Smoke detector recommendations?

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mentalinc

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#196460 1-Jun-2016 07:28

So I was woken at 3am (why is it always 3am) by a flat battery in one of my detectors this morning.

Looking at the bottom it was due for replacement a few months ago so after suggestions.

I'm after two for sure, Hallway and living area maybe another three for the three bedrooms (for overkill factor).. per NZ Fire service - http://www.fire.org.nz/fire-safety/Safety-Devices/Pages/Smoke-alarms-installation.html

Anyone used these?

http://www.cavius.co.nz/cavius-photoelectric-smoke-alarm/

Thanks

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#1563430 1-Jun-2016 07:36

Top of consumer's list

Quell QPI9101, dual sensors, $35
Warrior MT588H-LB, photoelectric $30
First Alert SA320CN, dual sensors, $60
FireSmart Fs301, photoelectic, $12
(missed some, buy the article if you want more)

Cavius 2002-006 is a ways down the list, $60, photoelectric. Only ok at detecting flaming fires, good at smoking fires. I'd go for something higher up the consumer list, personally.

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SATTV

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#1563431 1-Jun-2016 07:38

I have one in our hallway connected to our house alarm, no batteries to replace ever.

The reason alarm batteries fail in the early hours in the morning is that battery is a chemical reaction and when it is getting flat and cold ( late night / early morning ) there is less of the chemical reaction.

John

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Batman

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#1563442 1-Jun-2016 08:07

SATTV:

I have one in our hallway connected to our house alarm, no batteries to replace ever.

The reason alarm batteries fail in the early hours in the morning is that battery is a chemical reaction and when it is getting flat and cold ( late night / early morning ) there is less of the chemical reaction.

John

Where to buy? Photoelectric?

Disrespective

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#1563456 1-Jun-2016 09:08

FWIW I have a few of the cavius around my home, including their heat detector model for in the kitchen. I bought them because I am undeniably vain when it comes to how my home appears and they're by far and away the least obtrusive alarms I could find that I knew would work.

Regardless. photoelectric models are what you want to look for.

Bung

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#1563492 1-Jun-2016 09:31

timmmay:
Top of consumer's list

Quell QPI9101, dual sensors, $35
Warrior MT588H-LB, photoelectric $30
First Alert SA320CN, dual sensors, $60
FireSmart Fs301, photoelectic, $12
(missed some, buy the article if you want more)

Cavius 2002-006 is a ways down the list, $60, photoelectric. Only ok at detecting flaming fires, good at smoking fires. I'd go for something higher up the consumer list, personally.

The difference between the Cavius performance and another "Consumer Recommended" is very small. Some that are recommended have a few very negative user comments. Consumer should note these comments and refer them to the manufacturer. Unlike the print magazine the website can be updated but very often isn't.

MikeB4

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#1563509 1-Jun-2016 09:57

For me the order for selection would be as follows. ..

1.Performance
2. Reliability

If in the end all was equal then esthetics.

itxtme

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#1563513 1-Jun-2016 10:04

mentalinc:

Anyone used these?

http://www.cavius.co.nz/cavius-photoelectric-smoke-alarm/

Thanks

We have 3 of them. 1 in each bedroom and 1 in the kitchen. We have a wired alarm and so already had 2 wired smoke alarms but sleeping with doors closed I wanted a way to improve our coverage. Have had them a year and they look great on the ceiling, super simple to install and do what they say. Only false alarm was from the bathroom door being left open and steam (a lot of steam) setting one off. You can silence it for 60 seconds by pushing a side button. Note: They have 2 different types one more suited for kitchens and the other for the rest of the house.

chimera

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#1563517 1-Jun-2016 10:16

If money is no issue...

http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=73&topicid=195695

NEST Protect (wired version) about $200 delivered from Amazon UK.

mentalinc

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#1563570 1-Jun-2016 11:19

I can't see value in the NEST but will look a little further into it.

Thanks all for the rapid responses and feedback.

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lapimate

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#1563657 1-Jun-2016 13:58

timmmay: Top of consumer's list ...

One needs also to read the customer reviews on NZ Consumer's report - reporting unsatisfactory experiences with the two top-rated alarms. The customer review of the top-rated alarm rates 3/5 kiwis in spite of the reviewer saying inter alia "this product has too many drawbacks"!

Our experiences over the years with battery smoke alarms have too often been unsatisfactory. I think Consumer's testing does not adequately cover reliability in different environmental temperatures nor a reasonable period in use.

timmmay

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#1563661 1-Jun-2016 14:12

Consumer reviews are worth reading for sure. With a small number of reviews you tend to only get extremes, people who are very unhappy or very happy - usually the former.

mattwnz

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#1563683 1-Jun-2016 14:13

mentalinc:

I can't see value in the NEST but will look a little further into it.

Thanks all for the rapid responses and feedback.

It is basically a 'smart' smoke alarm. Potentially it is far better than a normal one. If you get the wired in one, you will need an electrican. But they also have battery ones. They possibly don't conform to NZ standards, which could be why they don't sell them here.

chimera

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#1563690 1-Jun-2016 14:35

mattwnz:

mentalinc:

I can't see value in the NEST but will look a little further into it.

Thanks all for the rapid responses and feedback.

It is basically a 'smart' smoke alarm. Potentially it is far better than a normal one. If you get the wired in one, you will need an electrican. But they also have battery ones. They possibly don't conform to NZ standards, which could be why they don't sell them here.

Yeah, does seem odd they may not conform to NZ standards,... how stupid of me to assume smoke from a fire in the southern hemisphere is the same as smoke from a fire in the northern hemisphere

lapimate

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#1563890 1-Jun-2016 21:53

Disrespective: ... I have a few of the cavius around my home, including their heat detector model for in the kitchen. ...

As well as kitchen (toast), we have same (Cavius thermal heat alarm) in our internal garage, where photo-electric would give false alarms from vehicle exhaust.

SATTV

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#1563898 1-Jun-2016 22:21

joker97:

SATTV:

I have one in our hallway connected to our house alarm, no batteries to replace ever.

The reason alarm batteries fail in the early hours in the morning is that battery is a chemical reaction and when it is getting flat and cold ( late night / early morning ) there is less of the chemical reaction.

John

Where to buy? Photoelectric?

It was supplied by the alarm installer, if your in Auckland I can send you his details.

I know it is sensitive as we have to cover it to protect it when we paint the ceiling / walls.

John

I know enough to be dangerous

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