QUELL Q1300
- Mains Powered
- Photoelectric Alarm
- 9 Volt Battery
The Q1300 is sold through many consumer outlets. It is a typically reliable unit, although many homeowners find it difficult to understand how the alarm releases from the ceiling base. Once unlatched, its design has the added benefit of a push clip that fully releases the unit from the ceiling base, making replacement and maintenance easier.
General Information
The Quell Q1300 was a 240 mains powered, surface mount, photoelectric smoke alarm. 240V AC, 50Hz, 80mA max, 9V back up, Standalone or Interconnected (24 units maximum).
COMMON ISSUES & EXPIRY
Householders commonly loosen the ceiling base screws in an effort to unlatch it. This unit has been available for an extended period, it is still in production, but it’s supply can be inconsistent, and when encountered in the field is often expired.
How to Open
To remove this model from its ceiling base, in order to replace the backup battery, you need to insert a flat screwdriver or key into a small slot on the side. An adhesive label shows where the slot is located. Over time, however, the glue can dry out and the label may fall off. The label is also located on the side of the alarm, meaning you need to be standing close to the alarm before you can see where the release slot is positioned.
Our Opinion
The Quell Q1300 was widely installed in homes and proved to be a reliable smoke alarm. However, its older design could leave householders unsure about how to change the backup battery. Overall, we would rate this model 7/10.