Summary: I HAVE FOUND THIS ALARM TO BE LOUD AND CLEAR, I FEEL SAFE AT HOME AND TRUSTING OF THIS ALARM SYSTEM. NOT EXPENSIVE, MINE IS CONNECTED TO ELECTRICITY AND HAS A BATTERY BACKUP. I HAVE 13 THROUGHTOUT MY 2 FAMILY HOME.

Summary: I was attracted by the fact that it is a combo. But I now learned that the smoke alarm is not dual sensing, ie. it doesn't sense both types of fires like the First Alert dual sensor does. Secondly for the CO function, it doesn't have a LCD reading to tell you the level of CO present (it will just sound out alarm and voice if it detects a certain unacceptable level). Another bad thing was the way the batteries must be installed--in certain order. It was hard to get batteries in at first. The big plus is that I don't have to have so many separate alarms in the house and for kids, this is a great alarm. Besides sounding alarm, it talks--it yells out Fire or CO or simply low battery. But in retrospect, for the money, and if I hadn't mind a no LCD unit, I would be better off getting no LCD AC plug in CO alarm (Kidde) and a separate dual sensing First Alert smoke alarm. So can't really recommend that this unit is for everybody. But then, better have one than not.

Summary: In 2007 my state enacted a law requiring Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors. As I couldn't be certain our old smoke detectors were less than 5 years old, it seemed like a good time do replacements.


A quality combination smoke detector and CO detector seemed ideal to avoid unnecessary ceiling clutter. My local big box hardware store only offered one option - the Kidde model# KN-COSM-B (900-0102). Kidde is a leading brand name in the fire industry so I bought four at $34.99 each plus tax.


Aside from the combination feature, I was first attracted to this product by the voice alarm feature that warns loudly in English, \"FIRE!\" or \"Carbon Monoxide!\" because with all the beeps and chirps in my life, I wouldn't want to lose a second should the alarm need to warn me of danger.


Other appealing features are a manufacturer's claim of this product being the \"World's Most Accurate Carbon Monoxide Alarm\", a CO peak level memory, AA batteries (3-included) a Hush feature (for false alarms), a tamper-proof option, and a 5 year warranty.

Installation was very easy as there are a variety of hole options for the two Phillips screws and red drywall anchors. The size is wide enough (a good hand stretch) to cover the previous detectors footprint, and the height is thankfully shorter than some detectors.


With a clean, low-profile design, the UL listed Kidde combination detector provides good value for the price and several clever features not found elsewhere -- hopefully I'll never need to know how well it works in a real situation...