Smoke Alarms - Red vs. Emerald (vs. Other)?

Finner on 03/10/2025 - 07:59

I'm looking for advice/recommendations for a reliable smoke alarm - Red have come up a lot with positive reviews, though when trying to find some locally in Melbourne, one store suggested Emerald instead (Emerald are possibly owned by Red, from what I've heard too).

Emerald seem popular here, though with a little mixed review.

I only need 1 battery operated device (1 bedroom apartment, old double brick/concrete), but still want something reliable that won't go off with the toast or false alarm at 3am. I'm considering the RF buttons as well for convenience as the ceiling is somewhat high. Positioning may also be playing a factor in false alarms, as it's currently in a hallway between the kitchen and bathroom doors.

I'm also tossing up whether to get a 9v option where I can just pull the battery if it plays up, or go for the 10yr option.
Emerald also have a hybrid (10yr battery or 240v) option with mesh that might be helpful keeping bugs out.

Thanks!

Home & Garden Smoke Alarm

Comments

  • Cobber870 on 03/10/2025 - 10:52

    I recently installed the sealed 10yr battery RED ones. Don't have to run power so you can put them anywhere. Personally I would rather that than have to change a 9v battery every so often. Have only had them installed for 3 months so can't comment on longevity. The wholesaler I purchased from recommended them over more expensive ones.

    • Finner on 03/10/2025 - 23:26

      That's helpful to know that they were recommended over the more expensive ones - which can certainly get expensive! Red sound like a good and reliable middle ground.

      • Dr Phil on 05/10/2025 - 14:18

        "that won't go off with the toast "

        Dont intsall it in or near the kitchen

        At 3am it wont be a false alarm OP!

  • j1nk0r on 03/10/2025 - 12:12

    I bought 3x Red R10RF smoke alarms and 1x RHA10RF heat alarm (for the kitchen) last July and they were all easy to set up and interconnect. No false alarms either. Very happy with them, and I'll probably just stick with them in future. I can reach my master unit so I didn't need the controller, but I imagine it's just as easy to interconnect as everything else. Bought from Sparky Direct.

    • Finner on 03/10/2025 - 23:29

      Sounds like Red are the way to go. If they're reliable and don't false alarm, you shouldn't really need a controller, I guess it's just bad past experience that makes me tempted to have an easier to access way of hushing them. The ceiling is high enough that it can be tricky trying to push a small button with the broom stick! Sparky Direct look to have good prices, thanks for the recommendation.

  • JimB on 03/10/2025 - 15:21
    +2

    Can comment on Red vs Emerald but you'd be crazy to get the regular 9v battery over the 10 year lithium.

    Who can be bothered to change the battery every year or 2?

    I was going to purchase the RED lithium at my investment property (due to good reviews) but couldn't wait for delivery so got some 10 year FirePro ones from Bunnings. I didn't realise until afterwards the reviews on FirePro are pretty terrible (false alarms and short battery life).

    Tenants haven't complained so far but for sure, I'll ask for a refund in year 8 if the battery runs low- kept the receipt for tax.

  • krisp on 03/10/2025 - 21:01

    Anything reliable that can connect with Home Assistant?

  • Jamie newcastle on 04/10/2025 - 08:16
    +1

    The R9 (9v) is $10 from Sparky Direct but the R10 (10yr lithium batt) is $30. I’d probably change the 9v battery every 2 years. So if I can get 5 x 9v batteries for under $20 then I’ll do that. Changing them is a piece of piss so that doesn’t bother me

    • Finner on 04/10/2025 - 11:42

      Agree, changing batteries don't bother me, especially if it means I can shut it up if it fails.

      Trouble with Sparky Direct is the postage costs more than the product..! I'm hoping to find somewhere in Melb that sells them.

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