Universal Security Instruments 1204 Wire-In Smoke Alarm with Battery Backup (6 Pack)

Needed to replace USI 1208 smoke detectors installed ten years ago (end of ten-year service life). Emailed USI to find out if there was a newer model that used the same mounting plate and electrical connector, to make replacement easy. A USI customer service rep replied same day (how often does that happen any more) and guided me to the newer model 1204. I just finished installing five 1204s, and the job was super simple because the new detectors fit perfectly in the existing mounting plates and used the existing connectors. Slick. Didn't have any false alarms with the older 1208s, so hoping for similar reliability with the 1204s. As to whether they work when there's a real fire, I hope I never find out (the detectors have a UL certification, so I'm trusting UL to have tested them thoroughly).There are a few questions above the reviews asking about dates. The manufacturing dates of the six detectors I received were just three months before I received the order, so they were quite fresh from the factory. That's important, since it means I'll get almost the full 10 years before they reach their end of service date. I appreciate that this Amazon vendor (Century_Six) is selling fresh merchandise

Had a local house fire. Tested all of my smoke detectors that were original to the house. They were now over 15 years old. Found one wasn’t working in my daughters room. Ordered these immediately. They were the perfect update and replacement. I switched out all of the baseplates and alarms in about 30-40 minutes (7 alarms). Takes limited skills or wiring knowledge. Love having the peace of mind that comes with having them all replaced. 1 week in. They are working perfectly. No chirping or issues.

I bought the exact same ones that were installed in my house 14 years ago. I had to look and search closely, because the model number had slightly changed. The ones that came with my house when I bought the house new and the smoke alarms were hardwired (connected to each other by wires that fed into my security alarm). They lasted 14 years! I thought I had to hire an electrician to replace them. No, the new ones that I bought on Amazon fit perfectly into the base of the old ones. The clips/connectors were the same on the new ones that they were on the old ones. It took me less than 30 minutes to figure it all out (I have zero experience with electrical wires) and change out the six smoke detectors around my house. Great product! Tell the company to keep the models the same to make replacing them years later that easy!!

Working good

I had just replaced smoke alarms at Mom's house and she had a different brand. And the mounts had yellowed so badly I had to replace them too, which was a bit of extra work. So I was pleased when I got ready to do my house, that not only does USI still make this model, but mine hadn't yellowed at all. So it was a snap!

I read reviews that said they are not direct replacements for older units. Home was built in 2007. One died (3 years after the 10 year life span). Replaced all six in 10 minutes. No need to change the base. Unplug the old ones, plug these right in. Batteries included was a nice bonus!

I was very happy to find these. Bought a new house and found that all six of my smoke alarms were from 2004 and expired three years ago! (Yes, they do expire after 10 years). I bought a six pack for less than $100 as they were an easy plug and play replacement without having to change out my existing mounting brackets. They do come with batteries, but they are generic. Since these ware wired for power, I opted to replace all the backup batteries before installation with Lithium 9V batteries that supposedly will last up to 10 years (we’ll see).One note, I’ve found the green light on the units to be much brighter than the 13 year old units they replaced. Noticeable in a dark bedroom at night. Be aware if you are installing over your bed.

Replaced some existing 1204's which expired about 5 years ago. A couple of them were acting up so it made sense to replace them all. At first I thought the wired harness wasn't included in the package until I unscrewed the unit from the base, Both the unit and base are a nice white color. That being said, I kept my existing bases mounted to the ceiling even though they were a slightly off-colored white only because it was easier than re-wiring all six of my smoke detectors. Merely unscrewed old unit, detached wire hardness (used a screw driver in the small hole where the harness connect to loosen them up), plugged in new hardness, and screw back in to base. Each unit came with a battery.