The Science Behind Smoke Alarms

At their core, smoke alarms operate by detecting airborne particles generated during combustion. When a fire starts, it produces smoke, which consists of tiny solid and liquid particles suspended in the air. Smoke alarms sense these particles and trigger an alarm to warn people of the potential danger.

 

Smoke alarms rely on two primary technologies to detect smoke:

• Photoelectric (Optical) Detection – Uses light to detect smoke.
• Ionisation Detection – Uses electrically charged particles to detect smoke. 

Most modern homes and businesses opt for photoelectric smoke alarms due to their effectiveness in detecting slow-burning, smouldering fires. However, some smoke alarms combine both technologies for broader fire detection.

 

How Do Smoke Alarms Detect Smoke?

 

Photoelectric Smoke Detection

Photoelectric smoke alarms use a light beam and a sensor to detect smoke particles in the air. Here’s how they work:

• Inside the alarm, a light source (usually an LED) is directed away from a light-sensitive sensor.
• Under normal conditions, the light does not hit the sensor.
• When smoke enters the chamber, it scatters the light, causing some of it to reach the sensor.
• The sensor detects the scattered light and triggers the alarm. 

Why does this matter?

• Highly effective for detecting smouldering fires, which generate a lot of smoke before flames appear.
• Fewer false alarms from cooking fumes compared to ionisation alarms. 

2. Ionisation Smoke Detection

Ionisation smoke alarms use a small radioactive source (usually Americium-241) to ionise air molecules. The process works as follows:

 

• The alarm has two electrically charged plates that create an electric current.
• Ionised air molecules allow electricity to flow between the plates.
• When smoke enters the chamber, it disrupts the ionised air, reducing the electrical flow.
• The drop in electrical current triggers the alarm. 

Why does this matter?

• More responsive to fast-flaming fires, like paper or cooking oil fires.
• More prone to false alarms from steam or burnt toast compared to photoelectric alarms.

Power Sources: How Smoke Alarms Stay Functional

Smoke alarms need a reliable power source to function properly. They are powered in one of three ways:

1. Battery-Powered Smoke Alarms

• Use replaceable or sealed long-life lithium batteries.
• Easy to install and operate without wiring.
• Require regular battery checks to ensure functionality.

2. Hardwired Smoke Alarms

• Connected directly to the home’s electrical wiring.
• Often have a battery backup in case of power failure.
• Typically used in newer homes and rental properties for enhanced safety.

3. Interconnected Smoke Alarms

• When one alarm detects smoke, all alarms in the system sound simultaneously.
• Interconnected smoke alarms can be hardwired or wirelessly connected.
• Offers improved safety in larger homes or multi-level buildings.

What Do Smoke Alarms Detect?

Smoke alarms are designed to detect:

• Visible smoke particles from smouldering or burning materials like wood, fabric, and plastic.
• Aerosolised combustion products, which are microscopic particles produced during a fire.
• Heat and gas movement (in some advanced models), providing additional fire detection.

What smoke alarms don’t detect:

• Carbon monoxide (unless you have a dual-function smoke and CO alarm).
• Natural gas leaks (you need a separate gas detector for this).
• High temperatures alone (a heat detector is required for this).

How Smoke Alarms Alert You to Danger

Once a smoke alarm detects smoke, it triggers an audible alert, usually a loud beeping or siren. Some models also have:

• Flashing lights – Useful for hearing-impaired individuals.
• Voice alerts – Announce “Fire! Fire!” instead of just beeping.
• Smart notifications – Send alerts to your phone if connected to a smart home system.

For maximum safety, alarms should be installed:

• In every bedroom and living space.
• In hallways leading to bedrooms.
• On every level of the home, including basements.

Maintaining Your Smoke Alarm for Long-Term Protection

A smoke alarm is only effective if it works properly. Follow these simple maintenance steps:

• Test monthly – Press the test button to ensure the alarm sounds correctly.
• Change batteries annually – If your alarm has replaceable batteries, swap them once a year.
• Clean regularly – Dust and debris can block sensors, so vacuum the alarm lightly every few months.
• Replace after 10 years – Most smoke alarms have a lifespan of a decade and should be replaced to maintain reliability.

Conclusion

Smoke alarms are a lifesaving necessity in every home, designed to detect smoke particles and provide an early warning of fire. They work using either photoelectric or ionisation technology, with photoelectric alarms being the most effective for detecting smouldering fires.

To keep your home safe, install working smoke alarms in key areas, maintain them regularly, and consider interconnected smoke alarms for enhanced protection. For high-quality, reliable smoke alarms, explore our range of premium fire safety solutions today!

 

 

A Brief Guide to Photoelectric Smoke Detectors

A photoelectric smoke alarm is a smoke detector that uses a light source and a photocell to detect smoke particles in the air (a common indicator of fire). Photoelectric technology, in contrast to other types of smoke detectors, are especially good at detecting smouldering fires, which produce visible smoke long before they flare into flame.

 

How Do Photoelectric Smoke Alarms Work?

The way photoelectric systems work is based on the principles of light and the way it interacts with particles:

• Detection Chamber: The alarm comprises a chamber with a light source and a light-sensitive sensor placed at an angle to each other.
• Normal Condition: Without the presence of smoke, light emitted won’t directly reach the sensor.
• Smoke Present: Smoke enters the chamber, causing the light to scatter and redirect towards the sensor.
• Alarm Trigger: When the sensor catches this scattered light, the alarm gets activated, notifying the occupants of the possible fire danger. 

This is because the sensor will respond quickly — even to the slightest amount of smoke from a smouldering fire.

 

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), photoelectric smoke detectors respond best to smouldering fires, while ionisation smoke detectors respond fastest to flaming fires.

 

Photoelectric vs. Ionisation Smoke Alarms

Knowing the difference between photoelectric and ionisation smoke alarms is key to making an informed choice:

 

• Ionisation Smoke Alarms: These tend to respond more quickly to fast-flaming fires. They work by ionising the air between two electrodes; when smoke interferes with this ionisation process, the alarm will sound. But they can be less responsive to smouldering fires and more prone to false alarms due to cooking or steam.
• Photoelectric Smoke Alarms: These are best at detecting slow, smouldering fires that can smoulder for up to a few hours before bursting into flames. Their design minimizes false alarms caused by normal activity. 

Because of these differences, many fire safety experts recommend installing photoelectric smoke alarms or dual-sensor alarms that combine both technologies for all-around protection.

 

Benefits of Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

There are several advantages to choosing photoelectric smoke alarms:

• Early Detection: Most fires are deadly before they burn any significant structure or material; the smoke produced in a smouldering fire can send a person into respiratory distress.
• Less False Alarms: Because engineers design the alarms to avoid responding to usual cooking, shower steam, or false triggers, you take it seriously when the alarm goes off.
• Standards Compliance: In areas such as New Zealand, photoelectric smoke detectors comply with and frequently surpass regional fire safety legislation, making them a trustworthy option for both homeowners and landlords.

Tips for Photoelectric Smoke Alarm Installation and Maintenance

For optimal performance of your photoelectric smoke detector:

• Key Areas: Install them in bedrooms, hallways, and living spaces. Avoid placing them too close to kitchens or bathrooms, which can lead to false alarms.
• Regular Testing: You should test your alarms every month to ensure they are working properly. Most units have a test button for this purpose.
• Battery Policy: Replace the battery as per the manufacturer’s recommendation, even without a triggering alarm. (Typically, three to five years; now, some come with long-life batteries of ten years.)
• Keep Them Clean: Dust and debris can get in the way of the sensor. Periodically vacuum the outside of the alarm gently so it operates with full sensitivity.

 

For more information on how to maintain and troubleshoot your photoelectric smoke alarms, you can check out our comprehensive guide on smoke alarm maintenance.

 

Conclusion

A good photoelectric smoke alarm is a great investment in your home safety. Providing you with the peace of mind and protection you need for you and your loved ones, they are proven to detect smouldering fires more efficiently and are less likely to cause false alarms. You must select alarms that conform with local standards and place them strategically around your home for maximum protection.

When any major change to the building code occurs, there can be either misinformation or misunderstanding based on the language used or the way it has been interpreted. Below are some of the most common questions we have received so far, however if an answer to your question is not below – you can email us here or call on 07 5738670, we are more than happy to help provide you with some clarity and then add your question to this FAQ list below.

When do the building code changes for smoke alarms take affect?

The changes to the NZ building code start in November 2023 with a transition period of 12 months. In the transition period you may still follow the previous requirements to be compliant – however most builders and electricians, large group build companies and homeowners have already started to adopt the new standards.

Do I need a mains powered smoke alarm to meet the new building code?

No. There is some confusion in NZ regarding the changes to the new building code, however it is simply down to the language used. The changes require that all smoke alarms must be interconnected, which is where the misunderstanding occurs (in the word ‘interconnected’). By some this means the alarms MUST be hardwired or mains powered, but this is not the case.

The new code states;

‘Equipment required must be either 10 year long-life battery-operated (non-removable/sealed) or 240v hardwired mains powered, interconnected smoke alarms.’ So either the 2107 CAV10WF battery operated smoke alarm or the 2203 CAVMP Mains (hardwired) smoke alarm will comply.

A copy of the NZ standards NZS 4514:2021 is available here or on our website here.

Where do I need to install smoke alarms to be compliant?

Smoke alarms must 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. 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.

Several decades ago, new building codes were introduced that required all smoke alarms in a property to be interconnected. With no wireless technology to rely on, these alarms would use hardwired connections to communicate. Not only that, but they would also draw from the mains power to function.

These days, battery-operated smoke alarms have become far more common. While there are some analogue systems remaining – usually in commercial or industrial settings – the residential go-to is the battery-powered photoelectric smoke alarm.

When you opt for a high-quality version of this product, there are plenty of benefits you can reap. Read on to learn more about what makes our battery-powered smoke alarms stand out from the crowd.

Easy Installation

First things first, battery-powered smoke alarms are much easier to install than their wired counterparts. With no additional wires or complex electrical connections required, these alarms simply click in and get to work. For normal homeowners, this makes them the ideal choice for keeping up with fire safety.

The CAVIUS battery-powered alarms are particularly easy to install. We’ve designed them to be as small and unobtrusive as possible. Simply mount the base ring to a wall or ceiling, click the nano smoke alarm into place, and you’re good to go.

Wireless Connectivity

Interconnected alarms are necessary for ultimate fire safety in the home, especially in larger homes. Rather than one alarm going off in a specific room where someone could miss it, it’s important that all alarms go off at the same time. That way, no matter where residents are in the house, everyone will know to evacuate quickly.

Our battery-powered photoelectric smoke alarms are part of the CAVIUS wireless family. This means you can link all smoke alarms on their own shared network, anchoring them to a ‘Master’ alarm of your choosing.

Adding new alarms to the family is also easy using the ‘Link’ mode built into each CAVIUS alarm. No additional wiring or interconnectivity is needed. Just switch the mode and wait for the alarm to connect. 

Independent of Mains Power

Tying alarms to mains power is an excellent way to save on batteries or establish more hardwired interconnectivity. However, this also makes the alarms dependent on AC power. If the main power supply goes out, the alarms also cut out, which can create potential vulnerabilities (even if they come with back-up batteries).

Battery-powered smoke alarms don’t have this dependency. In the event of a power outage, you can still rely on your smoke alarms to stay interconnected and functional. It’s also worth noting that Fire and Emergency Services recommends installing long-life battery-powered photoelectric alarms in place of the old 9-volt models.

 

Less Costly

Installing hardwired smoke alarms into your home’s power or security system can be very costly. A qualified electrician will need to run wiring to each location, as well as installing a back-up battery to make sure the alarms can function in case of a power outage.

On the other hand, battery-powered alarms only need you and a screwdriver to take their rightful place. Our long-life alarms need only be replaced every ten years, which means they cost even less than the hardwired alternatives over the course of your home’s lifetime.

Easy to Maintain and Replace

A crucial part of making fire safety accessible is to make sure smoke alarms are easy for homeowners like you to maintain and replace. That’s why we’ve worked hard to make our smoke alarms a standout in this area.

Most battery-powered smoke alarms are already easy to maintain and replace. Since they aren’t connected to mains power, you don’t need to do anything complex to remove them for testing. A simple battery replacement will keep most standard alarms going for a few years.

With a CAVIUS photo-electric smoke alarm, you can rely on ten years of solid service. These battery-powered alarms only require a quick test every quarter – a mere push of a button to test the alarm is still working.

 

Advanced Fire Detection Algorithm

While most battery-powered smoke alarms are operating on a simple fire detection algorithm, the CAVIUS alarms do things differently. Our photoelectric smoke alarms come with a built-in fire detection algorithm with features that rival those of the expensive analogue detection systems.

This lessens false alarms, allows for early fire detection, and increases the chance that all inhabitants can safely evacuate before a spark turns into a blaze.

Overall, battery-powered smoke alarms come out on top in most cases. They’re efficient, easy to install, low cost, and very easy to maintain. The CAVIUS range boasts a set of unique features that make our battery-powered alarms even more appealing to homeowners like you.

If you’re still using 9-volt battery smoke alarms in your home, we recommend upgrading as soon as possible. These old-style alarms lack an early fire detection system and rely on batteries that die far too quickly. Luckily, upgrading your alarm system is easy with the CAVIUS product family at your disposal.

Rest easy with a CAVIUS photoelectric smoke alarm system in your home.

Designed to last ten long years, our battery-powered photoelectric smoke alarms are easy to install and excellent at early fire detection. Browse the CAVIUS product family or learn more about our patented CORE fire-detection technology today. 

 

You’ve done it! You’ve purchased your very own photoelectric smoke alarm (or a series of them), and you’re ready to begin your installation. Our team has spent ten years refining the science behind our smoke alarms. We’ve made them smaller, more efficient, and better at detecting early fires. On top of all that, we’ve also worked hard to make installation as easy as possible.

Read on for a detailed breakdown of how to install the CAVIUS 10-Year Battery-Operated Photoelectric Smoke Alarm. From choosing the right spot in your home to connecting your new alarm to the other alarms in the family, we’re covering everything you need to know.

Find the Right Spot for Your Smoke Alarm

Our photoelectric smoke alarms work by detecting the particulate matter in smoke. Housed within the chamber of the smoke alarm is a small beam of light. If that light is broken or disrupted, the alarm trips. Thanks to this carefully-curated system, photoelectric systems are less likely to trigger false alarms.

That said, they have to be installed in the right places to work at peak efficiency. So, step number one is to identify the best spot in your property for your new smoke alarm.

 As a general rule of thumb, you should install alarms on each floor of your home in the areas between rooms, such as hallways and stairways. You should also have an alarm in each room, including your bedrooms and living room.

Avoid dusty or humid rooms, such as your bathroom, laundry, or kitchen. Instead, place the alarm as close as you can to said room without putting it in the path of too much humidity or steam, as close proximity can trigger false alarms. For these rooms, we’d recommend installing a heat-sensitive alarm instead.

Where possible, install your smoke alarm at least 50cm from the corner where your ceiling and wall meet. Avoid placing them at the top of high pointed ceilings, as this will make them less effective at early fire detection. Not to mention, you won’t be able to reach them easily for regular maintenance!

Link Your Alarms

Once you’ve decided on placement, it’s time to link your alarms together. If you’re installing multiple CAVIUS photoelectric smoke alarms, then you can connect them to one another in less than a minute. No internet necessary!

Start by sliding the switch on the backs of every new alarm into the ‘Link Mode’ position. From there, choose only one of your alarms (and make note of which one you’ve chosen for future reference). Press the button on top to designate this alarm as the ‘Master’. Once that’s done, the ‘Master’ alarm will send out a specific house code to all other functioning alarms in your house, which you’ll see by the red flashing LED.

These linked alarms will all sound at the same time if just of them detects evidence of a fire. This ensures you won’t miss a smoke alarm happening on another level of the house until it’s too late to evacuate safely.

Install Your Alarm

There are two different versions of our smoke alarms. The standard option uses a mounting base to attach the base of your smoke alarm to a ceiling or wall. The recessed option makes our nano smoke alarms even more discreet by setting the alarm flush with your wall or ceiling.

Either option is easy to install at home and applicable for both wall or ceiling installations. Make sure not to remove the label on the base of your smoke alarm, as it contains important information you might need for future inspections, warranties, and reports!

Standard Option

1.       Start by using the mounting base ring as a template. Hold it up to the ceiling or wall and use a pencil to mark out the two screw holes on either side.
2.       Your kit comes with enclosed screws and plugs for installation. Use these to screw the mounting base ring to your chosen spot.
3.       Remove the safety lock from the mounting base (you should see it between the two screw holes).
4.       Once done, simple click the nano smoke alarm firmly into the base ring to activate it.
5.       Finish off by sliding the Safety lock  into the slot. This keeps the smoke alarm firmly attached.

You can refer to the user guide from CAVIUS 2203 CAVMP

Recessed Option

1.       Start by using the Cover Ring from your recess kit as a template. Place the ring where you want to install the smoke alarm, then trace around the inside of the ring.
2.       Use an 81mm to 85mm hole saw to cut a hole into the surface. Make sure that you are not cutting into an area with wiring or electrical equipment behind the surface, as this could cause severe damage to you and your home!
3.       Insert the recess kit mounting base into the hole, then secure with screws.
4.       Finally, firmly click the smoke alarm into the recessed base and finish it off by placing the cover ring around the edges of the base.

You can refer to the user guide from CAVIUS CAV10WF

Once all your smoke alarms are installed, you’re officially a fire safe home! As mentioned, we recommend installing heat alarms in your bathroom, kitchen, and laundry as a way to remain fire safe without setting off false alarms with the steam.  Make sure to also introduce a carbon monoxide detector into your alarm network for full protection.

These alarms will last you for a full decade with some simple upkeep. Every quarter or so, give your alarms a quick test to make sure they’re in tip-top shape, and you’ll be golden for years to come.

Embrace safety by design with the CAVIUS family of photoelectric smoke alarms.

With over ten years of battery life, wireless connectivity, and our patented core technology, our range of smoke alarms is the last word in fire safety.

We’ve designed these alarms to blend seamlessly with your home’s décor, ensuring you can rest easy without a traditional smoke alarm marring the flow of your space.

Learn more about our top-of-the-line photoelectric smoke alarms or browse the CAVIUS product family for other options today.

 

Having a high-functioning smoke alarm on your property is one of the most important things you can do to protect inhabitants – and your assets. That said, one of the complaints we hear quite often in the industry is about the prevalence of false alarms. 

Not only can these be a nuisance, but they can even lead to complacency around fire safety. After all, if you hear a false alarm enough times, it’s understandable to assume that all subsequent alarms are false, too. This is a major safety concern and one we’ve sought to rectify with the CAVIUS system.

The photoelectric smoke alarm is an advancement in the smoke alarm industry we’d like to call your attention to today. Having significantly improved reliability and reduced false alarms, this product represents a huge leap forward in fire safety across all residential and commercial applications.

Today, we’re going to run you through a few ways photoelectric smoke alarms have changed the game, including a look at the benefits of choosing them for your property.

Understanding Traditional Smoke Alarms

First, to understand what a leap forward photoelectric sensors are, we have to understand what came before. Traditional smoke alarms generally use ionisation sensors to detect smoke particles in the air. This means they ionise the air between two electrodes, creating a ‘current’ that flows between the two points. If that flow is disrupted, the alarm senses it and goes off.

Aside from smoke particles, ionisation alarms will also often trigger when fumes, steam, or even dust cross the two points. They’re sensitive to almost any kind of small particle, creating false alarms. Since smoke alarms need to be near the kitchen and living spaces, false alarms are more likely to be set off while cooking, resulting in many frustrated homeowners disabling their smoke alarms altogether.

The Role of Photoelectric Sensors

Photoelectric sensors offer a more reliable alternative to ionisation sensors, especially when it comes to setting up a fire safety system at home. Photo’ – meaning ‘light’ – refers to the use of light scattering in these alarm systems.

When smoke particles enter the chamber in this type of smoke alarm, they scatter the light beam, which triggers the alarm. 

Thanks to this advanced light beam mechanism, these alarms are much less affected by common household activities like cooking or showering. This ensures that you’ll generally only be alerted when there’s a genuine threat to your safety.

Not only does this reduce how often your smoke alarm is triggered, but it also ensures you don’t become complacent because of repeated false alarms.

Early Detection of Smouldering Fires

Smouldering fires tend to produce more smoke and less heat, meaning ionisation alarms don’t detect them as well as photoelectric alarms do. When it comes to fires, every second counts, and early detection can provide valuable time for anyone in the building to evacuate safely.

Choosing a photoelectric smoke alarm can help you avoid catastrophic avoidable damage – and save your life.

NZ Fire Safety Compliance

In New Zealand, Fire and Emergency Services recommend installing long-life photoelectric smoke alarms. As smouldering fires can burn for hours before finally spontaneously bursting into a full blaze, it’s best to have smoke alarms that can detect these fires early.

They also recommend that property owners choose an interconnected smoke alarm system when and where possible. That way, if a fire is detected in one room, all the smoke alarms in the building sound off to ensure everyone hears it at the same time. For multi-story structures and properties with long hallways, this is especially important.

At the end of the day, the best option is an interconnected system of long-life photoelectric smoke alarms. They far exceed the capabilities of traditional ionisation smoke alarms, keep you safer, and have a longer lifespan.

Photoelectric alarms are also excellent as part of a broader system. You can supplement your smoke alarms with heat or carbon monoxide alarms to have a full suite of fire safety technology for ultimate peace of mind.

Meet the world’s smallest, safest smoke alarms.

CAVIUS are recognised leaders in the fire safety industry, offering a range of smoke, thermal, and CO alarms for enhanced safety. Our range is highly effective and designed to be small and unobtrusive enough to blend into your decor seamlessly.

Ready to upgrade your fire safety at home? Explore our range of photoelectric smoke alarms today.  

Historically, smoke alarms have been a necessary concession when it comes to home décor. They have been large, obtrusive, and not particularly nice to look at. Previous technology also didn’t measure up, and advancements didn’t meet the desire for better, smaller smoke alarms.

At CAVIUS, we saw this lack of both aesthetics and functionality in the existing smoke alarm systems and thought, ‘We can do better’. So, we did.

Introducing the nano smoke alarm system. Barely visible, this piece of technology is a representation of what happens when you choose to challenge the status quo. By refining every possible detail in the design and manufacturing process, we created a little genius.

The nano smoke alarm is smaller and sleeker – but also far more effective – ideal for property owners who demand more from their smoke alarms. 

Read on to discover why nano smoke alarms are worth the investment.

Aesthetics Meet Safety

It took around a decade to develop our nano smoke alarm. Ten years of challenging every aspect of standard design, refining the components, and assembling it into the smallest possible shell possible. This process didn’t just create a better-looking alarm; it also led us to some amazing discoveries along the way.

By constantly refining and testing the components of a traditional smoke alarm, we were able to hone the system to be more effective, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing. The resulting CORE Technology is the first system in the world to stack smoke alarm components rather than embedding them into each other, allowing for:

•       Optimal chamber size for photoelectric fire detection, leading to fewer false alarms.
•       100% reliability thanks to custom, high-quality components.
•       Two levels of mesh screening to minimise particle contamination.

Space-Saving Design

Many people don’t know this, but smoke alarms are actually most effective in the middle of a ceiling. This way, alarms can catch rising smoke as soon as it hits the ceiling rather than waiting for it to disperse to the corners.

Unfortunately, the clunky design of older smoke alarms often meant that placing them in the middle of the ceiling would have been too visually disruptive, so they were relegated to the corners – reducing their detection capabilities.

A nano smoke alarm is small enough to sit in the middle of the ceiling without taking up any valuable space for light fixtures or other décor features, and its incredibly compact shell makes it easy to install in even the tightest spaces. In addition, our 19mm recess kit also allows you the option to set the nano smoke alarm into the ceiling, providing an even less obtrusive installation.

Advanced Technology

Alongside our advanced hardware, we also created a software system to back it up. The software in every CAVIUS nano smoke alarm features a fire detection algorithm. 

The system includes a calibration routine that is far more accurate than the variable resistor set by hand on most other long-term smoke alarms. This is a big part of what makes the nano smoke alarm a more reliable choice for property owners.

On top of that, all CAVIUS smoke alarms are carefully assembled by hand to meet the New Zealand Fire and Emergency Service and global regulatory requirements. These alarms are also designed to last ten years or more, reliably detecting smoke or fire throughout their lifetime.

Easy Installation and Maintenance

Alongside their discreet size, nano smoke alarms are very easy to install and maintain. This was one of the most important aspects of development for the CAVIUS team, making it as simple as possible for property owners to stay on top of fire safety.

Standard installation requires a simple drill to place the mounting ring onto the ceiling. Once in place, simply click the smoke alarm firmly into the base, and you’ve installed your smoke alarm. Recessing your smoke alarm is slightly more complex, requiring a hole saw drill to gain access into your ceiling, but once that’s done, it’s just as simple as the original.

As for maintenance, managing your smoke alarm’s battery life has never been easier. Once every three months, simply vacuum or wipe down your nano smoke alarm with a damp cloth. Test once a month by pushing the test button (which is the whole alarm). It should produce a loud tone. If it does, you’re good to go!

These alarms are equipped with a 10-year non-replaceable battery. So, once they’re installed, they’re there for good.

When all is said and done, the nano smoke alarm is a demonstration of what we can do if we commit to making a change. Whether you’re after a sleeker design profile or a more reliable alarm, both goals can be achieved with the smallest member of the CAVIUS family.

The world’s smallest smoke alarms. Safer by design.

In our pursuit of a smaller smoke alarm, we had to be a little better at everything. The result is not just a minimalist alarm – but a safer one.

Ready to embrace a smaller, sleeker, safer way of life? Browse our range of the world’s smallest smoke alarms.

Whether you’re a homeowner, a landlord, or a developer, one thing remains the same: smoke alarms are vital to your property’s safety. Properly installing and maintaining smoke alarms ensures they can do their jobs, detecting fires early and allowing inhabitants the time they need to escape should the worst happen.

Since these alarms play such a pivotal role, the New Zealand government has Building Codes that pertain to the installation, maintenance, and use of smoke alarms in NZ. In this post, we’ll explore a recent amendment made to these Codes regarding the use of photoelectric smoke alarms and what the changes might mean for you.

What are photoelectric smoke alarms?

Photoelectric smoke alarms are the latest iteration of smoke alarms used in modern buildings. Each alarm contains a light source and a sensor that picks up changes in the pattern of the light caused by smoke particles in the air. Because they pick up on particles using light, this makes these alarms particularly good at picking up smouldering fires where other alarms might miss them.

Apart from meeting the regulatory requirements we’ll outline next; there are a few additional benefits to choosing photoelectric smoke alarms over other varieties:

1.     Early Detection. When it comes to fire, the earlier you find it, the better. Thanks to their technology, photoelectric alarms are excellent at detecting slow-burning fires, thus providing you with enough of a warning to evacuate.
2.     Reduced False Alarms. No more being awoken by a screeching alarm and panicked pulse at 2 am. Photoelectric alarms are designed to minimise false alarms caused by steam or other fumes, improving the overall reliability of your alarms.

Photoelectric Smoke Alarms and the NZ Building Code

Very recently, there was an amendment to the Building Code’s Acceptable Solutions for Protection from Fire (C/AS1 and C/AS2). This amendment stated that interconnected smoke alarms should be the ongoing standard for newly-built homes or substantial renovations.

As the amendment passed in November of 2023, all affected developers, landlords, and homeowners have until November 2024 to bring their living spaces into compliance. Below, we’ve summarised some key factors of the amendment for your convenience and recommended a corresponding solution.

Long-Life Power

Smoke alarms are vitally important to everyone’s safety, so they must always be operational. Therefore, the NZ Building Code states that all installed smoke alarms must either have a 10-year long-life battery that cannot be removed or be connected to mains power.

The CAVIUS range features both options. From 10-year-powered photoelectric smoke alarms to mains-powered alarms, we have everything you need to remain compliant.

Interconnectedness is Key

One of the most interesting updates to the Code is that all smoke alarms must be interconnected. In other words, if one alarm goes off, all the alarms in the house or building go off. This ensures that even if a fire has begun in a remote part of the building, all residents will hear the alarm and evacuate as quickly as possible.

The smoke alarms can either be hard-wired or use wireless interconnection as long as they are in sync and regularly tested. Luckily, the CAVIUS range includes the Wireless Family Relay Switch, connecting your photoelectric smoke alarms to auxiliary devices that can trigger alongside the main alarm. With room for additional sounders, strobe lights, sprinklers, or even air conditioning shutdown protocols, this is the ultimate safety relay switch to have in place.

Living Spaces Take Precedence

According to the Building Code, photoelectric smoke alarms in NZ must be located in all bedrooms, living spaces, hallways, and landings within a given building. In multi-level households, there has to be at least one smoke alarm on each level.

As shown in this code, living areas and common dwelling zones take precedence over other areas of the home, such as the bathroom or laundry areas. Unfortunately, many modern smoke alarms still have outdated or clunky appearances, making them unsightly when included in every living space.

The CAVIUS range of photoelectric smoke alarms is the smallest in the world and is designed to be recessed. This ensures they are as unobtrusive as possible, blending seamlessly into your living spaces while still getting their jobs done.

Testing Capability is Needed

Finally, as with all smoke alarms that have come before, alarms still need to have a test and hush switch. This allows residents or professionals to regularly test their alarms and replace them as needed. After all, we don’t want an alarm to fail at the worst possible moment.

CAVIUS photoelectric smoke alarms recess into walls and ceilings for optimal function. Thanks to their discreet design, the entire alarm is a test and hush button, rather than having one sit on top of the alarm. This improves their visual impact while ensuring your alarms stay in working order.

Staying compliant has never been easier than with the CAVIUS range of photoelectric smoke alarms. This new amendment ensures all residents of modern buildings will be safe from the threat of fire, emphasising early detection and long-term reliability.

Stay compliant with New Zealand’s leading photoelectric smoke alarm experts.

Talk to the CAVIUS team about sourcing and installing the right smoke alarms for you. With years of experience under our belt and a wide range of fire safety solutions, we’re ready to help you bring your building up to scratch without the hassle. 

When it comes to small things that make a big difference in home safety, there are two things that really stand out: the smoke alarm and the carbon monoxide alarm. But here’s a question: are they the same thing?

Short answer? No. But there’s a lot more to it.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are two of the most common household safety measures you’ll see in a modern Kiwi home. While they are vital for protecting our homes and loved ones, it’s also essential to understand that these have very different functions. Having both devices in your home is crucial; in this blog post, we’ll review why that is.

Read on as we explore the distinctions between carbon monoxide and smoke alarms, their unique functions, and why they should function as a duo, not solo acts.

What is a Carbon Monoxide Alarm?

First up, let’s tackle the lesser-known of these two devices: the carbon monoxide alarm.

Carbon monoxide can be a scary thing to deal with. It’s an invisible gas with no smell or taste, usually produced when gas, oil, wood, and coal combust but don’t finish the combustion process. Unfortunately, this gas is known as a ‘silent killer’ for a very good reason.

Carbon monoxide can build up in sealed spaces, eventually posing a major threat to human health. When inhaled, the gas molecules bind to haemoglobin in the blood, preventing your blood from carrying oxygen around the body. Eventually, this leads to suffocation and, in many cases, is fatal. Its chemical composition makes carbon monoxide almost impossible to detect without specialised equipment.

This is where a carbon monoxide alarm comes in. Designed to monitor the air for the presence of CO gas, these monitors will emit a loud warning signal to alert occupants to a build-up of the gas. This allows you time to leave the area quickly without succumbing to the harmful effects of CO. You can have alarms that tie into the main source of power, and there are battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms as well.

Common sources of carbon monoxide can include malfunctioning gas appliances, blocked chimneys, or running vehicles in enclosed spaces. If you have an internal garage, a fireplace, or run any gas-based appliances in your home, having one of these detectors is especially important.

 

What is a Smoke Alarm?

On the other hand, smoke alarms are more well-known. As suggested by its name, a smoke alarm is designed to detect the presence of smoke, which can indicate the possibility of a fire nearby. Alarms like these have built-in photoelectric or ionisation sensors to detect smoke particles in the air. If the sensor is tripped, the alarm emits a loud noise to let residents know there is a fire potentially in progress and to evacuate as soon as possible.

Smoke alarms play a major role in early fire detection. The earlier a fire is found, the quicker it can be fought, and the faster occupants can evacuate without getting in harm’s way. A smoke alarm is a must-have to reduce the risk of injuries, fatalities, or undetected fires sprouting up at home.

Thermal heat alarms can act as a supplement to photoelectric smoke alarms. Occasionally, smoke alarms will be tripped by other vapours in the air, as their sensors are designed to pick up on particles like this and alert occupants. Installing a thermal alarm alongside your smoke alarms ensures you’re doubly aware of when a real fire is breaking out versus when steam is coming from your kettle.

Why Having Both Alarms in Your Home is Essential

With two alarms serving such different functions, why is having both in your home important? Aside from their core functions, these two alarm types also generally use different technologies to detect their respective gasses.

CO alarms use electrochemical sensors to look for CO in the air, while smoke alarms usually use photoelectric or ionisation sensors to pick up smoke particles.

The point of having both in your home is to cover any overlap. Fires can produce carbon monoxide, and – as they say – ‘where there’s smoke, there’s fire’ – and that’s what your smoke alarms will catch – but they aren’t designed to trip for anything else. A carbon monoxide alarm may not pick up on a fire with no smoke, and a smoke alarm alone won’t pick up on a carbon monoxide leak.

Luckily, hosting both devices in your home unobtrusively is easy while keeping your family safe. To ensure you’re properly protected against the visible threat of fire and the invisible threat of carbon monoxide, it’s vital to always have both alarms in your home.

Keep them functional with regular maintenance, testing, and battery replacements, as warranted. With alarms like these, creating a safe environment for you and your loved ones has never been easier.

Choose the world’s smallest, most effective carbon monoxide alarm.

At CAVIUS, we embrace the idea that safety can look beautiful with our range of discreet alarms. Our range spans everything from thermal heat alarms to carbon monoxide alarms in NZ.

Enjoy award-winning designs that embrace both form and function. Get in touch to learn more.