Question:
Try ‘Consumer Reports’ web site. They have (had) listings. For reputable alarm companies, check the yellow pages then the Better Business Bureau.
> So far all of the responses have been that Masterguard is selling > "junk" at an inflated price. No one has given any suggestions as to > where to find objective test data for Masterguard or any other smoke > detectors. Or sources for quality detectors at a reasonable price. > How do I find a reputable alarm company to supply and/or install a > system? I would like hard data. Where can I get it? > TIA, > Steve
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> <snip> > Though their equipment was represented to be the best available, no > objective data was given to supports the claims. Does anyone out > there know of any such data? Data that compares Masterguard > photoelectric detectors to the much less expensive ones available in > many home centers. First Alert’s Double Sensor, which has both > photoelectric and ionization detectors, for example. Any others that > should be considered? > <snip> > Thanks, > Steve
Response:
Haven’t used their smokes, but I like their fire alarm sounders. — Jack Stevens
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Most of the responses have been regarding the Masterguard mechanical > heat detectors. Which few regard as having much value. > What about the photoelectric smoke detectors? Since my first posting > I have learned that they are made by Gentex Corporation. Anyone have > any words of wisdom on the company or the their smoke detectors?
Response:
There’s nothing wrong with Gentex smoke detectors. They are readily available for about $40-60 apiece, depending on the model. — Regards, Robert L Bass Bass Home Electronics The Online DIY Alarm Store http://www.Bass-Home.com 2291 Pine View Circle Sarasota, FL 34231 877-722-8900 Sales & Tech Support 941-925-9747 Fax
Response:
> Most of the responses have been regarding the Masterguard mechanical > heat detectors. Which few regard as having much value. > What about the photoelectric smoke detectors? Since my first posting > I have learned that they are made by Gentex Corporation. Anyone have > any words of wisdom on the company or the their smoke detectors?
I work Part time as a Fire alarm Tech. Gentex makes some good stuff and I have no problems with them. Their horn/Strobes are loud and bright. I’ve done some work with them and their detectors and have been satisfied with their stuff. Mostly what I use are on Full Systems. System Sensor Smokes and Horn/strobes are my first choice, but I don’t know if System Sensor makes a battery only device.
Response:
Most of the responses have been regarding the Masterguard mechanical heat detectors. Which few regard as having much value. What about the photoelectric smoke detectors? Since my first posting I have learned that they are made by Gentex Corporation. Anyone have any words of wisdom on the company or the their smoke detectors? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I recently attended an educational dinner on fire safety. A > representative of Masterguard hosted it. > I once had a masterguard salesman tell me that one of their "Windup" heat > detectors would activate LONG before the smoke detector would.. I told him > Bull ****. We had a kid one time playing with a lighter in his room. > Caught the mattress on fire. The $12.00 smoke detector in the OTHER END of > the house went off and alerted momma before the Masterguard heat detector > went off.. and the heat detector was mounted on the wall directly above the > mattress that was burning. (the heat detector never went off. ) if you > look on a heat detector that is used as part of a TRUE alarm system, you > will see a label that says that "THIS IS NOT A LIFE SAFETY DEVICE". Heat > detectors have their place, but not as a replacement for a good smoke > detector. I work part-time installing fire alarm systems. I put heat > detectors in Water heater closets or anyplace that has a high concentration > of dust/smoke. Otherwise it is strictly Photoelectric smokes. > Just like sprinkler systems.. (Which I love and this is not intended as a > slam to them..) > Smoke detectors save lives…. > Sprinkler systems save property……. > Masterguard heat detectors cost $$$$$
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I recently attended an educational dinner on fire safety. A > representative of Masterguard hosted it. Videos on fire safety were > shown. Lots of statistics were presented. All of it is to prepare > you to have to have the presenter visit your home for a free home > survey. The survey included a quote for a "Full Protection" system, > which for my home listed at $3720!!! The system included 4 mechanical > heat detectors, 8 photoelectric smoke detectors, one CO detector and 2 > 2.5# extinguishers. > Though their equipment was represented to be the best available, no > objective data was given to supports the claims. Does anyone out > there know of any such data? Data that compares Masterguard > photoelectric detectors to the much less expensive ones available in > many home centers. First Alert’s Double Sensor, which has both > photoelectric and ionization detectors, for example. Any others that > should be considered? > Another thing that bothers me about their system is that it is not > connected. Each detector is standalone. It seems to me that a > connected system would be preferable, as it would alert you no matter > where a fire may start and give you the best chance of getting out > early. The representative said that he would rather know where the > fire is. Am I missing something in my thinking? > Any help would be appreciated. > Thanks, > Steve
Every time I point out the holes in the mastergaurd sales pitch they threaten to sue me in order to try to intimidate me into silence. So bring on your threats because here I go again. Steve The money mastergaurd wants for one of their "systems" will pay for a complete automatic home fire alarm system that meets NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code. Such systems will not only warn all occupants of the alarm condition, even if they are two floors away and singing in the shower, they will also tell you if any part of the system is out of service. Real fire alarm systems can be connected via land line and cellular telephone to a central station to summon help while you concentrate on getting every one in your home out safely. It is my belief that the mechanical heat detectors sold under the mastergaurd logo are terribly overpriced. I also believe that they are a very poor substitute for complete automatic home fire alarm installations. If you can afford the 3700 dollar price tag for the mastergaurd offering you and your family will be far safer if you install complete automatic fire alarm system and you will save money. — Firefighter/Rescuer Thomas D. Horne speaking for myself alone. Well, we Aren’t no thin blue heroes and yet we aren’t no blackguards too. Just working men and women most remarkable like you. Tom
Response:
> I recently attended an educational dinner on fire safety. A > representative of Masterguard hosted it.
I once had a masterguard salesman tell me that one of their "Windup" heat detectors would activate LONG before the smoke detector would.. I told him Bull ****. We had a kid one time playing with a lighter in his room. Caught the mattress on fire. The $12.00 smoke detector in the OTHER END of the house went off and alerted momma before the Masterguard heat detector went off.. and the heat detector was mounted on the wall directly above the mattress that was burning. (the heat detector never went off. ) if you look on a heat detector that is used as part of a TRUE alarm system, you will see a label that says that "THIS IS NOT A LIFE SAFETY DEVICE". Heat detectors have their place, but not as a replacement for a good smoke detector. I work part-time installing fire alarm systems. I put heat detectors in Water heater closets or anyplace that has a high concentration of dust/smoke. Otherwise it is strictly Photoelectric smokes. Just like sprinkler systems.. (Which I love and this is not intended as a slam to them..) Smoke detectors save lives…. Sprinkler systems save property……. Masterguard heat detectors cost $$$$$
Response:
I recently attended an educational dinner on fire safety. A representative of Masterguard hosted it. Videos on fire safety were shown. Lots of statistics were presented. All of it is to prepare you to have to have the presenter visit your home for a free home survey. The survey included a quote for a "Full Protection" system, which for my home listed at $3720!!! The system included 4 mechanical heat detectors, 8 photoelectric smoke detectors, one CO detector and 2 2.5# extinguishers. Though their equipment was represented to be the best available, no objective data was given to supports the claims. Does anyone out there know of any such data? Data that compares Masterguard photoelectric detectors to the much less expensive ones available in many home centers. First Alert’s Double Sensor, which has both photoelectric and ionization detectors, for example. Any others that should be considered? Another thing that bothers me about their system is that it is not connected. Each detector is standalone. It seems to me that a connected system would be preferable, as it would alert you no matter where a fire may start and give you the best chance of getting out early. The representative said that he would rather know where the fire is. Am I missing something in my thinking? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Steve
Response:
>I recently attended an educational dinner on fire safety. A >representative of Masterguard hosted it.
Looking at their web site http://www.masterguard.com/fire-extinguishers.html I’m pleased to see the fire extinguishers they sell are Coast Guard approved since that’s a high standard. But no mfgr name is given and you can buy such fire extinguishers from many manufacturers. Sadly, the really good Halon fire extinguishers are no longer available. Halon does not cause any further damage, unlike the chemical extinguishers that Masterguard’s selling. That was important to me when an engine belt caught fire (no further damage to the engine, which ran fine after cooling) and why I keep Halon units in my kitchen. Fireboy and other mfgrs used to have booths at boat shows demonstrating their self activating fire suppression systems. I share your concern that nothing’s integrated. It’s all stuff you can buy yourself. I’d like to see more self-activating units so fires are suppressed even if you’re not home. They’re a "National Fire Protection Assoc" member, but I see no endorsements from fire departments. > and 2 2.5# extinguishers.
That seems small. I have larger ones in my apartment. — Jeffrey Jonas The original Dr. JCL and Mr .hide
Response:
That company is notorious for selling junk. Don’t do business with them. For the quoted price you could buy a professionally installed security and fire alarm that would protect every window and door in a 3-4,000 sf home, including motion detection, magnetic contacts, glass breaks, smoke detectors, etc. Also note that (1) the mechanical heat detectors are literally spring-loaded, *wind-up* devices. They are prohibited from being labeled or used as Life Safety devices as they are incapable of rendering early warning against smoke — the primary cause of death in residential fires. They are also *not* interconnected. Each one is a stand alone, mechanical mechanism. They are no louder than a wind up alarm clock. When one goes off at the far end of the house sleeping family members will be unlikely to hear it. The company making and selling these systems has been sued by the US government for their deceptive sales tactics, by state attorneys general in several places, etc. They are under a mandatory order to stop holding these useless wind-up toys as fire alarms. Ummm, other than that they make great door stops.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I recently attended an educational dinner on fire safety. A > representative of Masterguard hosted it. Videos on fire safety were > shown. Lots of statistics were presented. All of it is to prepare > you to have to have the presenter visit your home for a free home > survey. The survey included a quote for a "Full Protection" system, > which for my home listed at $3720!!! The system included 4 mechanical > heat detectors, 8 photoelectric smoke detectors, one CO detector and 2 > 2.5# extinguishers. > Though their equipment was represented to be the best available, no > objective data was given to supports the claims. Does anyone out > there know of any such data? Data that compares Masterguard > photoelectric detectors to the much less expensive ones available in > many home centers. First Alert’s Double Sensor, which has both > photoelectric and ionization detectors, for example. Any others that > should be considered? > Another thing that bothers me about their system is that it is not > connected. Each detector is standalone. It seems to me that a > connected system would be preferable, as it would alert you no matter > where a fire may start and give you the best chance of getting out > early. The representative said that he would rather know where the > fire is. Am I missing something in my thinking? > Any help would be appreciated. > Thanks, > Steve
Response:
Steve, they are tring to hose you. Keep your money and spend it at Home Depot or Lowe’s.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I recently attended an educational dinner on fire safety. A > representative of Masterguard hosted it. Videos on fire safety were > shown. Lots of statistics were presented. All of it is to prepare > you to have to have the presenter visit your home for a free home > survey. The survey included a quote for a "Full Protection" system, > which for my home listed at $3720!!! The system included 4 mechanical > heat detectors, 8 photoelectric smoke detectors, one CO detector and 2 > 2.5# extinguishers. > Though their equipment was represented to be the best available, no > objective data was given to supports the claims. Does anyone out > there know of any such data? Data that compares Masterguard > photoelectric detectors to the much less expensive ones available in > many home centers. First Alert’s Double Sensor, which has both > photoelectric and ionization detectors, for example. Any others that > should be considered? > Another thing that bothers me about their system is that it is not > connected. Each detector is standalone. It seems to me that a > connected system would be preferable, as it would alert you no matter > where a fire may start and give you the best chance of getting out > early. The representative said that he would rather know where the > fire is. Am I missing something in my thinking? > Any help would be appreciated. > Thanks, > Steve
Response:
Don’t get taken by these people. They are scam artists. The junk they are selling for a ridiculous amount of money is incapable of protecting your home and family. It is not a UL Listed *Life Safety* (note those last two words are absolutely critical here) device. It is illegal to represent it as a fire alarm product or accessory. This is not a matter of one brand vs. another. This is a USDA inspected Grade A rip-off. They throw in a few cheap smoke detectors and a couple of $6 fire extinguishers too small to put out anything more than a trash can fire to make it sound like a "comprehensive" alarm system. Also, for what they are charging you can get a full scale burglar and fire alarm to properly protect a very large home.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Steve, they are tring to hose you. Keep your money and spend it at Home > Depot or Lowe’s. > I recently attended an educational dinner on fire safety. A > representative of Masterguard hosted it. Videos on fire safety were > shown. Lots of statistics were presented. All of it is to prepare > you to have to have the presenter visit your home for a free home > survey. The survey included a quote for a "Full Protection" system, > which for my home listed at $3720!!! The system included 4 mechanical > heat detectors, 8 photoelectric smoke detectors, one CO detector and 2 > 2.5# extinguishers. > Though their equipment was represented to be the best available, no > objective data was given to supports the claims. Does anyone out > there know of any such data? Data that compares Masterguard > photoelectric detectors to the much less expensive ones available in > many home centers. First Alert’s Double Sensor, which has both > photoelectric and ionization detectors, for example. Any others that > should be considered? > Another thing that bothers me about their system is that it is not > connected. Each detector is standalone. It seems to me that a > connected system would be preferable, as it would alert you no matter > where a fire may start and give you the best chance of getting out > early. The representative said that he would rather know where the > fire is. Am I missing something in my thinking? > Any help would be appreciated. > Thanks, > Steve
Response:
Looks like Mr Patton will never go away will he? 
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Don’t get taken by these people. They are scam artists. The junk they are > selling for a ridiculous amount of money is incapable of protecting your > home and family. It is not a UL Listed *Life Safety* (note those last two > words are absolutely critical here) device. It is illegal to represent it > as a fire alarm product or accessory. > This is not a matter of one brand vs. another. This is a USDA inspected > Grade A rip-off. They throw in a few cheap smoke detectors and a couple of > $6 fire extinguishers too small to put out anything more than a trash can > fire to make it sound like a "comprehensive" alarm system. > Also, for what they are charging you can get a full scale burglar and fire > alarm to properly protect a very large home. > Steve, they are tring to hose you. Keep your money and spend it at Home > Depot or Lowe’s. > > I recently attended an educational dinner on fire safety. A > > representative of Masterguard hosted it. Videos on fire safety were > > shown. Lots of statistics were presented. All of it is to prepare > > you to have to have the presenter visit your home for a free home > > survey. The survey included a quote for a "Full Protection" system, > > which for my home listed at $3720!!! The system included 4 mechanical > > heat detectors, 8 photoelectric smoke detectors, one CO detector and 2 > > 2.5# extinguishers. > > Though their equipment was represented to be the best available, no > > objective data was given to supports the claims. Does anyone out > > there know of any such data? Data that compares Masterguard > > photoelectric detectors to the much less expensive ones available in > > many home centers. First Alert’s Double Sensor, which has both > > photoelectric and ionization detectors, for example. Any others that > > should be considered? > > Another thing that bothers me about their system is that it is not > > connected. Each detector is standalone. It seems to me that a > > connected system would be preferable, as it would alert you no matter > > where a fire may start and give you the best chance of getting out > > early. The representative said that he would rather know where the > > fire is. Am I missing something in my thinking? > > Any help would be appreciated. > > Thanks, > > Steve
Response:
Perhaps one of these days someone will come and cart him off. :) What was the name of that crook who uses Patton’s e-mail and claims to be someone else?
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Looks like Mr Patton will never go away will he?
Response:
So far all of the responses have been that Masterguard is selling "junk" at an inflated price. No one has given any suggestions as to where to find objective test data for Masterguard or any other smoke detectors. Or sources for quality detectors at a reasonable price. How do I find a reputable alarm company to supply and/or install a system? I would like hard data. Where can I get it? TIA, Steve
<snip> – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Though their equipment was represented to be the best available, no > objective data was given to supports the claims. Does anyone out > there know of any such data? Data that compares Masterguard > photoelectric detectors to the much less expensive ones available in > many home centers. First Alert’s Double Sensor, which has both > photoelectric and ionization detectors, for example. Any others that > should be considered? <snip> > Thanks, > Steve
Response:
>survey. The survey included a quote for a "Full Protection" system, >which for my home listed at $3720!!! The system included 4 mechanical >heat detectors, 8 photoelectric smoke detectors, one CO detector and 2 >2.5# extinguishers.
### Ripoff… ### Mechanical heat detectors — never heard of those. Photo smoke detectors — photo-only detectors are fairly hard to find. First Alert’s Double System "two-way" detector (see below) are $20-30 apiece. CO detectors — Nighthawk (made by Kidde) is highly rated; ~$45 for their "best" battery-backed-up plug-in model (I have one.) Extinguishers — $20-50 apiece for common brands sold in home centers, etc.; somewhat more for those (usually larger and rechargeable) sold by "sprinkler people". One thing that really bothers me is the total lack of a traditional ionization detector in the package (I guess they assume you already have one or more.) Ionization are best for flaming fires, photo are best for smouldering ones. For nearly $4k you could get an entire *burglar alarm system* with interconnected detectors and much, much more… >Though their equipment was represented to be the best available, no >objective data was given to supports the claims. Does anyone out >there know of any such data? Data that compares Masterguard
Consumer Reports has rated the usual brands of detectors at least twice in the past (IIRC, the differences among regular smoke detectors were fairly minor; CO detectors had significantly more variation) — but I’ve never seen anything comparing Masterguard with the regular brands. >many home centers. First Alert’s Double Sensor, which has both >photoelectric and ionization detectors, for example. Any others that >should be considered?
For smoke detectors: none that I can think of. For CO: Nighthawk (see above) -SC — Stanley Cline — sc1 at roamer1 dot org — http://www.roamer1.org/ … "Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today. There might be a law against it by that time." -/usr/games/fortune
Response:
I think those things are illegal in some states. I know that they are illegal in Arkansas.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->survey. The survey included a quote for a "Full Protection" system, >which for my home listed at $3720!!! The system included 4 mechanical >heat detectors, 8 photoelectric smoke detectors, one CO detector and 2 >2.5# extinguishers. > ### Ripoff… ### > Mechanical heat detectors — never heard of those. > Photo smoke detectors — photo-only detectors are fairly hard to find. > First Alert’s Double System "two-way" detector (see below) are $20-30 > apiece. > CO detectors — Nighthawk (made by Kidde) is highly rated; ~$45 for > their "best" battery-backed-up plug-in model (I have one.) > Extinguishers — $20-50 apiece for common brands sold in home centers, > etc.; somewhat more for those (usually larger and rechargeable) sold > by "sprinkler people". > One thing that really bothers me is the total lack of a traditional > ionization detector in the package (I guess they assume you already > have one or more.) Ionization are best for flaming fires, photo are > best for smouldering ones. > For nearly $4k you could get an entire *burglar alarm system* with > interconnected detectors and much, much more… >Though their equipment was represented to be the best available, no >objective data was given to supports the claims. Does anyone out >there know of any such data? Data that compares Masterguard > Consumer Reports has rated the usual brands of detectors at least > twice in the past (IIRC, the differences among regular smoke detectors > were fairly minor; CO detectors had significantly more variation) — > but I’ve never seen anything comparing Masterguard with the regular > brands. >many home centers. First Alert’s Double Sensor, which has both >photoelectric and ionization detectors, for example. Any others that >should be considered? > For smoke detectors: none that I can think of. > For CO: Nighthawk (see above) > -SC > — > Stanley Cline — sc1 at roamer1 dot org — http://www.roamer1.org/ > … > "Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today. There might > be a law against it by that time." -/usr/games/fortune
Response:
You won’t find a comparison of Master Guard’s wind-up heat detectors to UL listed smoke detectors. They are not permitted to be used as life safety devices. Plain and simple. They are junk. It’s a scam. As to other conventional detectors, there are several major brands that are popular among mainstream alarm service companies. Edwards (div of SPX), System Sensor and ESL (div of Interlogix) are several well respected brands. For retail prices on detectors, you might start at (sorry for the plug) my web site. I have retail prices on a variety of brands of smoke detectors and other fire alarm components. Regards, Robert L Bass Bass Home Electronics The Online DIY Alarm Store http://www.Bass-Home.com 2291 Pine View Circle Sarasota, FL 34231 877-722-8900 Sales & Tech Support 941-925-9747 Fax
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> So far all of the responses have been that Masterguard is selling > "junk" at an inflated price. No one has given any suggestions as to > where to find objective test data for Masterguard or any other smoke > detectors. Or sources for quality detectors at a reasonable price. > How do I find a reputable alarm company to supply and/or install a > system? I would like hard data. Where can I get it?
Response:
I agree. In my house, we have six ionising smoke detectors (cheap at the supermarket) since we have five kids. One in every bedroom (4) and one in the living area, and one in the hallway outside the laundry door. We have very few false alarms – usually if I try to cook…. We had a house fire when our dishwasher malfunctioned, and I couldn’t hear myself think when all six were going off – the noise is enough to wake up the neighbours in the next town! Since the fire, we’ve also installed two small dry chemical fire extinguishers. One in the kitchen (not to be used on fat fires!) and one in the master bedroom. The logic behind the one in the bedroom is that it’s a handy location if we have a fire at night. Also a good weapon…. Simply spray at intruder, then hit him over the head while his confused! Of course, we have the mandatory fire blanket near the stove. Buy a big one – you can also use them to wrap around people if their clothes catch fire, or a television/computer monitor. Can also be worn to a Toga party… A dry chemical extinguisher makes a BIG mess, and is also mildly corrosive, so if you use one, clean up the mess immediately. I think most firefighters would agree that this setup is adaquate, if not over-kill for domestic purposes. Don’t forget to put a dry chemical extinguisher in the car. Once you’ve bought all this – use the money you’ve saved for a night on the town… Keep safe, Brad.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Steve, they are tring to hose you. Keep your money and spend it at Home > Depot or Lowe’s. > I recently attended an educational dinner on fire safety. A > representative of Masterguard hosted it. Videos on fire safety were > shown. Lots of statistics were presented. All of it is to prepare > you to have to have the presenter visit your home for a free home > survey. The survey included a quote for a "Full Protection" system, > which for my home listed at $3720!!! The system included 4 mechanical > heat detectors, 8 photoelectric smoke detectors, one CO detector and 2 > 2.5# extinguishers. > Though their equipment was represented to be the best available, no > objective data was given to supports the claims. Does anyone out > there know of any such data? Data that compares Masterguard > photoelectric detectors to the much less expensive ones available in > many home centers. First Alert’s Double Sensor, which has both > photoelectric and ionization detectors, for example. Any others that > should be considered? > Another thing that bothers me about their system is that it is not > connected. Each detector is standalone. It seems to me that a > connected system would be preferable, as it would alert you no matter > where a fire may start and give you the best chance of getting out > early. The representative said that he would rather know where the > fire is. Am I missing something in my thinking? > Any help would be appreciated. > Thanks, > Steve
If you like this post and would like to receive updates from this blog, please subscribe our feed.