X-Sense SC01-W Wireless Interlinked Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector review – Updated version!

REVIEW—From January to June 11, 2024 (Yep, this year, Gadgeteers), FEMA reported 1071 fire fatalities in the USA. I’m sorry to sound harsh; not having smoke and carbon monoxide detectors is reckless and stupid. If you don’t have them in your home, apartment, domicile, shack, barn, or shed, please get one like X-Sense’s updated SC01-W combination smoke and carbon monoxide detector as soon as possible. Don’t wait!

What is it?

The X-Sense SC01-W is a battery-operated device that provides audio and visual alerts if smoke or hazardous levels of carbon monoxide are present.

What’s included?

• Smoke and carbon monoxide detector with integrated 10-year battery
• Mounting plate, screws, and drywall anchors
• Carbon monoxide emergency adhesive labels
• User manual
• Service and warranty car

Tech specs

• 10-year sealed lithium battery
• Detection type:
  • Smoke: Photoelectric
  • Carbon Monoxide: Electrochemical
• Product lifespan: Ten years
• Safety standards: UL217 and UL2034
• Sensitivity:
  • 70 PPM for 60 to 240 minutes
  • 150 PPM for 10 to 50 minutes
  • 400 PPM for 4 to 15 minutes
• Operating temperature: 40 to 100°F (4.4 to 37.8°C)
• Operating humidity: 10 to 85% relative (non-condensing)
• Alarm loudness: ≥85dB at 10 feet (3 meters)
• Alarm frequency: 3.2 ± 0.3kHz pulsing tone
• Silence duration: ≥9 minutes
• Operating frequency: 915mHz
• Maximum number of interconnected units: 24 (only compatible with other X-Sense wireless alarms)
• Transmission range: Over 820 feet (250 meters) in open air

Design and features

I reviewed the X-Sense SC07-W, SC07-WX, XS03-WX, and XS01-WT, and Julian Perry reviewed the earlier version of the SC01. I’ve been pleased with them and have grown to trust X-Sense to protect my home and family. I currently have them diligently watching my own home, and I gave the SC07-W units to my daughter in South Carolina to watch over hers.

A three-pack of SC01-Ws arrived on my porch in familiar, recyclable packaging.

Packaging is secure.

The manual does an excellent job of providing instructions and descriptions.

Included are safety labels.

The housing is virtually identical to the older version of the SC01. Fear not—there isn’t a fault—the color of the LED bar cycles during the self-test.

The activation switch has three positions: “Off,” “On,” and “Deactivate.” Please don’t be tempted to try the “Deactivate” mode before the 10-year expiration date, or you will need to buy a new detector. Once deactivated, the SC01-W cannot be “reactivated.”  The battery should last ten years. After that, it’s time to get a new one.

When the detector is attached, a groove in the base automatically activates it. Like Julian, I agree that an alignment mark between the detector and the base would be advantageous.

There is a mark for “this side up,” but no corresponding indications on the base.

Each SC01-W has an indicator LED on its face that displays the unit status in different colors and flash patterns.

A backlit LCD screen provides information on carbon monoxide levels in PPM (Parts per million) and a battery level icon. As a safety bonus, knowing the difference between smoke and carbon monoxide emergencies at a glance is extremely valuable when seconds count. Underwriters Laboratories, the folks that certify products are safe, report that a staggering 86.2 million Americans have no means to detect carbon monoxide. Levels as low as 100 to 200 PPM cause a headache, fatigue, or nausea. Above 400, an elevated heart rate, drowsiness, and death after 3 hours of exposure. Levels above 800 can cause convulsions, organ failure, and death. Above 10,000 PPM, death occurs within minutes. It’s tragic, horrible, and easily preventable.

A single button controls all the operations of the SC01-W.

The functionality is virtually identical to the previous iteration, with one notable exception – wireless networking. Once activated, tapping the first unit’s button four times puts it in pairing mode. I beep sounds, and the LED flashes red slowly. On the second unit, tap the button twice. A beep will sound, the LED flashes rapidly, and it wirelessly scans for the other. When connected, both will beep and enter the normal standby mode. Repeat the process to add more, up to 24. I paired them with the SC07-W units. Very cool!

In my case, I needed to disconnect the new detectors to reconnect them to the network that was already in my house. To do this, tap the button four times, wait for the beep, and then press and hold the button again until there is another tone. Easy peasy.

One detector doesn’t cut it. Here in New York, the law states compulsory use of smoke detectors in every sleeping area, plus one more on each floor. With multiple detectors networked, all of them will sound if smoke or carbon monoxide is present. Fire is fast. The few seconds gained could be the difference between life and death.

At least one working carbon monoxide detector is mandatory. Still, if this deadly, colorless, odorless gas is present in an unprotected location like a garage or storage room, you can avoid tragedy by adding another one… or two… or five for a few bucks. Knowing every corner of my home is protected, and my family is safe gives me great peace of mind.

What I like about the X-Sense SC01-W Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detector

• 10-year maintenance-free battery
• Wireless connectivity triggers all units if one detects smoke or carbon monoxide.

What needs to be improved?

• Add orientation marks

Final thoughts

Having experienced a carbon monoxide emergency (described here), I’ve lost a lot of sleep thinking about “what if.” Preparation for carbon monoxide and smoke emergencies is the only solution. Please, dear Gadgeteers, do not hesitate. At the minimum, get one for each floor of your house now! I’ve been impressed with X-Sense’s products; they stand guard in almost every room of my house. With the addition of wireless connectivity, The SC01-W is an outstanding choice to protect your housemates. Thank you, X-Sense.

Price: $40.29 single pack, $115.99 three-pack, $229.99 six-pack
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: X-Sense provided a free sample for this review but did not provide input, guidance, or editing before it was published.