I have expiring 2GIG CO Alarms that are pretty costly to replace ($90 for each). I’m looking at the combo First Alert Z-Wave CO/Smoke Alarms. Would these work with a 2GIG GC3 panel? Or should I just go with standalone CO alarm replacements at this point?
Hi, unfortunately Z-wave sensors do not work with the system. Those Z-wave smoke/CO detectors are not compatible.
Z-wave is only supported for automation devices like lights, locks, thermostats, valves, etc.
Sensors must be 345 Mhz Honeywell/2GIG.
There actually is a combo option now from Honeywell though that is compatible with 2GIG panels. Look for the Honeywell 5800COMBO.
Thanks for the reply, Jason.
The 5800COMBO (at $150/piece) are not economical for a house with 10 SD and 5 CO’s especially with life limits on the devices. I’m hoping for an economical replacement while future proofing somewhat.
I wonder if there’s a bridge between a Z-Wave hub and the 2GIG GC3.
I wonder if there’s a bridge between a Z-Wave hub and the 2GIG GC3.
There is no Z-wave to 345Mhz bridge that I am aware of. Sensors would need to be 345Mhz. Unfortunately those Z-wave Smoke detectors would not be compatible.
Are your smoke detectors hardwired or wireless?
Any interconnected smoke/co combo detectors that announce via the standard temporal 3 pattern siren could be used with a single 2GIG Firefighter. I’m not sure if there are any wireless combos that can function as interconnected (when one sounds they all do), but that may be a more economical option.
I’m not sure all the reasons that the alarm panels do not use Z-wave sensors, at least until somewhat recently Z-wave was not UL listed for security, but there are reasons not to use it in general for that application. Z-wave is powerful when the system is built out purposefully, but there are serious limitations that the security RF protocols don’t have. Battery operated Z-wave devices frankly lack the necessary range and reliability without assistance from repeating Z-wave nodes like light switches.
I appreciate the feedback.
I’ve seen the FireFighter add-on but my 2GIG-SMKT3’s are still good for another 5 years. Just worried about my 2GIG-CO3’s as they’re end of life in October. It looks like I’ll be going over to the FirstAlert combo’s for now.
Is the 5800Combo (if you can find and afford them) still the top of the line for smoke/heat/CO detectors or is there an upgrade available?
The 5800 Combo is the only 2GIG compatible combination option I am aware of, aside from the Firefighter along with AC interconnected combo units.
Thanks, Jason.
While it has generally been out of stock for a year now, Honeywell recently confirmed to a distributor that the 5800Combo has no ETA. It is basically unobtainable. Is there still no smoke/heat/CO detector alternative to the 5800Combo? Failing that, what do y’all think is the best smoke/heat detector available to work with 2gig GC3?
The 5800 Combo is the only 2GIG compatible combination option I am aware of, aside from the Firefighter along with AC interconnected combo units.
The SMKT8 is the recommended smoke/heat detector.
Thanks, Jason