The First Alert SC5 Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm is the replacement for the Google Nest Protect Smoke Alarm – in fact, it shares most of the same attributes as the Nest Protect alarm.

The design looks very similar to, and has the same form factor as, it’s predecessor. However, there are a few key differences:

• No path light activated at night
• Different mounting bracket for wired and battery design
• CR123A batteries are used instead of AA (battery powered)

Unfortunately, we don’t like the new battery choice made by First Alert – they’ve started using 6 x CR123A batteries instead of the lithium AA batteries used in the Nest Protect. While it isn’t too much of an issue – the wired version comes with a nice rechargeable battery inside – it is annoying that we have to buy and stock a different type of battery for this device.

We still recommend having at least one smart smoke alarm, or using a smart listening device, to give you alerts when the alarm goes off in your short-term rental. This ensures you are aware of any smoke or carbon monoxide-related events, either from smoking indoors or from a potential fire.