke detector, but no solution is provided yet.
Meaning: I am looking for a solution/answer that exactly the functional requirements mentioned below.
It’s beginning to feel like I’m looking for a unicorn.

So here I go again with my question (gathering new insights/I hope no one deviates). :slightly_smiling_face:

I am looking for a smoke detector with this requirements:

  • Home Assistant and Zigbee compatibility;
  • Replaceable battery
  • Low energy consumption;
  • Reliable link quality and link quality status reporting;
  • The ability to remotely turn the siren off (most important one);
  • Battery status reporting (percentage);
  • Reliable and robust;
  • Cost under 40 Euro per unit (because I need ten of them).

Thank you in advance for answers!

Best regards,

Hans

1 Like
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The Zigbee part might be tough. I’ve been using the ZCOMBO from First Alert (Z-Wave) and it’s worked quite well, is easy on batteries and stays connected. Now I don’t know if that’s good for non US users, but it works well.

Remotely silencing the alarm might be difficult because some folks might see that as defeating the purpose, if you don’t to get up to turn it off then how do you know it’s not really detecting smoke unless it’s in view? That’s just a philosophical argument, rather than an actual one I have with the request.

3

I went the z-wave route, which is i.m.o. more reliable than zigbee. Zigbee is in a far too crowded frequency range. But I considered this one:
https://www.heimantech.com/product/?type=detail&id=3

As for the replaceable battery: a smoke detector sensor is only trusworthy for ten years. So if the battery lasts that long (some do) it will not be replaceable as there is no use - the unit needs to be replaced anyway.

I also think remote silence is highly unlikely to be found anywhere. You need to go to the place of the alarm to be sure it is safe to turn off. Might as well push the button there. Also, my experience is, if it goes off the button will only silence it for a short period anyway. Better look for one with a low false alarm rate.

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Did you take a look at this: Smart Smoke Detector - Aqara ?

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Hi Edwin_D,

I will look at that. Thank you very much for you feedback/reply :slight_smile:

1 Like
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Hi Michael,

Not yet, but I will contact the supplier with my requirements.
Thank you very much!

7

For the ones that are interested. This is the answer from Frient (smoke detector manufacturer).

Hi Hans.

Of course, let me answer your questions:

  • Home Assistant and Zigbee compatibility;

The Intelligent Smoke Alarm is fully a Zigbee device, however, we ourselves haven’t done or tested any integrations with the HA platform, therefore, we cannot give you any guarantees regarding that specific platform. For now, it’s fully compatible and tested with Homey, SmartThings, Smart Home by Hornbach, Jeedom, EVA, Futurehome, Hubitat, Homely, and Nimly.

  • Replaceable battery;

Yes, the device uses a single, replaceable CR123 battery.

  • Low energy consumption (compared to others);

The device has a 3-year+ battery lifetime.

  • Reliable link quality and link quality status reporting;

Yes, the device reports the link quality status, however, the ability to see it depends on the integration and platform you’re using.

  • The ability to remotely turn the siren off (the most important requirement for me);

Currently, on most of the above-mentioned integrations – you can remotely turn the siren on, however, turning it off remotely is not supported, due to safety concerns.

  • Battery status reporting (percentage);

The device reports battery voltage – this can be later transformed into percentage – again, depending on the integration and platform used.

  • Reliable and robust;

The device has gone through all the necessary tests and does have the proper certifications.

  • Priced under 30 Euros per unit (considering I require ten of them).

You’re welcome to check our distributor’s offers.

Let me know if you have any more questions.

Best regards,

frient.

1 Like
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Hello Hans, have you bought and test this item? Or you went for another option?