Smoke Detectors

Forums › Home Workshop DIY › Smoke Detectors

networkn

Networkn
32350 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#129628 22-Sep-2013 12:43

Hi There!

At the home show we came across smoke detectors unlike anything I'd seen before. It's a Tiny little unit that comes in 2 flavours, a 5 year model and a 10 year model.

The brand is Cavius. Fairly expensive at $60 but apparently you need not touch them for 10 years so saves on batteries. Also a lot smaller and better than traditional models.

Has anyone had experience with these or have any general commentary to make on smoke detectors in general? We have SD's in 5 places in the house already (always) and give them as part of our staff welcome packs.

Goosey

2829 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

#899671 22-Sep-2013 12:47

seen these on eletricaldirect website... very cool and Ive been wanting one for awhile but for the cost I decided for now to get 3 Orcas for about the same price.

RunningMan

8954 posts

Uber Geek

#899687 22-Sep-2013 12:52

The Cavius ones have been around for a couple of years. From memory, I think NZ design, made in Europe somewhere.

Make sure you know what type of alarm to use in what area of the house. There are two basic types, photoelectric, and ionisation, and they respond differently to different types of fire. I can't remember which does which, but one type is better on fast burning fires, and the other on slow smouldering.

Either type is no good though if the battery is flat. IMO it's better to pay more up front for an alarm with a long life battery, as the costs of the batteries add up over time - I think most alarms only have a ten year lifespan before they should be replaced anyway.

Last time I got some, went for these:

http://www.mitre10.co.nz/shop/safety_security/fire_safety/fire_angel_10_year_thermoptek_smoke_alarm_177976/

kiwitrc

4123 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#899693 22-Sep-2013 13:25

I bought a couple from these guys http://homeimprovement.co.nz/product-category/security/ They are indeed tiny and a 10 year battery life is bloody good.

timmmay

20578 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#899708 22-Sep-2013 13:38

Last time I read consumer they recommended Orca brand, photoelectric for kitchens, something else for other parts of the house.

webwat

2036 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#900912 23-Sep-2013 00:22

Seen them at electrical wholesalers but still expensive. Needed a smoke detecter but bought a $20 one from bunnings, main thing is i wanted a different type to the one that we already had.

Time to find a new industry!