This basic battery-operated smoke alarm is powered by a 9-volt battery (included), providing continuous protection even during power outages. It includes a flashing red LED to indicate the alarm is receiving power as well as a test button to verify the unit’s electronic circuitry, horn, and battery functions are working properly. During a smoke incident, a piezo-electric horn (rated at 85 decibels at 10 feet) will sound in a repetitive manner–three beeps, a pause, three beeps, a pause. It also offers a low-battery warning and a tamper-resistant feature that deters removal of the unit from the wall or ceiling. It’s backed by a 10-year limited warranty.
The Kidde i9050 smoke alarm uses ionization sensing technology, which generally detects invisible fire particles (associated with flaming fires) sooner than photoelectric alarms. Photoelectric sensing alarms may detect visible particles (associated with smoldering fires) sooner than ionization alarms. Kidde recommends that both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms be installed to insure maximum detection.