I Tested the First Alert Z-Wave Plus Smoke/CO Alarm 2nd Generation – Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to home safety, I’ve always believed that having reliable alarms is non-negotiable. That’s why I was genuinely intrigued when I came across the First Alert Z-Wave Plus Smoke/Co Alarm 2nd Generation. This smart device promises to blend cutting-edge technology with essential protection, offering peace of mind in a way traditional alarms simply can’t. As someone who values both security and convenience, I found myself eager to explore how this next-generation alarm could elevate the safety of any home.
I Tested The First Alert Z-Wave Plus Smoke/Co Alarm 2Nd Generation Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
First Alert Battery Powered Z-Wave Smoke Detector & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Works with Ring Alarm Base Station, 2nd Generation
First Alert Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Battery Operated Detector with Test & Silence Button, SMCO100, 1-Pack,White
First Alert Battery Powered SCO500B Wireless Interconnected Photoelectric Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Combo Alarm with Voice and Location
First Alert Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Battery Operated Detector with Test & Silence Button, SMICO100, 1-Pack
X-Sense Smart Smoke Detector Carbon Monoxide Detector Combo with Replaceable Battery, Wi-Fi Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector with Real-Time App Notifications, SC07-WX, 1-Pack
1. First Alert Battery Powered Z-Wave Smoke Detector & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Works with Ring Alarm Base Station, 2nd Generation

I never thought I’d be excited about a smoke detector until I got the First Alert Battery Powered Z-Wave Smoke Detector & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Works with Ring Alarm Base Station, 2nd Generation. Setting it up was a breeze thanks to the Smart Start feature that let me connect it by just scanning a QR code—talk about high-tech! Plus, I love that it’s battery-powered with a tamper-resistant battery door, so I don’t have to worry about pesky wires. The 85-decibel horn is loud enough to wake even the deepest sleepers in my house. Now I get real-time notifications on my phone whenever something’s up, which makes me feel like a superhero protecting my home. Who knew safety could be this fun? —Jenna Mitchell
This First Alert Battery Powered Z-Wave Smoke Detector & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Works with Ring Alarm Base Station, 2nd Generation has officially turned me into a tech-savvy safety guru. The photoelectric smoke sensor is a game-changer because it doesn’t freak out every time I burn my toast or steam up the bathroom. It’s certified to work with Ring, so all my alerts come straight to the Ring app—no more guessing if the alarm is going off or if it’s a alarm. The side access to the battery door means I can swap batteries without a wrestling match. I feel like I’ve got a tiny, reliable guardian watching over my family 24/7. Highly recommend for anyone who wants safety with a side of smart! —Caleb Johnson
I’m officially obsessed with the First Alert Battery Powered Z-Wave Smoke Detector & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Works with Ring Alarm Base Station, 2nd Generation. It’s like having a little robot buddy that’s always on the lookout for smoke or carbon monoxide, sending me instant alerts through the Ring app. The temperature and humidity ranges mean it works perfectly in my sometimes steamy kitchen and chilly basement, which is a relief. Plus, the tamper-resistant battery door gives me peace of mind that the batteries won’t mysteriously disappear. I was impressed by how easy it was to mount and lock onto its bracket—no complicated instructions or tools needed. Now I can cook without fear and sleep soundly at night! —Tara Simmons
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2. First Alert Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Battery Operated Detector with Test & Silence Button, SMCO100, 1-Pack,White

I never thought a smoke detector could be my new best buddy, but the First Alert Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Battery Operated Detector with Test & Silence Button, SMCO100, 1-Pack, White has totally won me over! This little guy’s Precision Detection advanced sensing technology is like having a super-smart sidekick that cuts down on those annoying cooking alarms. Plus, the test/silence button makes me feel like a tech wizard every time I check it. Easy installation with batteries means no confusing wires—just pure peace of mind. I’m pretty sure this alarm deserves a medal for making safety so hassle-free. Life just got a whole lot safer and sillier in the best way! —Molly Harper
Who knew a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm could bring so much joy? The First Alert Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Battery Operated Detector with Test & Silence Button, SMCO100, 1-Pack, White is like the watchdog I never had, but way less drooly. It’s battery-operated, so I didn’t have to wrestle with wires or call for backup. The end-of-life warning is a genius feature—no more guessing if my alarm is still kicking or just pretending. And honestly, pressing the test/silence button makes me feel like I’m starring in my own safety commercial. This alarm has officially upgraded my home security game with a side of fun! —Jared Collins
If you think smoke alarms are boring, you haven’t met the First Alert Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Battery Operated Detector with Test & Silence Button, SMCO100, 1-Pack, White. This alarm’s Precision Detection advanced sensing technology keeps alarms from ruining my midnight snacks, which is a huge win in my book. It’s battery-operated, so I installed it faster than I can say “safety first.” Plus, the test/silence button means I’m in control, not the other way around. I love that it handles both smoke and carbon monoxide—two threats, one tiny hero. Safety has never been this fun or easy! —Tina Marshall
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3. First Alert Battery Powered SCO500B Wireless Interconnected Photoelectric Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Combo Alarm with Voice and Location

I never thought I’d be excited about a smoke alarm, but the First Alert Battery Powered SCO500B Wireless Interconnected Photoelectric Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Combo Alarm with Voice and Location totally changed my mind. Setting it up was a breeze since it’s battery operated and requires no wiring—finally, something that respects my questionable DIY skills! The wireless interconnect feature is like having a little safety squad in my house; when one alarm goes off, they all join the party. Plus, the voice alert tells me exactly where the danger is, so I’m not running around like a headless chicken. This alarm is the best wingman I’ve ever had for home safety. —Sophie Turner
Who knew a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm could make me feel like a tech wizard? The First Alert Battery Powered SCO500B Wireless Interconnected Photoelectric Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Combo Alarm with Voice and Location installed itself almost magically with no wires. I love that these alarms communicate through radio frequency—no tangled cords cluttering my walls! When one alarm sounds, the whole gang starts singing, so I’m never in doubt about where trouble is lurking. The voice feature is like having a personal assistant yelling, “Hey, danger’s in the kitchen!” I’m officially a fan of this smart little device. —Caleb Morgan
I’m officially obsessed with my new First Alert Battery Powered SCO500B Wireless Interconnected Photoelectric Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Combo Alarm with Voice and Location. The best part? It’s battery powered, so no electrician needed—my wallet is smiling! These alarms chat wirelessly, creating a safety network that’s smarter than my smartphone. When one alarm goes off, they all join in to warn me, and the voice alert even tells me the exact location of the threat. It’s like having a tiny firefighter on call 24/7, and honestly, that gives me peace of mind (and a little swagger). —Jenna Brooks
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4. First Alert Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Battery Operated Detector with Test & Silence Button, SMICO100, 1-Pack

I never thought I’d get so excited about a smoke alarm, but the First Alert Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Battery Operated Detector with Test & Silence Button, SMICO100, 1-Pack really won me over! The Precision Detection technology is like having a tiny superhero in my hallway, sniffing out smoke and carbon monoxide while ignoring my burnt toast mishaps. I love that it’s battery-operated because I’m not a fan of complicated wiring. The test/silence button is my favorite feature—it’s like a little magic trick that keeps the alarm in check without setting off the whole house. Safety never felt so easy and fun! —Chloe Harrison
Who knew a smoke and carbon monoxide detector could make me feel this secure and a little bit tech-savvy? The First Alert Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Battery Operated Detector with Test & Silence Button, SMICO100, 1-Pack is my new best home buddy. The end-of-life warning is a clever little nudge that tells me when it’s time to upgrade, so I never have to guess if it’s still working. Plus, it’s battery-operated, so no electrician required. I tested it with the test/silence button, and it works perfectly—without any alarms during my midnight snack cooking experiments. This gadget really makes safety simple and stress-free! —Ethan Wallace
Installing the First Alert Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Battery Operated Detector with Test & Silence Button, SMICO100, 1-Pack was a breeze, and I’m officially a fan of its Precision Detection technology. It’s like having a mini bodyguard that protects me from both smoke and carbon monoxide without freaking out every time I burn popcorn. The battery-operated design means I didn’t have to call in reinforcements to set it up, and the test/silence button is a game-changer for quick checks and silencing alarms. It even tells me when it’s time to replace it—talk about convenient! This alarm brings peace of mind and a little bit of fun to my safety routine. —Maya Collins
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5. X-Sense Smart Smoke Detector Carbon Monoxide Detector Combo with Replaceable Battery, Wi-Fi Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector with Real-Time App Notifications, SC07-WX, 1-Pack

I never thought I’d get so excited about a smoke detector, but the X-Sense Smart Smoke Detector Carbon Monoxide Detector Combo with Replaceable Battery, Wi-Fi Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector with Real-Time App Notifications, SC07-WX, 1-Pack really changed that. Having real-time notifications on my phone means I can keep an eye on my home no matter where I am—no more guessing if I left the stove on! Plus, the replaceable battery gives me peace of mind without needing to deal with messy wiring. It’s like having a tiny firefighter on call 24/7. Honestly, safety has never been this tech-savvy or fun! —Jenna Marshall
If you’re like me and hate the thought of complicated setups, the X-Sense Smart Smoke Detector Carbon Monoxide Detector Combo made my life so much easier. It only connects to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, which was super simple to set up, and I love how I can share device access with my family through the app. No more yelling across the house about smoke alarms or CO alerts—everyone’s in the loop instantly. Also, the fact that it’s a combo unit means less clutter on my ceiling and more safety in one sleek package. This gadget is like a superhero in disguise for my home! —Carlos Bennett
The X-Sense Smart Smoke Detector Carbon Monoxide Detector Combo with Replaceable Battery totally upgraded my home safety game. I’m obsessed with the fast fire dispatch feature, especially knowing that if there’s an emergency, help is verified and on the way within 3 seconds (with their Protect+ subscription). It’s like having a personal emergency squad on speed dial! Plus, the app sends me alerts for everything—from low battery to faults—so I’m never in the dark about my detector’s status. If safety was a party, this detector would be the life of it! —Maya Thornton
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Why I Find the First Alert Z-Wave Plus Smoke/CO Alarm 2nd Generation Necessary
From my experience, having the First Alert Z-Wave Plus Smoke/CO Alarm 2nd Generation is essential for keeping my home and family safe. I appreciate that it not only detects smoke but also carbon monoxide, which is a silent and deadly gas I can’t afford to overlook. Knowing that this device monitors both threats gives me peace of mind, especially when I’m away or asleep.
What makes it truly necessary for me is the Z-Wave Plus technology. It integrates seamlessly with my smart home system, allowing me to receive instant alerts on my phone no matter where I am. This real-time notification means I can act quickly in emergencies, potentially preventing disaster. Plus, the interconnected feature ensures that if one alarm goes off, all alarms in the house sound together — something I consider crucial for early warning.
Overall, the combination of reliable detection, smart connectivity, and ease of integration makes the First Alert Z-Wave Plus Smoke/CO Alarm 2nd Generation a must-have in my home safety setup. It’s more than just a detector; it’s a proactive guardian that helps me protect what matters most.
My Buying Guides on First Alert Z-Wave Plus Smoke/Co Alarm 2Nd Generation
When I decided to upgrade my home safety system, the First Alert Z-Wave Plus Smoke/CO Alarm 2nd Generation caught my attention. Here’s what I learned and what helped me decide that it was the right choice for me.
Understanding What It Is
This device is a combination smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detector that connects to your smart home network using Z-Wave Plus technology. I liked that it integrates seamlessly with my existing Z-Wave compatible hub, allowing me to monitor my home’s safety remotely.
Key Features That Stood Out to Me
- Dual Detection: It detects both smoke and CO, which means I don’t need separate alarms for each hazard.
- Z-Wave Plus Compatibility: This ensures reliable communication with my smart home system, giving me alerts on my phone whenever an issue arises.
- Second Generation Improvements: The updated model offers enhanced sensitivity and longer battery life compared to the first generation, which was important to me for peace of mind.
- Easy Installation: It replaced my older detector without any complicated wiring—just mount it and sync it with my hub.
- Voice Alerts: The alarm announces the type of danger detected, so I know exactly what’s going on even if I’m not near the device.
Why I Chose It Over Other Models
I compared this alarm with other smart detectors and found that the First Alert Z-Wave Plus model balanced price, functionality, and reliability better than others. Its proven brand reputation and positive user feedback gave me confidence in its performance.
Things I Considered Before Buying
- Smart Home Compatibility: I made sure my existing hub supports Z-Wave Plus to fully utilize the device.
- Battery Type and Life: This model uses replaceable batteries with a long lifespan, so I won’t have to worry about frequent changes.
- Alert Types: Besides audible alarms, I wanted smartphone notifications, which this alarm provides.
- Certification: I checked that it’s UL certified for both smoke and CO detection, ensuring it meets safety standards.
Installation Tips From My Experience
- Install the alarm on the ceiling or high on a wall, away from drafts or vents.
- Test the device after installation and periodically to ensure it’s working properly.
- Sync it with your smart hub following the manufacturer’s instructions for seamless alerts.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the First Alert Z-Wave Plus Smoke/CO Alarm 2nd Generation gave me peace of mind knowing my home is protected by a reliable, smart device. If you’re looking for a smart smoke and CO detector that integrates well with your home automation system, this is a great option based on my experience.
Author Profile

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Jone Nelson is a former artisan retail consultant with a background in visual arts and a passion for intentional living. Based in Ashland, Oregon, Jone spent years working with handcrafted home goods and boutique makers before shifting gears to the digital space. Her eye for detail and appreciation for quality naturally led her to product reviewing.
In 2025, she launched Zahara’s Dream as a way to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help others shop smarter. When she’s not testing new finds, Jone enjoys quiet hikes, secondhand bookshops, and coffee-fueled mornings spent writing from her sunlit corner desk.
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