Abode Smoke Alarm Monitor

The Abode Smoke Alarm Monitor doesn't detect smoke itself. It listens to an existing smoke alarm. When it hears the standard smoke-alarm tone, it sends an encrypted signal to the Abode hub. The hub sounds its siren, sends notifications, and alerts the monitoring center if you have professional monitoring. It's a way to connect ordinary smoke alarms to Abode without replacing them.

At a glance

From Abode's product page and help center.

What the LED means

• Briefly on: sending a signal.
• Continuous quick flashing: alarm, it hears a smoke alarm.
• Flashing every 4 seconds: low battery.

It didn't react to the smoke alarm test

Check the distance: it must be within 5 inches. Then check the smoke alarm's pattern; a talking alarm or a CO alarm won't trigger it. Also confirm the monitor shows online in the Abode app.

False alarm

If a false alarm goes out, notify the monitoring service right away. Disarming resets the hub and silences its siren, unless the smoke alarm is still sounding.

Smoke alarm chirping

A single chirp is the smoke alarm's own low battery or end of life, not the monitor. See smoke detector chirping.

Which smoke alarms work

• Works: UL-listed residential smoke alarms made after 1999, which use the T3 pattern. Test yours: press its test button, and if it beeps three times in a repeating pattern, it should be compatible.
• May not work: talking alarms that announce "Fire!" instead of, or between, beeps.
• Doesn't work: carbon monoxide alarms. They use a different pattern (T4) that the monitor ignores.

Works with the Abode Smart Security Hub.

1. Insert the CR123A battery to power it on.
2. Start adding a device in the Abode app or web app, then press the monitor's button once to send the pairing signal.
3. Mount it within 5 inches of the smoke alarm, using the adhesive or screws.
4. Test: press the smoke alarm's test button and confirm the Abode system reacts. Put a monitored system on test with the monitoring company first. See putting your system on test.