Gentex's Place Any Space model comes loaded with capabilities, and higher-end variants in the series provide additional enhancements, yet the elevated costs may not fully align with their value proposition.
In the realm of residential fire safety equipment, is it beneficial to deploy tailored detectors suited to each area's common uses? Gentex addresses this through its Place lineup, arguing that spaces like the kitchen, infant room, and workshop warrant customized smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms.
While the premise appears reasonable in theory, the premium rates Gentex sets for these Wi-Fi-enabled, hardwired, and interlinked Place smart devices—some incorporating built-in surveillance cameras—might deter widespread adoption.
During evaluations, the Place Any Space model triggered on smoke more swiftly than any comparable device previously assessed.
As noted, Gentex provides four distinct Place variants, each optimized for particular environments, though all include CO sensing, environmental monitoring for temperature and moisture, and programmable nightlights. They also feature site-specific voice notifications and a reduced-pitch tone generator designed to better rouse heavy sleepers and those with auditory challenges.
These Place units require connection to household electrical systems for operation and support linking among themselves. Each includes two lithium AA batteries for emergency power. They are engineered for a decade of service, aligning with sector norms, though the reserves may need occasional swaps. Connectivity is via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, managed through the dedicated Place application.
The Place Any Space requires integration with standard two-conductor residential wiring (no grounding needed), along with interconnect cabling for multi-unit setups. Local regulations differ, but since 1989, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has mandated hardwired, linked smoke alarms in new builds on all floors and near bedrooms.
Installation involves a compact mounting plate, screws, and connectors supplied with the unit. A plug-in adapter links the device's terminals to exposed house wires. Overall, the process is straightforward, barring issues like congested or elevated electrical outlets.
After powering up, the Place app facilitates network integration. Locating the app can be tricky (scan the manual's QR code to bypass search confusion), but setup proceeds smoothly. Bluetooth automatically detects the device, followed by entering Wi-Fi details. An account with email verification is essential to finish.
Equipped with targeted voice warnings and a subdued-tone alarm, the Place Any Space aims to enhance awareness for sound-sensitive users.
Without the specialized traits of Place's room-focused alternatives, the Any Space functions similarly to standard intelligent smoke alarms. Exposure to simulated smoke prompted an immediate response, quicker than in prior tests. Its low-pitch alert, per Place, aids those with impaired hearing, and it delivers high volume.
Though advertised with two preliminary warning stages before full activation, these were absent in tests due to the prompt full alarm. A mobile notification arrived after roughly 30 seconds, which feels delayed.
Quieting the device proved challenging. Post-smoke dissipation, it persisted, requiring multiple activations of the capacitive test pad (not a traditional button) to stop. The app offers remote muting, but intermittent beeps resumed, likely signaling residual smoke, lasting minutes until power disconnection and battery removal were necessary.
Whether this behavior is by design remains unclear, but it was frustrating and deviated from other alarms reviewed. Note to Gentex: Activating silence via button or app should fully suppress all sounds.
The app presents basic temperature and humidity logs, viewable daily, weekly, or monthly. The adjustable nightlight, triggered by dimness or movement and color-selectable, adds convenience. However, motion sensing yields limited utility otherwise.
Positioned in a busy spot, it generated numerous daily phone notifications lacking details or actionable options, with no scheduling for activation times. Without integration into a broader security setup, the barrage of vague alerts becomes burdensome.
By offering multifunctional alarms per area, Place aims to centralize smart home operations around its products. Regrettably, the approach falls short, as the units lack sufficient depth to justify such a pivotal role.
Moreover, the pricing is steep. The Any Space model retails for $139 (currently exclusive to Home Depot), comparable to the $130 First Alert SC5, which integrates seamlessly with Google's platform. Other series options escalate to $250 for the kitchen version, $300 for garage, and $350 for nursery, the latter embedding a camera—an approach that raises privacy issues for guests wary of concealed surveillance.
For those starting a smart home from scratch, a Place detector could have appeal. The room-specific idea holds promise, but at present pricing and execution, it underdelivers. Generally, more affordable, straightforward options serve better across locations. Simply put: Opt for a dedicated camera if monitoring is required.