After frustration with cloud-dependent smart devices, I specifically wanted local-control smoke/CO detectors. The First Alert Z-Wave alarms integrate with my Home Assistant setup without cloud dependency - safety-critical devices shouldn't rely on internet connectivity.
Design & Build
Standard round smoke detector appearance from a trusted safety brand. White plastic that matches ceilings. The First Alert name provides confidence in the safety device itself.
Slightly larger than basic detectors due to the Z-Wave radio and combination smoke/CO sensors. Still fits standard mounting plates.
Build quality is professional-grade. This is what you'd find in commercial installations.
Features
Combination photoelectric smoke and electrochemical CO detection. Both sensing technologies are proven and reliable.
Z-Wave Plus connectivity enables local integration with smart home hubs. No cloud dependency - all communication happens locally on your Z-Wave mesh.
Reports battery level, smoke status, CO status, and test status to your hub. Enables automations like turning on all lights when alarm triggers.
Interconnects with other First Alert alarms (wired interconnect, not wireless).
Works with SmartThings, Home Assistant, Hubitat, and other Z-Wave hubs.
Performance
Safety performance is what you'd expect from First Alert - reliable detection with minimal false alarms. The electrochemical CO sensor is the same technology used in professional installations.
Z-Wave communication is reliable. Status updates appear in Home Assistant within seconds. Alarm events trigger immediately.
Battery life (two AA batteries) is reasonable - expect 1-2 year replacement intervals depending on your Z-Wave network activity.
I've had zero issues with connectivity or missed events over six months.
Ease of Use
Physical installation is standard smoke detector mounting.
Z-Wave pairing requires your hub to be in inclusion mode while pressing the test button. Home Assistant recognized it with all features.
Creating automations (lights on when alarm triggers, send notification) requires some Home Assistant configuration but isn't difficult.
Value
Around $40-50 per detector. More than basic detectors, less than Nest Protect.
For safety-critical devices, local control without cloud dependency is worth paying for. Cloud outages shouldn't affect smoke detection.
The combination smoke/CO in one unit saves mounting multiple detectors.
Z-Wave standard means you're not locked into one vendor's ecosystem.
Pros
- True local Z-Wave control
- Combination smoke + CO detection
- First Alert safety brand
- No cloud dependency
- Works with major Z-Wave hubs
- Reports battery and status
- Enables safety automations
Cons
- Requires Z-Wave hub
- More expensive than basic detectors
- Battery-powered (needs replacement)
- No built-in interconnect (wired only)
- Setup requires hub configuration
Final Grade
The First Alert Z-Wave Smoke + CO Alarm is exactly what safety-critical smart devices should be: locally controlled, reliable, and from a trusted safety brand. Integration with Home Assistant enables genuinely useful automations - lights turning on during alarms, phone notifications, status monitoring. The lack of cloud dependency means your smoke detectors work even when your internet doesn't. For anyone building a serious smart home who values local control, this is the smoke/CO detector to buy.