AIKO GS518 Smoke and Fire Alarm, Hardwired, Interconnect Photoelectric Sensor Smoke Alarm with Battery Backup and Smart Hush, Ul Listed, White (Pack of 2)

This alarm is a Siterwell model GS518, NOT "Aiko". Aiko is not a manufacturer of smoke alarms. We purchased these alarms to replace our existing, old, wired alarms. Wired means that the alarm receives 120 VAC current and thus it is mounted onto an electrical box just like a lighting fixture. The problem with the Siterwell design, is that its base plate is not designed to be installed readily onto an electrical box. The base plate is designed only for installation onto drywall. Thus I had to modify every single base plate (six altogether). The modification can easily be done with a Dremel and a drill, but it is a hassle. Do not trust the reviewers who write that this was an easy replacement installation, unless they mounted the alarm onto drywall (in which case I doubt the alarm was wired). Would an electrician have originally installed a wired alarm onto drywall and not onto an electrical box? I really don't know, but I doubt that he would.

These alarms are fantastic! It's nice to see a new name in the industry. I was impressed by the alarms for multiple reasons. For starters, they keep up to date with modern standards. Of course they are UL listed, but they also keep the battery cover on the under side of the device with a sprint to prevent anyone from trying to remove the battery and put the device back up with out it. In my testing, interconnect via the hardwired connection was fantastic and fast as well! Due to the fast activation of other devices, it allows for other occupants to be alerted of an emergency faster. Beyond that, the devices are easy to install, easy to test, and look great!It's nice to know that I have the extra peace of mind to know these will be here when I need them, and for the most part I won't notice them when I don't need them, which is exactly how a smoke alarm should work! Great, reliable devices!

When selling a house the fire dept has to make sure the alarms are all up to code. They also request now that fire alarms specifically be photoelectric. When they first walked in they said I failed already because because they never saw this brand and assumed it wasn't photoelectric. I had to replace 10 and at the last minute decided to put the empty box out of trash just in case. I then showed him the box and the brand. He asked if he could keep the box to make others aware of this brand at the next meeting. I passed since I did meet there requirements, but it would have been a lot smoother if they were aware of this brand ahead of time.

Installed both units. Wiring and design and simple and easy enough to use, but the mounts don't have predrilled holes if you want to use the mounting holes of an electrical box. They're designed and come with the hardware to mount the brackets directly the wall or ceiling. That meant I had to drill fresh holes to install the units into the electrical box.Once I was plugging them in, the connecting wire came out of the male end of the clip. I could fix it easily enough, but it's not clear whether it's making a good connection. When I tested both units, they both worked, but they don't seem to trigger the other one, so it appears as though the interconnection function is not working, or it doesn't work when you test individual alarms.

These are great replacements for the original hard wired detectors in my home. Not plug-n-play, so be sure you turn power off before converting.

The price is astonishing given that this is two units

Exactly what I was looking forEasy to installThe product will help keep us safe

Yes we did