First Alert SA320CN

Bottom Line

The First Alert SA320CN is an easy-to-use, dual-sensor alarm providing maximum security. The combination of ionization and photoelectric sensors is designed to provide a more accurate and faster warning regardless of the type of fire. This smoke alarm earns good scores in professional reviews and positive feedback from most owners, although there are some complaints of malfunctioning low-battery indicators.

Performance

Dual sensors for complete security. The First Alert SA320CN is a dual-sensor smoke alarm, meaning it's equipped with both ionization and photoelectric sensors. Ionization sensors detect flame, but may miss smoke -- causing them to fail in the presence of smoldering fires. The alarm is rated at 85 decibels, loud enough for those without hearing loss to hear from adjacent rooms.

One owner who is a professional firefighter and paramedic had this to say in an Amazon.com review, "This particular item IS a dual sensor that is designed to alert you to smoldering, low-flame fires and high intensity/rapid flame fires. This detector will protect you 100% from fire-related death/injury if used properly and placed correctly in your home."

Another owner posting a review at the site says she purchased the First Alert SA320CN to replace a Kidde smoke alarm that had failed to function when her house filled with smoke. After testing the First Alert SA320CN, using a contained fire in a metal canister, she reports, "The First Alert alarmed as expected … the little 'test' button on the Kidde detector always worked, but that didn't assure that it would work in an emergency."

Ease Of Use

Easy test and silence feature. A previous version of the First Alert SA320CN, the First Alert SA320, contained a feature enabling the testing and silencing of the alarm using a TV remote control. However, the new version of this product, the First Alert SA320CN, does not. Older reviews complain of false alarms, caused in part by the use of other remote controls nearby. There have been fewer complaints among owner reviews of false alarms since this change.

That said, some owners appreciated the convenience of testing and silencing the alarm with a remote control. We did read a few complaints that the TV remote silence feature is no longer offered with this model. However, the majority of Amazon reviewers don't seem to mind the need to press a button on the unit itself to test or silence the alarm.

Durability

Goes through batteries quickly. Owners posting reviews to Amazon.com say the First Alert SA320CN is durable overall. However, we did read a few complaints from users who say they've had faulty models which continuously drain batteries or display a false low battery reading, increasing the frequency of costly battery replacements. The First Alert SA320CN is backed by a limited, 10-year warranty.