The Abode Smoke Alarm Monitor works alongside your existing smoke detectors. It doesn't detect smoke itself. Instead, it listens for the T-3 alarm tone produced by UL-listed residential smoke detectors manufactured after 1999, and when it hears it, it wirelessly signals your Abode Hub to trigger your system alarm and notify your monitoring center if applicable.
! | NOTE The Smoke Alarm Monitor detects sound patterns only. It does not directly detect smoke, heat, or fire. Always maintain your existing smoke detectors according to manufacturer guidelines. |
Before you start
• Your existing smoke detector must be UL-listed and manufactured after 1999
• It must produce the standard T-3 tone (three beeps, half-second pauses). Most residential detectors do
• Talking alarm sensors may NOT produce the T-3 tone and may not be compatible
• CO (carbon monoxide) detectors use a T-4 pattern and are NOT compatible with this monitor
✓ | TIP Test your smoke detector first. If it produces three short beeps in a repeating pattern when you press the Test button, it's likely compatible. |
Parts overview
Part | What it does |
1. Red LED Indicator | Briefly on = transmitting; rapid flash = alarming; flashes every 4 seconds = low battery |
2. Microphone | Listens for the T-3 alarm tone from your smoke detector |
3. Pairing Button | Press once to send a pairing signal to the Hub. Must be in pairing mode first |
4. Battery Compartment | Houses the 3V CR123A Lithium battery |
5. Wall Mounting Knockouts | Breakout points for screw mounting on wall or ceiling |
Pairing your Smoke Alarm Monitor
1. Remove the back cover by loosening the screw, then insert the battery to power on the device.
2. Open the Abode app, navigate to the Devices tab, and tap "+ Add Device".
3. Select "Environmental Sensors", then "Smoke Alarm Monitor". Your Hub is now in Pairing Mode.
4. Press the Pairing button once inside the device to transmit the pairing code.
5. Within a few seconds, "Smoke Sensor" will appear in the app. Tap Add.
6. Follow the wizard to complete setup. Your Smoke Alarm Monitor will show as Online when done.
Installing your Smoke Alarm Monitor
Mount the Smoke Alarm Monitor within 5 inches of your smoke detector, on the ceiling or wall. The closer the better for reliable tone detection.
Mounting with adhesive tape
1. Clean both the device back cover and the mounting surface with a damp cloth. Let dry fully.
2. Apply the included double-sided tape to the back cover.
3. Press firmly onto the mounting surface for 30 seconds.
! | NOTE Do not use adhesive mounting on uneven surfaces or surfaces with cracking or flaking paint. |
Mounting with screws
1. Drill through the screw hole knockouts on the back cover and use them as a template to mark your wall or ceiling.
2. Drill holes at the marked positions. Insert wall plugs if mounting in drywall, plaster, or brick.
3. Screw the back cover into position, then snap the main body back onto the cover.
Testing your Smoke Alarm Monitor
After installation, test the monitor to confirm it's working correctly.
1. Ensure the Smoke Alarm Monitor is mounted within 5 inches of your smoke detector.
2. Trigger the smoke detector alarm and let it sound for at least 60 seconds.
3. Check the Abode app, you should receive a notification and see the alarm reflected in the app.
✓ | TIP Many smoke detectors produce the full T-3 tone cycle only when the Test button is held down, not just tapped. If a quick press doesn't trigger the monitor, try holding the Test button. |
How alarm detection and restore works
When the Smoke Alarm Monitor detects the T-3 tone, it immediately sends an alarm signal to your Hub. Here's what happens next:
• When the smoke detector alarm stops, the monitor waits 12 seconds
• If the alarm sounds again within 12 seconds, the monitor takes no additional action
• If no alarm sounds for 12 seconds, the monitor waits a further 160 seconds
• If no alarm sounds in that 160 seconds, a restore signal is sent to the Hub
• If the alarm resumes after the 12-second window, the monitor sends a new alarm signal
Multiple smoke detectors
You may not need a monitor on every detector. If your smoke detectors are interconnected, meaning triggering one sounds all of them, a single Smoke Alarm Monitor placed near any one detector is enough to cover your entire home.
If your detectors are not interconnected, place one Smoke Alarm Monitor next to each detector you want to monitor.
Battery
The Smoke Alarm Monitor uses a 3V CR123A Lithium battery. When the battery is low:
• A notification will be sent to your Hub and appear in the app
• The red LED will flash every 4 seconds
• When the battery is exhausted, the device will stop functioning
Replacing the battery
1. Remove the old battery.
2. Press the Pairing button a couple of times to fully discharge any remaining voltage.
3. Insert the new CR123A battery.
Technical specifications
Specification | Detail |
Dimensions | 3 × 3 × 1 inches |
Battery | CR123A 3V Lithium (replaceable) |
Compatible detectors | UL-listed residential smoke detectors (post-1999) with T-3 tone |
Mounting | Adhesive tape or screw (hardware included) |
Signal | AbodeRF wireless to Hub |
! | NOTE Abode Systems is not responsible for periodic testing or maintenance of smoke alarms, fire detectors, or smoke alarm monitoring equipment, or for fines incurred from false alarms or related fire alarm permitting issues. |