When comparing Nest Protect 2nd Generation vs BRK 7020B Photoelectric, the Slant community recommends BRK 7020B Photoelectric for most people. In the question“What are the best smart smoke alarms?” BRK 7020B Photoelectric is ranked 2nd while Nest Protect 2nd Generation is ranked 3rd. The most important reason people chose BRK 7020B Photoelectric is:
Compare to other brands this offer safety light technology feature which guides people to the safe path during a fire.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Has voice alert feature which is useful for early fire prevention
When a problem is first detected, it uses a human voice to alert you of the problem. So if your toast is burning in the toaster, you’ll get a pleasant notification to deal with the problem.
Pro Loud alarm of up to 85 dB
Pro Smart alarm system
Wi-Fi connection allows detector to alert you when there is a low battery or alarm is triggered.
Pro Easy installation
An installation video can be found on their website.
Pro Self check itself routinely to notify the user of possible issues
This is one great feature of Nest Protect which other brands do not have, it checks its sensors over 400 times per day and reports any problems it finds to you through the free Nest app on your smartphone.
Pro Devices are interconnected wirelessly thus eliminate the use of electrical wiring setup
Nest Protects are interconnected wirelessly and will work even without Wi-Fi in your home, since it operates on a different wireless protocol to connect all of your Nest Protects. This is relatively useful if you are using a house without proper electrical system setup.
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 Shorter warranty coverage compared to others
Has only a 2 year warranty, compared to 10 yrs offered by other manufacturers.
Con Range limitation of 15m for device interconnection otherwise additional Nest Protect must be installed
You must install an additional Nest Protect device, if the area is no longer within scope of 50ft.
Can only be used indoors and can’t communicate or interconnect with smoke or carbon monoxide alarms from other manufacturers.
Con Power-hungry
Requires six long-life Lithium AA batteries than others. This is a bit more requirement than hardwired type which needs maximum of 3 AA batt only.
Con Relatively expensive
Cost is considerably higher than a vast majority of detectors on the market.
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.