First Alert Battery Operated Combination Smoke Alarm

Last updated: October 14, 2020


The First Alert combination smoke and carbon monoxide detector lets you program up to 11 locations within your home. This allows the alarm to alert you to precisely where the danger is with a verbal announcement. You can also interconnect this detector with up to 18 other First Alert-enabled alarms to create a wireless in-home safety network. The CO sensor can detect low levels of carbon monoxide and alert you to any leaks.

First Alert Battery Operated Combination Smoke Alarm

We looked at the top Smoke Detectors and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Smoke Detector you should buy.

Product Details

Key Takeaway: Connects with other First Alert devices in your home and can tell you where the issue is in your house.

In our analysis of 46 expert reviews, the First Alert Battery Operated Combo Smoke Alarm placed 5th when we looked at the top 8 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

The First Alert SCO501CN-3ST Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Voice Location detects both smoke and carbon monoxide in a single device. The alarm interconnects with up to 18 other First Alert enabled alarms in your home to create a wireless safety network. The photoelectric smoke sensor is designed to reduce false alarms from cooking smoke or shower steam while remaining sensitive to real danger. The advanced electrochemical CO sensor detects carbon monoxide leaks from multiple sources, including faulty fuel-burning appliances. A loud 85-decibel siren and a voice alarm with 11 programmable locations indicate where and what the threat is.

Expert Reviews


What reviewers liked

That CO detector adds a good bit to the price—currently a single SCO501CN-3ST unit is just barely cheaper than the two-pack of our top pick—so we made this a separate recommendation in case you’re already covered with a stand-alone CO detector.
It provides protection from smoky fires as well as dangerous CO, but is not as effective detecting blazing fires.
The Voice Alarm is its standout feature. You can program up to 11 locations within your home, and the alarm will verbally alert you precisely where the danger is.
- Tuck
Consumer Reports recommends this model because it did an excellent job of detecting high and low CO levels in its tests, and the device clearly conveys unsafe environments.
Owners say these units are easy to set up without expert help, and they especially like them for protecting larger homes.
One unique feature of the SCO501CN-3ST is that in addition to a loud 85-decibel siren is a voice alarm with 11 programmable locations indicate where and what the threat is.

What reviewers didn't like

Not as effective detecting blazing fires.
There are some complaints of false alarms, even when there are no clear causes.
Some reviewers say they have had issues with false alarms or the units not linking properly, however.
View our Smoke Detector buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.

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