Nest Protect Battery vs. Wired
The Nest Protect battery and wired versions are the two models of Nest that are available worldwide with similar functions. Most people prefer the battery one to prevent frequent charging. However, the wired has additional features like a backup battery and more, making it a bit more expensive than the battery version.
Below is the comparison of the features of Nest protect battery vs. wired versions:
1. Probable life expectancy
The life expectancy of any equipment is an essential feature that one should know before purchasing it. It indicates the life span of any product that is pretty much value for all the customers.
In this case, the wired model of Nest protect is far better than the wired one due to the backup battery that supports its customers for a longer time. However, it’s a bit more expensive than the battery one. Therefore, more people opt for the battery one due to its economically friendly feature.
In addition, the battery version has six AAA batteries that enable it to last for years, and thus you may not need to change them frequently. The best thing about this version is that the system may notify you about six months before the battery completely drains off, making it simple for you to cope with.
2. LED power indicator
LED power indicator is the additional feature of the Nest power wired version while the battery version doesn’t.
This is just an extra feature and won’t make much difference, but we prefer that you should know about each of the pros and cons of the equipment before purchasing it. Also, these additional features may sometimes be of little benefit to you.
3. Pathlight
The Pathlight feature of Nest Protect is available in both the battery and wired versions. However, there is a small difference between both of them.
The Pathlight feature in the wired model can remain functional throughout the day at your home, unlike the battery-powered one. So, this is another additional feature that the wired Nest Protect has and the battery-powered version lack.
4. The Auto-away mode
The comparison of the Nest Protect is incomplete without discussing their interaction with the Auto-away system.
The wired Nest Protect can notify you through calls every time it detects any motion, enabling your home to transition in and out of the auto-away mode.
On the other hand, the battery-powered Nest Protect may only notify you once a day no matter how many times it detects any stimulus. However, all the motion history gets sent to the Nest thermostats at a certain moment as it comprehends your routine more efficiently.
Nest Protect Wired vs. Battery – Comparison chart
| Specifications | Nest Protect Wired | Nest Protect Battery |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.3 x 5.3 x 1.5″ / 13.5 x 13.5 x 3.9 cm | 5.3 x 5.3 x 1.5″ / 13.5 x 13.5 x 3.9 cm |
| Weight | 13.4 oz/375g | 13.4 oz/ 379g |
| Mobile operating systems | iOS, ANDROID | iOS, ANDROID |
| Connectivity | BLUETOOTH 4.0 LE, Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) | BLUETOOTH 4.0 LE, Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) |
| Sensor type | SMOKE/ CARBON | SMOKE/ CARBON |
| Power | The Nest protect wired version gets power directly from the power source. However, when the power outages, the three AA battery equip the 120-240 V cables and thus run the system. | The Nest protect battery version gets its power by six AA batteries that are long-lasting. These batteries may last for year. Hence you don’t need to change them very often. |
| Installation and mounting | This version uses 120-240 V connection to install. It takes few minutes to do so. However, for the connection of domestic wires you may need wire connectors and terminal wires. | This version installs within few minutes without using any cables. |
| Small green power light | The standards require 120-240 V cables showed by a small green power light. | It’s not required for it. |
| Automatic switching | The Automatic switching aids in switching overtime and thus prevents in transitioning to Away mode especially when other Nest devices don’t recognize you. The Nest protect updates the system more often as compared to the battery version. | The Automatic switching aids your Nest home comprehend when you’re home and when you’re not by bettering automatic shifting over time. In addition, due to limited power, it updates the system less as compared to the wired version. This in return saves battery too. |
Source: https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/9229922?hl=en
Nest Protect wired smoke detectors
The Nest Protect wired smoke detectors from getting their power through the main source. Therefore, you don’t need to input your efforts for their charging purposes. However, repairing or changing them is a bit hectic as you must turn off your home’s electricity.
Moreover, handling the electrical equipment is not easy, so that you may hire an electrician.
Pros
- They remain operational whole-time power is available at your home.
- They have built-in backup batteries that are useful when there is a power outage at your place.
- You may link your smoke detector with other fire alarm devices at home.
Cons
- You need to hire an electrician to set up and monitor these detectors.
- You need to charge or change the backup batteries daily.
Final verdict
The Nest Protect wired version has a few more features than the battery-powered version. It even has a backup battery that may help you when there is no electricity at home. However, this device is a bit more costly than the other one.
Nest Protect battery-powered smoke detectors
This device needs a battery to function. It uses AA, 9-volt alkaline, or lithium battery packs. Thus you don’t need to connect it to the main power source.
Pros
- They are easy to set up.
- These are pretty inexpensive.
- The lithium battery packs may work efficiently for ten years and are low-maintenance
Cons
- You need to change the battery once they get low-powered, almost after every year
Final verdict
The Nest Protect battery-powered version is pretty pocket-friendly, but it has very limited features compared to the wired one. Also, you need to change its battery every year. Thus you need to spend money to do so.
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Conclusion
There are two models of Nest protect smoke detectors available- the battery-powered and the wired one. Although both are similar in their function, they have little difference in their features. The wired one is superior in this concern but is a bit more expensive than the battery-powered one.
This article has compared the battery and wired version in detail. You may choose the most suitable one for your place concerning the pros and the cons. Read this article, and do share your views in the comments below.
