Fire Alarm Compatibly

[kamyotte]

Hey Guys! I had a alarm company come in and install a system, witch they installed the Interlogix NX-8E System, They installed 2 of the the NX-6010 Smoke alarms, and i was going to look at getting a few more, but i don't want to pay the price they want(139.99 a piece) I was wondering what other ones you guys recommend that are relatively cheap but are good quality and wireless, Thanks guys!!

 

[RAL]

If you are going to add wireless smoke detectors, they need to be compatible with the GE/Interlogix wireless system. I think that pretty much limits you to the TX-6010.  You can buy these from various distributors for under $90.
 
But realize that you will need the installer code for your panel in order to be able to add them to the configuration.  Did the alarm company provide you with that?

 

[LarrylLix]

Why would you need so many smoke detectors?

 

[kamyotte]

Hey guys! Thanks for the reply, The alarm company said if i had them, they would program them for us for free. Also, we own a 4 floor house, and our sub pump caught on fire yesterday when no one was home, thankfully there was water running in to prevent a large fire, but we only have one alarm on the first floor and one on the second floor. Also, what are your thoughts on water detectors and CO detectors? Thanks!!

 

[RAL]

CO detectors are a good idea, especially if you heat your house with a combustible fuel.  They are required in new construction in some states (NY is one of them).
 
Water/flood detectors are also a good idea if you have a basement that might flood from time to time, or to detect leaks from water pipes or appliances like washing machines and dishwashers.

 

[kamyotte]

Hey RAL! Thanks, we have a CO detector thats just plugged into the wall, but not hooked up to the monitoring center, i want one that is because we have pets, and to be honest, we are gone a lot so we would like it. Also as i said above, the sub pump quick working, and with so much rain we've gotten, its been running all the time, what are the best kind you would recommend? Ive read online that sometimes just rain from outside would set it off. Id like them to be wireless if possible as wiring them would be EXTREMELY hard. Thanks a lot!! 

 

[RAL]

There is a GE/Interlogix wireless water sensor, the 60-744-95R (NX-695).  This should be compatible with your system's wireless receiver, which is most likely a NX-548E.  But best to check with your alarm installer to be sure.
 
I don't think you'll have any problems with just humidity triggering this sensor.  It has two metal contacts separated by a distance that need to be in contact with water in order to trigger it.  One thing to note though is that the installation instructions for this sensor say that if you do have a flood, it shouldn't be left in contact with water for more than 24 hours.
 
A couple of options for wired water sensors are the GRI 2600 or a Waterbug. The Waterbug is more of a standalone alarm, but can be wired into an alarm system.
 
A hybrid option would be to use a wired water sensor and connect it to a wireless contact that has external terminals, like the 60-362N-10-319.5.  But most of the wired water sensors need a power source. You could provide that with a wall wart if you have an outlet nearby.  Note that the Waterbug 350 runs on a battery, so wouldn't need a wall wart.