BRK CO850MRLi Carbon Monoxide Detector, Mains Powered with Rechargeable Battery Backup

Fitted like for like from the old model, fantastic and easy to install

My new-built house had a version of this product without the built-in battery installed when I bought it. The sticker on it advised it needs to be replaced after five years, and with the fifth year anniversary approaching I bought this to replace it. I assumed - correctly - that it would be trivial to swap the units and opted for the model with the built-in rechargeable battery as it's zero maintenance and will also work during power cuts. The alarm comes in two parts, a base you install and wire on the ceiling (that must be done by a qualified electrician), and the actual unit that just plugs in to it and is secured by two tiny screws. Since the base is identical to the one I had already I just had to pull out the old one and pop in the new one, which took less than a minute. A quick test with a CO alarm tester spray verified it worked so very happy with the purchase. The new one has a sticker advising to replace it in six years instead of five, so I'm assuming there have been improvements in the product to extend the lifespan. I hope I'll still be able to buy an identical one in 6 years time! UPDATE: Dropping from 5 to 1 stars as after 17 months it seems to have failed. It started beeping every once every 50 seconds with no other lights turning on. Consulting the manual it says that one beep every minute with a flash of the yellow led means battery low, which is unlikely as this is mains powered and uses the battery as a backup only. Confirmed that the yellow led doesn't flash, unplugged/plugged in again and pressed the test button and it passes self tests but the yellow light doesn't flash during them which according to the manual it should. Very disappointed that it failed so soon at this price.

Needs replaced within 5 year guarantee period. Can't work out how to contact the company without having to phone America. No other contact details on their website.

I see from other reviews that this carbon monoxide detector has been given some poor ratings by people who haven’t realised that it needs wiring direct into the mains rather than within general via a plug socket or batteries. If you realise this then this is a decent detector. It has a built-in battery back-up in case there is a power cut or you need to turn off your electric and, having tested it by burning foam that gives out CO when ignited, it works and seems fairly sensitive. It’s great to have a detector that relies on the mains as it should be more reliable, although you’ll probably need an electrician to install it (as we did). Pleased.

as described

Got this to replace an old one which is on the way out. I thought it was one you just plug in, as my other is larger and not wall mounted. Reading it it says need to be plugged in and batteries charged for 2 hours and to be wall mounted by a professional. Well this defeats the object we did the last one ourselves. It tells you not to remove the remove the cover and battery compartment to get at the batteries, well I couldn't find any batteries in there, but you have to remove the whole lot to find them which it states NOT to do, underneath that is a circuit board which they are blocking. I thought this was going to be a straight forward swap over but, no you have to have a qualified person to install it, defeating the object and probably cost a fortune to put in. For that reason it's not a very good buy if you are just replacing an old one. Will have to wait a few week till I can afford to have it installed.

BRK CO850MRLi Carbon Monoxide Detector, Mains Powered with Rechargeable Battery Backup In the pack. The monitor and fixing instructions. Fixing. We followed the instruction and fitted it as per instructions. A 9 volt battery was also fitted to act as a backup. Testing. It is very loud and will certainly alert you to CO leakage. It is very reassuring to have it as we have a wood burning fire as the main lounge hearting in the winter. Overall. A very good quality alarm, it needs proper fitting but it is very loud and sensitive. Very happy with it.

I bought two of these for my flats and they both failed upon installing. Called tech support who told me the batteries have to charge for 2 hrs! They have now fobbed me off with a cheaper model and an alkaline battery. REALLY not happy with product or the support. Its a lithium battery Its BRKoken!!! Its not often I write bad reviews but this product is a disgrace!!!!!!! Stay away and don't touch these. You have been warned!!!!