Hey Guys,
Today we are replacing some old smoke and carbon monoxide detectors with new, interconnected ones from Nest. I’ll add them to the Nest app on my phone, give them a quick test and install them in my house. We’ll also look at a few of the app features and show you how it all works.
Why is interconnected important? Not only is it building code in some areas, it is one of the main reasons why I purchased these 4 Nest alarms. When one detector senses an alert, it will notify all the other detectors in other parts of the house and you’ll get a phone notification.
For example, when smoke is detected in the master bed room, that device will sound and tell you there is smoke and the other alarms will also sound and tell you where in the house what the issue is. Your mobile device will also let you know.
In addition to being WiFi connected to your home network and Internet, they also create their own internal network just in case they lose connectivity with the WiFi or Internet. This allows them to work and communication with each other at all times.
Next, I’m going to place labels on each detector to ensure I am setting up the correct detector in the app.
For my project today, I have 4 devices; 2 wired and 2 battery powered. I will be installing one here on my main floor (to replace an old model). One here on my upper floor and the battery operated ones in a couple of bedrooms.
Traditional smoke alarms look for large smoke particles (from slower burning fires) using an 880 nanometer infrared wavelength. In addition to the 880nm, this device carries the 450nm wavelength detection commonly found with fast burning fires.
You can learn more about their split spectrum sensor unique to Nest’s 2nd generation device here.
I’ll also add links to check these out on Amazon, where they are selling for $120US each, but you can save some money by purchasing them in a bundle of 3. Let’s check out the battery model first.
Google Nest Protect - Smoke Alarm - Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Detector - Battery Operated , White - S3000BWES
Next, I’m going to place labels on each detector to ensure I am setting up the correct detector in the app.
I have already gone through the process of downloading the Nest app and setting up a free account.
Nest does make it fairly simple to add each device to your account. Scan the QR code, give the detector a name, pull the battery contacts tab to wake up the device, connect it to your WiFi, and you’re done.
When adding the remaining devices, you’ll need to select a device that is already configured so that Nest can interconnect each device. Again, Nest does a great job of walking you though the setup steps.
All the detectors are added to my app. Let’s run the test before starting the physical install. This can be done through the app or by pressing a button on one device twice.
Several functions are tested here such as the smoke and CO sensors, WiFi, Speaker, Horn, Light ring and the Interconnectivity. This will be loud, so you might want to decrease your volume for a second.
On the main page, I have a yellow status. When I click the yellow it tells me the power is out in 2 room. That’s the 2 wired devices which are expected to be hard-wired to my home’s electricity. Let’s get them installed.
Alright guys, there you have it. I have upgraded my smoke and carbon monoxide detectors with brand new ones from Nest. I’m very happy with how easy they were to setup and install. I love the heads-up so my cats don’t freak out when alarms go off from me burning toast. The test feature is super easy to use and the voice notification doesn’t leave you guessing which device is alarming. Oh yeah, having all the alerts on your phone keeps me informed even if I am away from home. For me it was defiantly worth the upgrade and I highly recommend these for your own safety. Again, links are below and if you like this video, please give it a thumbs up and hit that subscribe button. Thanks for watching!