Kidde RF-SM-DC

Bottom Line

If you're looking for an interconnected, ionization-sensor smoke alarm system, the Kidde RF-SM-DC won't disappoint. In the case of a single hazard, this battery-powered, wireless alarm system will provide faster notification to all areas of the home in which an alarm is installed. If you want the added protection of a photoelectric sensor, consider a dual-sensor alarm such as the highly rated First Alert SA320CN (*Est. $25) .

Performance

Flawless communication. The Kidde RF-SM-DC isn't included in professional tests, but the majority of owner-written reviews are highly positive. We found more than 100 owner-written reviews between Amazon.com, Lowes.com and HomeDepot.com, and this ionization smoke alarm maintains high average ratings across all sites.

Owners appreciate the interconnectivity, wireless communication to any number of other battery-powered alarms; meaning that when one alarm goes off, the remaining alarms will also sound. This wireless system provides adequate notification to other areas of the home increasing the odds that everyone can get out safely. Owners report that the Kidde RF-SM-DC performs flawlessly in tests, communicating to the remaining units accurately.

One owner review at Lowes.com says, "I bought several of these because it is impossible to hear a stand-alone alarm in my basement when I'm asleep in my bedroom and wired alarms were a very expensive option. I've slowly increased the number and have replaced all the stand-alone alarms in my house."

However, there are some general concerns about ionization sensors; namely, that they don't detect slow, smoldering fires as well as a photoelectric sensor. A few owners say they wish it were possible to connect a few photoelectric sensors to the same system for better protection against all types of smoke and fire threats.

Ease Of Use

Easy installation. Owners posting reviews to sites like Amazon and HomeDepot.com overwhelmingly agree that the Kidde RF-SM-DC is easy to install, especially for homes in which rewiring isn't possible. Programming is as simple as inputting a few numbers across each unit you're placing in your home.

While complaints are few, we did find one review from an owner stating that the radio frequency of this smoke alarm interfered with his home's security system. When the smoke alarms went off, they actually disabled his home security system.

One owner posting feedback to HomeDepot.com says, "I bought a total of 4 of these smoke alarms: 2 for my home, and 2 for the in-law's. They were very easy to install. The instructions were not only easy to follow, but also informative and well explained. The units came with batteries, and after I set the codes, the tests went off as needed (both sounded simultaneously). I LOVE this feature."

Users appreciate the ability to silence a false alarm across all units by pressing the silence button on a single unit.

Durability

Ten-year warranty ensures long life. We didn't find much feedback on the long-term durability of the Kidde RF-SM-DC, but most users are pleased with the accuracy of communication between multiple devices in the home. Several owners say this system performs flawlessly each time its tested, signaling all alarms in the home regardless of which unit is being tested.