First Alert CO615 Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Plug-In with Battery) Review

Review: 4/5
Optional Extension to Plug is Best Feature.
The best feature is the plug in design that lets you either plug directly into an outlet, or locate the unit further from the outlet with the extension & separate plug. The plug and extension wire is built into the back, but can be pulled out. The unit is a little bulky and I didn't want it seen in my living room or bedroom prominently in my wall outlets. So I rather run the plug to a hidden outlet and put it in a dresser or end table out of the way. However, it sits okay on a table, but I wish it came with a stand to help. It seems to expect you to mount it on a wall or outlet. But it looks just fine on a table to the side.
The manual has some useful unexpected information that is worth a read through. It talks to location considerations like not too near your kitchen, and not too near ceiling or corners due to dead space that might not get circulation of CO, or too near ceiling fans or vents in which CO might not reach the sensor, etc. It was worth a read compared to the usual boredom of manuals.
The construction seems fine to me. I didn't notice any trouble with the battery door. Just open it from the top, evenly, and focus on where the latch is near the middle of the door that you will see plainly as you open it and look in. The batteries fit very tightly in one of the two units I bought so will be a little more difficult to remove, but still okay. But don't consider this a batter operated unit. It only uses batteries as backup. The button to get the CO peak level over the last 24 hours doesn't seem very responsive, but always works after a few tries. It always shows 0 for me, but I don't think I should expect more if everything is fine.
Product Title: First Alert CO615 Carbon Monoxide Plug-In Alarm with Battery Backup and Digital Display
Model: CO615

[@robertball1205]

I'd never have figured out everything you explained. Thank you.

[@urielgarcia2411]

Thank you for the review. I just bought the same unit. Bought a defective unit from Kidde. Was returned to the store.

[@CharishThisLife]

I do wanna thank you because I didn’t know a few things you explained because of course I just plugged it up and didn’t read the instructions so again thanks

[@lindasnyder8252]

Thank you for showing this alarm!!!

[@maruquelcruz771]

Thanks for the review. Just bought 2 units. 👍👍

[@cinderellaz8927]

Great info. Thank you.

[@ford2M]

Tiger, thanks for your informative and easy to understand explanation.

[@paulamcbroom7341]

This video was very helpful. Thank you!

[@LunaReviews]

I have a CO410 battery powered Co alarm. Usually, everyday it detects CO. The amounts are 30-60

[@kingh2310]

Very helpful review

[@paulbonsell886]

How does it work properly if you put it in a drawer or end table? Seems to me it should be out in open.

[@zenombereznicki]

You are providing dangerous information
The unit has a CO level and thus should be placed where you can see if CO level is greater then 5 ppm ,aaaac

[@marcelajuarez9625]

Hellooooo too much talking no info of how it works! Ughh

[@carolbaechle688]

I read you are supposed to put it as high on the wall as possible.

[@michaelschmitt3421]

Wrong

[@TheHerennow1]

Heat and smoke rise, which is why we place smoke alarms high on the wall or ceiling. Carbon monoxide, however, mixes with the air. For this reason, it is preferable to install CO alarms at knee level - the approximate height of a sleeping person’s nose and mouth.

[@hughmason7621]

@@michaelschmitt3421 Sorry Michael but you're incorrect CO is a lighter gas than the common atmospheric gases so it tends to float upwards.

[@barefootinbeth]

Mine is chirping. Any ideas on how to make it stop

[@reviewsbytiger]

It might be telling you it has exceeded its life expectancy and should be replaced. I believe most or all CO detectors last 5-7 years, and will chirp to warn you that they have outlived their life span and may not detect accurately anymore.

[@mariannejohnston6910]

@@reviewsbytiger But how do you get it to stop chirping?

[@reviewsbytiger]

@@mariannejohnston6910 If it is 5-7+ years old, buy new one that hasn't exceeded its life expectancy that will not be warning you that it needs to be replaced. Then unplug and remove batteries from old one, and recycle the old one.
if it isn't 7+ years old, then maybe just change the backup batteries if it might be complaining that batteries are low? If batteries are OK and it is young enough, maybe reach out to the company for warranty support?

[@nevetsny1]

What is the typical shelf life? I guess I’ll replace it in 3 years or something.

[@jaxrules2892]

7 years

[@kcorbiekeli4816]

Do not buy this product unless you have a chain saw to get it open😡

[@zenombereznicki]

You are providing dangerous information
The unit has a CO level and thus should be placed where you can see if CO level is greater then 5 ppm ,aaaac

[@zenombereznicki]

You are providing dangerous information
The unit has a CO level and thus should be placed where you can see if CO level is greater then 5 ppm ,aaaac

[@zenombereznicki]

You are providing dangerous information
The unit has a CO level and thus should be placed where you can see if CO level is greater then 5 ppm ,aaaac