What You Will Need
- Ring Alarm Smoke & CO Listener
- Ring Alarm Base Station (already set up and online)
- Ring app (iOS or Android) with an active account
- Existing smoke detector and/or carbon monoxide detector (already installed in your home)
- Adhesive strip (included) or mounting screw (included)
Understanding the Smoke & CO Listener
The Ring Alarm Smoke & CO Listener is not a smoke or carbon monoxide detector itself. Instead, it listens for the alarm sound from your existing smoke and CO detectors. When it hears the alarm, it sends a notification to your phone through the Ring app and can trigger a professional monitoring response if you have a Ring Protect Pro subscription.
Step 1: Prepare the Listener
- Remove the Smoke & CO Listener from its packaging.
- Pull the plastic battery tab to activate the pre-installed CR123A battery.
- The LED will flash briefly, confirming the device is powered on.
Step 2: Add the Listener in the Ring App
- Open the Ring app and tap Set Up a Device.
- Select Security Devices, then choose Smoke & CO Listener.
- Follow the on-screen prompts. Press the pairing button on the listener when instructed.
- The Base Station will discover the listener via Z-Wave.
- Once paired, name the listener and assign it to a room.
Step 3: Place the Listener
The listener must be installed close enough to your existing smoke or CO detector to clearly hear its alarm sound. Follow these placement guidelines:
- Mount the listener within six inches to three feet of your existing smoke or CO detector.
- The listener can be placed on the ceiling or on a wall near the ceiling.
- Do not place it inside a cabinet or closet where the sound from your existing detector would be muffled.
- If you have multiple smoke detectors in your home, you will need one listener per detector or per group of interconnected detectors that alarm simultaneously.
Step 4: Mount the Listener
- Use the included adhesive strip for tool-free installation. Peel the backing, press the mounting bracket firmly against the ceiling or wall, and hold for 30 seconds.
- Alternatively, use the included mounting screw for a more permanent installation.
- Snap the listener onto the bracket.
Step 5: Test the Listener
- In the Ring app, navigate to Devices and select your Smoke & CO Listener.
- Press the test button on your existing smoke detector to trigger its alarm tone.
- The listener should detect the alarm and send a notification to your Ring app within a few seconds. The listener's LED will flash red.
- If the listener does not detect the alarm, move it closer to your smoke detector and test again.
Step 6: Configure Professional Monitoring
If you have a Ring Protect Pro subscription with professional monitoring, the Smoke & CO Listener can automatically dispatch fire or emergency services when it detects an alarm. In the Ring app:
- Navigate to your alarm system settings.
- Ensure Fire and CO monitoring is enabled.
- Verify your home address and emergency contact information are correct.
Tips for Best Performance
- The listener is designed to recognize the T3 alarm pattern (three beeps) for smoke and the T4 pattern (four beeps) for carbon monoxide, which are standard across UL-listed detectors.
- The battery typically lasts up to three years. Replace it when the Ring app notifies you.
- Test the listener at least once a month by pressing the test button on your smoke detector.
- The listener does not replace your existing smoke or CO detectors. It adds smart connectivity and remote notification to your current safety devices.
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