Honeywell 5809 vs 2GIG SMKT3-345

The Honeywell 5809 and the 2GIG SMKT3-345 are both fire-safety devices. Although they communicate at the same wireless frequency, they are not compatible with the exact same systems. Also, the 2GIG SMKT3-345 is a multi-function sensor, while the Honeywell 5809 is a heat sensor only.

Both the 5809 and the SMKT3-345 will alert building occupants to the presence of a fire. Once the device activates, it will send a wireless signal to the security system, letting it know about the situation. The system will then perform the programmed Response Type for that zone. Most users set the Response Type for a fire zone to immediately send out a distress signal upon activation. Some users will require that the sensor verifies the fire, usually by activating twice within a short period of time, before sending out this distress signal. Depending upon the user's monitoring plan, the distress signal can be sent out to the end user and/or a central monitoring station.

The 5809 and the SMKT3-345 both operate at a wireless frequency of 345 MHz. This makes them very similar in terms of the systems that they are compatible with. However, the 5809 can interface with more systems than the SMKT3-345. The 2GIG SMKT3-345 will function with any 2GIG System, as well as the Honeywell Lyric Controller. But the SMKT3-345 will not function with Honeywell Lynx Touch Systems or Honeywell Vista Systems. The 5809 on the other hand will function with any of the aforementioned systems, as long as the panel has a working wireless receiver.

The two devices also differ greatly in terms of their functionality. The 5809 functions purely as a heat sensor, and it will only respond to high temperatures. The device will activate after sensing a temperature of 135° F or higher, or after sensing a temperature increase of 15°F or higher in a single minute. However, the SMKT3-345 will activate based on heat, smoke or low temperatures. Each of these functions on the SMKT3-345 requires its own zone on the panel. That means to get the full function out of a SMKT3-345, it must be assigned to three separate wireless zones on the alarm system. Finally, the 5809 must be replaced entirely after it has been activated for sensing a high temperature. But the SMKT3-345 can go into a fire alarm and still be potentially used again later.