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 Should You Be Worried About This Alarm? I don't know, but here's my story!Jul 31, 2010
I own 8 of these units, all of which were installed in Spring 2007 new from the box. I like that they are cost-effective, and are low-profile on my ceilings. They blend in very well.
I also like the fact that the manufacturer claims this sensor can sense fast-flaming fires, as well as slow smoldering fires with its "dual" detection features. That is very appealing. And, the alarm is VERY loud. That is all good news!
Other reviewers have mentioned these units dying or going off the deep end after a short amount of time. Well, I can add that 1 of my 8 units has finally died after just over 3 years in use. We came home from dinner one evening to one of these alarms going off (not the dead battery chirp, but a full siren). After checking for smoke, fire, etc., and determining there was neither, I pulled the active alarm off the ceiling. I switched it to another location far away from its previous location, and reset it, only to have the alarm sound over and over again. Thus, it seems clear that it is defective.
That opens up the following question -- having never had a fire, how much can we consumers rely on this model if they randomly go defective after short periods of time? While I regularly test my units, and change batteries regularly, having one die and/or malfunction for no reason raises a concern with me as to whether or not these alarms will work as claimed in the event of a real fire.
Statistically apeaking, they probably will work fine in a real fire. However, when one's life depends on it, it is certainly concerning that they can simply stop working as designed after only a short period of time. What if one stops working and does not make a sound, then a fire starts??? I know that is very unlikely, but it's worth considering.
So, to the extent that 7 of my 8 units still seem to be fine, I guess this is an OK product. The alarm is VERY loud and would do a good job if it works as designed in a fire (I've never had a fire, so I don't know what will happen in a real fire situation). I can only guess, since they have not been tested in a real situation.
 2 out of 3 died in two yearsJul 25, 2010
I bought 3 of this in September 2008, and as of now, July 2010, 2 out of them have already died within two years. They died in the same way: just beep for nothing and would not stop. If you push "HUSH" button, then they silence for 10 minutes and resume beeping for nothing. This is crap, expensive crap!
Good but not so goodJul 11, 2010
This dual sensor smoke detector, the Kidde PI9000 battery operated, is a basic, easy to install, sensor whose alarm, hopefully, will never need to be used. The so-called "deal" on Amazon was not such a good deal, however. These type of smoke detectors have a useful life-span of 10 years. The unit I received was already over 2 years old (the date is not visible until you open the plastic packaging). So I received only 80% of what I actually was supposed to have purchased. I've noticed other items that are having this age problem, and am becoming very wary of Amazon.
 Poor instructions & product descriptionJul 05, 2010
Amazon product description indicates unit comes with 2 batteries and that red led flashes every 30 - 40 seconds to indicate unit is working. Neither is true about the PI9000 that I received from Amazon.
Instructions for installation on sheetrock / drywall fail to mention that a 3/16" dia. hole should be drilled to insert plastic mollys.
Addendum: Red LED does flash every 20 seconds or so but is only visible in a darkened room when standing directly under detector.
Dual Ion/Photo Smoke AlarmJun 12, 2010
I purchased three of these devices, because recent local changes in the law require these installed in specific places before a home can be sold. I had read several reviews of this product before I bought it, several of which were negative. However, I have used Kidde ion-type smoke alarms for years, and have never had any problems.
I like this unit because it is very easy to change the 9-volt battery. The battery slides in, rather than using the usual snap-on connector. The three that I purchased all work properly (as far as I know) - they respond to the "TEST" button, and are silenced by the "HUSH" button. It is too soon to know what the battery life will be, but I intend to replace the batteries arbitrarily when I have to set the clocks forward or back. The mounting plate fits the hole pattern for earlier Kidde alarms, making installation easy - no new holes to drill.
It is always disappointing to discover the "Made in China" stamp, but I guess that today, virtually everything is made in the far east.
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based on 46 reviews
