In a step to provide greater protection from ‘silent killer’ carbon monoxide (CO), ABB becomes the first company to integrate CO detectors into its home automation system. To provide holistic fire protection solution, ABB launches its new Alarm-Stick, which integrates ABB’s smoke, heat and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors into ABB-free@home®.

Providing ultimate security and control, both in the home and remotely, the solution which consists of USB stick and the new detectors, has been designed to take fire protection to the next level. Thanks to the CO detectors, the system is not only suitable for residential homes, but for any location where carbon monoxide can be produced, for example fire places, chimneys and waste gases.

Oliver Iltisberger, Managing Director of ABB’s Smart Buildings business explained: “We know that protecting people and property from fire and Carbon Monoxide is a major concern for homeowners. That’s why we’ve used our knowledge of smart home solutions to create the first solution on the market to integrate CO detectors, that will ultimately provide greater piece of mind for end users.”

The new Alarm-Stick connects to the ABB-free@home® System Access Point via USB and communicates wirelessly to the detectors, utilising the VdS 3515 certified detector protocol, making the integration process extremely easy. Connected via the Alarm-Stick and configured via ABB-free@home, the complete system of smoke, heat and CO detectors can operate autonomously.

The solution is so comprehensive, that when a fire alarm goes off, all detectors in the property will sound and a push notification will be automatically sent to the owner’s mobile phone, informing them whether the alarm has been caused by fire or carbon monoxide.

It will also show which room the incident was detected in, so that measures can be taken to prevent further damage or risk to life. The Alarm-Stick provides additional fire protection measures, including the option to switch on all the lights or open the blinds.

“ABB has been at the forefront of accelerating progress in smart home technology for decades, with more than five million installed components of our connected ABB-free@home® systems in over 40 countries worldwide. The launch of our new Alarm-Stick takes home and people protection to the next level, providing greater peace of mind for residents, especially from the silent threat of CO poisoning,” added Iltisberger.