When comparing Kidde PI2010 vs BRK 7020B Photoelectric, the Slant community recommends Kidde PI2010 for most people. In the question“What are the best smart smoke alarms?” Kidde PI2010 is ranked 1st while BRK 7020B Photoelectric is ranked 2nd. The most important reason people chose Kidde PI2010 is:
The unit switches to backup battery power in the event of a power outage in your home and resumes normal electrical operation when power is restored. As a result, battery use is greatly diminished, and you may not have to replace batteries as frequently – still, it is strongly recommended that you replace your smoke detector batteries at a minimum of once every 12 months. This smoke detector requires a single 9-volt battery for backup purposes.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Use of backup battery in case of power outage
The unit switches to backup battery power in the event of a power outage in your home and resumes normal electrical operation when power is restored. As a result, battery use is greatly diminished, and you may not have to replace batteries as frequently – still, it is strongly recommended that you replace your smoke detector batteries at a minimum of once every 12 months. This smoke detector requires a single 9-volt battery for backup purposes.
Pro Longer warranty coverage
10-year limited warranty.
Pro Adjustable alarm system
Loud alarm of up to 85 dB.
It comes with the ‘hush’ control that the user can activate in order to silence nuisance alarms. There is also a LED indicator that confirms whether the alarm is working or not. This red LED light flashes every 30-40 seconds to indicate that the alarm is operating correctly.
Pro Easy installation
Package includes installation manual which is easy to follow.
Pro Sensibility
Its dual sensor feature allows detection of smoke emitted from smoldering fires and flaming fires.
Pro Trigger alertness through simultaneous alarm
If one alarm sounds, all interconnected alarms will sound as well, which will result in earlier fire detection.
Pro Has escape light technology which illuminates path to safety
Compare to other brands this offer safety light technology feature which guides people to the safe path during a fire.
Pro Longer warranty coverage
10-year limited warranty.
Pro Has an alarm and LED indicators to monitor device's health
Loud alarm of up to 85 dB.
It has an easy access battery compartment for quick battery changes, a bright escape light, and Red / Green LED indicators to let you know if your BRK 7020B Smoke Alarm is working properly, and is in alarm mode (or DC mode).
Pro Easy installation
The website has an installation manual which is easy to follow.
Pro Early fire detection
It usses photoelectric sensor which is more effective at detecting smoldering fires which smolder for hours before bursting into flame.
Pro Wide Area Coverage
Interconnectable with up to 18 other alarms.
Uses OptiPath36O Technology which provides a 360 degree coverage area allowing coverage to the ceiling and walls.
Cons
Con Absense of low-battery alarm silencer makes unwanted noise
The silencer enables the user to turn off the alarm once they've been alerted.
Con Not so effective on smoldering fire detection.
This is not reliable on fuel-burning appliances in your home unlike other brands with carbon monoxide detector.
Con Does not come with a combination voice alarm for distinct notification to user
Unlike other brand, this is not capable to notify and alarm using a recorded human voice.
Con Does not include a safety light which serves as a path guide during fire
Other more expensive brands have this helpful features. Safety lights guide people to the safe path during a fire.
Con May not be compatible with wiring in older homes
Wired type of setup usually is compatible with modern electrical system.
Con Less effective on rapid fire detection.
Con Misleading Alarm
Some buyers experience chirping and are unable to stop it.