March 2024

 

At CAVIUS, safety is our top priority, and we are committed to always operating with integrity in everything we do.

CAVIUS is part of the Carrier Fire & Security segment, which also includes the Kidde brand. Kidde is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of fire safety products, built on a 100-year history of quality and reliability with a mission to make the world a safer place.

As experts in the home safety space and manufacturers of products that help save lives, our top priority is customer safety, which is why we have rigorous and ongoing quality control testing.

During routine internal testing of all our devices, it has become apparent that the CAVIUS branded model 4002, with batch codes from 19xxxx to 23xxxx, does not currently meet our standards due to a delayed response time for triggering the alarm, which occurs later than the voluntary Standard EN 50291-1:2018 displayed on the product. This delay may lead to exposure to carbon monoxide, which may cause potential headaches.

We regret that this issue has occurred and are working to correct it.

How can you identify an affected model? 

If you have discarded the original packaging, remove the alarm from the ceiling base. The fold-out label on the rear will show CAVIUS 4002-001” CAVIUS 4002-002 or CAVIUS 4002-003.

Cavius 4002 Carbon Monoxide Alarm Safety Recall

What should you do now?

If you have one of the affected models of the CAVIUS Carbon Monoxide Alarms then you can either:

1.    Contact CAVIUS on +64 (0) 7 573 8670 or email info@cavius.co.nz for a replacement product or

2.   If you have your receipt and do not wish to accept a replacement product, a full refund will be provided by the retailer you purchased the product from.

 

  

NZ Building Code - Smoke Alarm Requirements.

From November 2023 the Building Code Acceptable Solutions for Protection from Fire (C/AS1 and C/AS2) will be amended to make interconnected smoke alarms the minimum fire safety system for new built homes and substantial renovations, citing NZS 4514:2021 – Interconnected smoke alarms for Houses. The standard allows for wirelessly or hard-wired interconnection, using either 10 year long-life battery-powered or 240v mains powered alarms. The changes will have a 12-month transition period ending in November 2024.

 

Below are the key points of the changes to the acceptable solutions but it is important that you read the details in the Standards New Zealand – NZS 4514:2021 interconnected smoke alarms for houses document, click here to download.

KEY POINTS:

  • Equipment required must be either 10 year long-life battery-operated (non-removable/sealed) or 240v mains powered, interconnected smoke alarms.
  • All smoke alarms must meet compliance standards such as BS EN 14604, AS3786, UL 217, CAN/ULC S531 or ISO 12239.
  • Where more than one smoke alarm is needed to meet the requirements of this standard, these alarms shall be interconnected so that when one activates, all smoke alarm devices in the household unit will sound. The interconnection between alarms may be wired or wireless.
  • Smoke alarms shall be located in all bedrooms, living spaces, hallways and landings within the building.
  • In a multi-level household, there shall be at least one smoke alarm on each level.
  • All smoke alarms must have a hush and test button.
  • Smoke alarms shall be located on or near the ceiling.
  • Where a kitchen or scullery is separated from the living spaces and hallways by doors that can be closed, an alarm specified by its manufacturer as suitable for a kitchen shall be located in the kitchen. This may be a heat alarm to avoid nuisance activations.

The information above is designed as a guide only. There is more information contained in the NZS 4514:2021 interconnected smoke alarms for houses standard. 

It’s that time again – daylight savings is just around the corner!

Daylight savings changes happen twice a year and have become the traditional time to check your smoke alarm. t’s a quick and easy process to ensure your home and family are protected. See our basic checklist below:

Smoke Alarm Checklist

  1. It is vital that you clean your alarm with a with a cloth and vacuum around the mesh with the brush fitting – ensure they are free of any dust, cobwebs or other debris (this should be done monthly)
  2. Check the alarm is still working – push the test button to sound the alarm.
  3. Check the expiry date – if it’s due to expire find your closest retailer  and pick up some new CAVIUS alarms
  4. Check that you have the correct placement for your alarms – CAVIUS recommends a smoke alarm in every bedroom, hallway and lounge as well as thermal heat alarms in places such as the kitchen, laundry, and garage. Also ensure that you place alarms a minimum of 50cm away from the wall.
  5. Check if your alarm is photoelectric – if not, it is time to upgrade. NZ Fire Emergency recommend installing a long-life photoelectric smoke alarm in every bedroom as a minimum
  6. Ensure everyone in the household has a fire escape plan so they know what to do in the case of a fire
  7. Consider Wireless Smoke and Heat Alarms – when one triggers, they all sound, meaning everyone knows if a fire is developing somewhere in the home. This is a particularly good option if your home is over two levels or spread out.

A huge amount of homes in NZ have smoke alarms which the batteries are dead, expired, not placed in the correct locations, or are missing completely. If you fall under one of these categories head along to your closest retailer today and pick up some CAVIUS alarms.

Got a question? Contact us today – we’re here to help!

The Minister for Building and Housing, Nick Smith, announced last July there would be changes to The Residential Tenancies Act. One of these new regulations would mean that landlords must install Longlife Photoelectric smoke alarms into their properties. This is great news for tenants and landlords as the statistics show that 89% of fatal domestic fires occur in rental properties in NZ