How to Choose the Best Smoke Alarm for Your Home in NZ

How to Choose the Best Smoke Alarm for Your Home in NZ

Smoke alarms are a crucial part of home safety, providing early warning in the event of a fire and potentially saving lives. In New Zealand, house fires can spread quickly, making it essential to have the right smoke alarms installed in your home. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best one? This guide will help you understand the key factors to consider when selecting a smoke alarm for your home.

1. Understand the Different Types of Smoke Alarms

There are two main types of smoke alarms, each detecting different kinds of fires:

  1. Photoelectric Smoke Alarms – These are the preferred choice for most homes in New Zealand. They are highly effective at detecting slow, smouldering fires caused by things like overheated wiring or unattended candles. The NZ Fire Service strongly recommends photoelectric smoke alarms due to their quick response time and reduced false alarms.
  2. Ionisation Smoke Alarms – These are more sensitive to fast-flaming fires, such as those caused by paper or flammable liquids. However, they are more prone to false alarms from cooking fumes, making them less ideal for home use.

For the best protection and what is recommended by NZ Fire Authorities, choose photoelectric smoke alarms.

2. Choose the Right Power Source

Smoke alarms can be powered in different ways, and each option has its advantages:

  • 10-Year Lithium Battery-Powered Alarms – These alarms offer long-term protection with a sealed battery that doesn’t need replacing. They are a low-maintenance and cost-effective option.

  • Hardwired 240V Alarms – These are connected to your home's electrical system and have a backup battery in case of a power outage. They are ideal for new builds or renovations.

  • Replaceable Battery-Powered Alarms – These require annual battery changes but are easy to install and maintain.

3. Look for NZ Compliance and Certifications

In New Zealand, smoke alarms must meet one of these compliance standards: BS EN 14604, AS3786, UL 217, CAN/ULC S531 or ISO 12239.

AS3786:2014 is the Australian smoke alarm standards.  All smoke alarms sold on Home Safety Store meet this standard.

4. Consider Smart and Interconnected Options

Modern smoke alarms come with advanced features that enhance home safety:

  1. Interconnected Alarms – If one alarm is triggered, all alarms in the house sound, ensuring you are alerted no matter where you are.
  2. Smart Smoke Alarms – Some models connect to your smartphone, sending alerts when smoke is detected, even if you’re not home.
  3. Hush & Test Buttons – Allows you to silence false alarms (e.g., from cooking) and test the alarm easily.

5. Where to Install Smoke Alarms in Your Home

To ensure maximum protection, install smoke alarms in these key locations:

  1. Inside and outside every bedroom
  2. In the hallway or landing on each level of your home
  3. In the living areas
  4. Near the kitchen, but not too close to avoid false alarms
  5. In basements and attics if they are part of your home

6. Regular Maintenance and Replacement

  1. Test alarms monthly by pressing the test button.
  2. Vacuum and clean them regularly to remove dust.
  3. Replace batteries (if required) at least once a year.
  4. Replace smoke alarms every 10 years, as they lose effectiveness over time.

Choosing the right smoke alarm for your home in NZ is an essential step in fire safety. Opt for photoelectric alarms, ensure they meet the correct standards, and consider interconnected or smart models for added protection. Most importantly, install them in the right locations and maintain them regularly to keep your home and loved ones safe.

 

Back to blog