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Minut A1 - Smoke & CO Alarm

What Minut A1 is, how it works, battery info, installation, and FAQs.

Written by Emilie Pain

Minut A1 is Minut's smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm, built for short-term rentals. It combines a certified, always-on physical alarm with connected features - remote monitoring, automated self-testing, and real-time alerts- when paired with the Minut app.

The full installation manual and technical specifications are available at https://www.minut.com/setup/a1-s.

Availability: Minut A1 is currently available in the US only for early-access customers.


How A1 works

Features which are always active – independent of Wi-Fi or Minut plan:

  • Detects smoke and CO using the built-in alarm module, and sounds a loud local siren immediately on detection. This cannot be disabled from the app.

  • The alarm activates automatically the first time it's attached to its mounting bracket, and turns off automatically if removed from the bracket. It cannot be manually turned on or off otherwise.

Connected features - require Wi-Fi and an active Minut plan:

  • Interconnection: wirelessly link up to 10 A1 alarms per unit (within 50 ft / 15 m of each other). If one detects smoke or CO, all linked alarms sound together. A1 only interconnects with other A1 units.

  • Real-time alerts: push/email notifications if smoke or CO is detected.

  • Automated self-testing: schedule tests (e.g. weekly, monthly, or between bookings) from Settings → "Smoke & CO alarm" in the app. Results are logged in the event log for compliance/record-keeping.

  • Indoor climate monitoring: temperature, humidity, and mold risk. Readings update periodically rather than in real time.

A1 is a safety alarm — it has no camera or microphone, and does not record audio or capture video. It also doesn't monitor noise levels (unlike Minut's noise-monitoring sensors, such as M3 and E1, which measure sound levels only — they don't record or store audio either).

What A1 doesn't do

A1 is a dedicated safety alarm, not a replacement for the M3 sensor. It does not include noise monitoring, cigarette/recreational smoke detection, crowd/occupancy detection, or an outdoor mode. Customers using both get full coverage: M3 for noise, occupancy, and climate; A1 for certified fire/CO safety.

Batteries

Core alarm battery

A sealed, non-replaceable battery rated for 10 years, powering the core smoke/CO alarm function.

Connectivity battery

A separate, replaceable CR123A or DL123A battery, powering Wi-Fi, the app connection, and interconnection between A1 alarms. The app will notify you (and the alarm will chirp locally) when it needs replacing.

Do I need a Minut plan?

A1 can be added to any existing Minut rental unit at no extra subscription cost.

For a property not yet on Minut, a plan is required to unlock the connected features. Without a plan or network connection, A1 still detects smoke and CO and sounds its local siren.


Installing the A1 alarm

  1. Download the Minut app (iOS/Android) and log in, or create an account if you're new to Minut.

  2. Mount the bracket: secure the plastic mounting bracket to the ceiling using a 3/16 in (5 mm) drill bit. Keep the alarm itself away from the area while drilling to protect it from dust.

  3. Install the battery that came with the alarm - this powers Wi-Fi/connectivity only and doesn't affect the core alarm.

  4. Attach the alarm: twist it onto the mounting plate clockwise until it clicks. It turns on automatically. Give it a tug to confirm it's securely attached.

  5. Finish setup in the app while staying in the same room, then press the test button - a successful install sounds a loud siren.

Where to install:

Indoor only. Do not install in bathrooms, porches, kitchens, or any area exposed to condensation, water, steam, or direct sunlight.

  • Never install outdoors.

  • Keep at least 5 ft (1.5 m) from any cooking appliance.

  • Avoid moisture, direct sunlight, and high heat.

  • Center of the ceiling is best for reaction time; no closer than 20 in (50 cm) to a corner or wall.

  • Smoke/CO alarm placement rules vary by state - check local requirements. General guidance: one alarm per floor and one per sleeping area, at minimum.


FAQs

Do I need Bluetooth to install it?

Yes - turn on Bluetooth on your phone; the app guides you through the rest.

How do I turn it on/off?

It activates automatically when first mounted (this is also when the 10-year battery starts). It cannot be turned off.

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