The Ring Alarm Smoke and CO Listener is not a smoke or carbon monoxide detector itself — it is a smart listening device that integrates your existing UL-listed smoke and CO alarms with the Ring Alarm system. Mount it within 6 inches of any compatible smoke or CO detector (10 years old or newer). When your existing alarm sounds its distinctive T3 (smoke) or T4 (CO) chirp pattern, the Listener recognizes the sound and immediately sends alerts through the Ring app. With a Ring Protect subscription and Professional Monitoring, Ring's agents can automatically request fire department dispatch. This lets you add smart smoke monitoring to any home without replacing existing hardwired or battery alarms. Connects to the Ring Alarm Base Station via Z-Wave.
Is the Smoke and CO Listener a real smoke detector?
No — this is a critical distinction. The Smoke and CO Listener does NOT detect smoke or carbon monoxide directly. It is a microphone-based acoustic sensor that listens for the sound pattern (T3 chirp for smoke, T4 chirp for CO) produced by your existing UL-listed smoke and CO detectors. Your existing alarms still do the actual detecting; the Listener simply hears them and relays the alert to the Ring app and monitoring center. You must have compliant smoke and CO alarms installed for this device to be useful.
What kind of smoke alarms are compatible?
The Listener works with any UL-listed smoke or CO alarm that produces the standard T3 (3 beeps, pause, repeat) or T4 (4 beeps, pause, repeat) alert pattern, which covers most detectors sold in the US. The alarm must be 10 years old or newer for best compatibility. Older or non-standard alarms may not produce the correct chirp patterns. Ring recommends installing the Listener within 3–6 inches of the existing alarm for optimal detection.
Can Ring dispatch the fire department if my smoke alarm goes off while I'm away?
Yes, but only with a Ring Protect Plus subscription that includes Smoke & CO Professional Monitoring (available as an add-on for $5/month without requiring the full alarm plan). When the Listener hears your alarm, Ring's professional monitoring agents receive an alert and will attempt to contact you. If you cannot be reached or confirm an emergency, they will request dispatch of the fire department to your home.
Why use this instead of just replacing smoke alarms with smart ones?
The Smoke and CO Listener is far less expensive than replacing all existing smoke and CO alarms with smart versions, especially in homes with hardwired alarms or many units. Installation takes minutes — no wiring, no replacing alarms, no disrupting existing fire protection. It's the fastest path to connecting smoke monitoring into a Ring Alarm system, particularly in rentals or homes where you cannot replace hardwired alarms.
# Ring Alarm Smoke and CO Listener — Integrates Existing Smoke/CO Alarms with Ring Alarm System **Model:** `smoke-co-listener` **Brand:** Ring **Category:** Alarm Sensor > The Ring Alarm Smoke and CO Listener is not a smoke or carbon monoxide detector itself — it is a smart listening device that integrates your existing UL-listed smoke and CO alarms with the Ring Alarm system. Mount it within 6 inches of any compatible smoke or CO detector (10 years old or newer). When your existing alarm sounds its distinctive T3 (smoke) or T4 (CO) chirp pattern, the Listener recognizes the sound and immediately sends alerts through the Ring app. With a Ring Protect subscription and Professional Monitoring, Ring's agents can automatically request fire department dispatch. This lets you add smart smoke monitoring to any home without replacing existing hardwired or battery alarms. Connects to the Ring Alarm Base Station via Z-Wave. ## Specifications | Attribute | Value | |---|---| | Product Type | Smoke/CO Alarm Listener | | Connectivity | Z-Wave | | Detection Method | Acoustic (listens for alarm chirp patterns) | | Detects Smoke Directly | No | | Detects Co Directly | No | | Compatible Alarm Age Years | 10 | | Battery Type | 2x CR123A lithium | | Battery Life Years | 2 | | Tamper Detection | No | | Requires Base Station | Yes | | Indoor Use Only | Yes | | Placement From Alarm In | 6 | | Warranty | 1-year limited | ## What's Included - Smoke and CO Listener - 2x CR123A Batteries - Mounting Hardware - Quick Start Guide Source: https://www.jaspecs.com/ring/alarm-sensor/smoke-co-listener-ring-alarm-accessory/