Questions and Answers for Kidde Firex Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector, Battery Operated with Front Load Battery Door and Voice Alarm

A:  Put it by your running car exhaust pipe. Do this outside of course. And don't put the device too close or it might melt. Don't stand near the exhaust.

A:  Like any other safety sensor, you presume the device works. That is why they ask you to press the button to test it every week. See my previous testing response. Also checkout video I made on the firex. https://youtu.be/fJmcvYZwMK0

A:  Hello. Yes, Do not install in areas where the relative humidity (RH) is above 85%. Place away from doors and windows that open to the outside. . Do not place in direct sunlight and keep out of insect infested areas. Extreme temperatures will effect the sensitivity of the Smoke/CO Alarm. Do not install in areas where the temperature is colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4˚ Celsius) or hotter than 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8˚ Celsius), such as garages and unfinished attics.

A:  Hello. Yes, it will fit onto the same bracket.

A:  Hello. This alarm is not hardwired and can not be used to replace a hardwired alarm. If code required hardwired interconnected alarms, you are probably still required to have hardwired interconnected alarms. Check with your local fire codes and local fire department to find out exactly what kind of alarms you are required to have and where you are required to have them. Then you can call us at 1-800-880-6788 and we can help you figure out what alarms meet your code.

A:  It is one solid piece with holes in the back. It’s a disposable one so it doesn’t come apart for battery replacement so I think the question about the holes could be irrelevant. I don’t remember what brand my old one was but I did have to change position of screws to install it.

A:  Hello. Yes, this will fit the base of the KN-COSM-B

A:  Hello. It sounds like some dust or debris or an insect got into the smoke chamber of the alarm and the alarm mistook the debris for smoke. False alarms are most commonly caused by something interfering with the sensor. To clean, hold the unit by its edge and thoroughly blow through the gap on the side of the unit with compressed air (like keyboard cleaner). We recommend cleaning out all of your smoke alarms at least every 6 months to a year and at this point we would recommend cleaning out all of your other alarms as well as a preventative. Some of your alarms may be in one the locations to avoid listed in the owner's manual. This would especially include alarms being installed within 3 ft (.9m) of a forced air supply ducts used for heating or cooling, ceiling or whole house ventilating fans, or other high air flow areas. We recommend that alarms not be installed near vents, flues, chimneys, or fans. We recommend that alarms not be installed near doors or windows near areas directly exposed to the weather. We strongly recommend not to install these alarms in garages, attics, and crawl spaces as you will get temperatures, dust, insects, and chemicals that can cause nuisance alarms. Try cleaning out the alarms. If you have the issue again, call us with that alarm in hand at 1-800-880-6788 so we can get this resolved for you.

A:  Hello. The date on the back of the alarm in the format Year, Month, and Day (Today would be 2023 Jan 09) is the date of manufacturing and not the date of expiration.

A:  Smoke alarms don't expire. That may be the "recommended" date to change the battery.

A:  Hello. This is the KN-COSM-BA, the battery only version. However, the KN-COSM-IBA should be available in California if Home Depot have it in stock. Photoelectric alarms are less likely to be affected by steam and heat and humidity and less likely to give nuisance alarms due to being too close to a kitchen or bathroom. Some local codes may require photoelectric alarms in locations within, often, 10 to 20 feet of a bathroom or kitchen. Check with your local fire codes and your local authority requiring smoke alarms before purchasing smoke alarms to find out exactly how many and what kind of smoke alarms you are required to have and exactly where you are required to put them.

A:  The base for this combination alarm is the same as the one for the PI9000. You can reuse the base you already have.