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.

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.

The RTA
The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) has tightened up its rules and regulations to ensure the safety of tenants throughout New Zealand – an imperative move considering 89% of fatal domestic fires occur in rental properties in NZ. As part of the RTA, from the 1^st of July 2016 all residential rental properties are required to have long-life, photoelectric smoke alarms installed. These alarms must last for a minimum of 8 years or be a hard-wired system. Existing smoke alarms do not need to be replaced immediately as long as they are working. When they stop working or pass the manufacturer’s expiry or recommended replacement date, they must be replaced with long-life photoelectric alarms or a hard-wired smoke alarm system as above. Not complying with standards can have significant penalties for landlords.

CAVIUS provides a small 10 year, long-life photoelectric smoke alarm which meets all NZ building compliance standards.

For a more comprehensive outline of smoke alarms and the RTA visit tenancy.govt.nz

Landlord and tenant responsibilities
Both landlords and tenants have responsibilities to keep smoke alarms working.

Landlords must make sure smoke alarms are always in good working order and are working at the start of each new tenancy, including having working batteries. Failure to comply with these standards could result in a $4000 fine for the landlord.

Tenants must replace expired batteries during the tenancy, if there are older-style smoke alarms with replaceable batteries. If a tenant tampers with a smoke alarm or fails to replace batteries (in older models) they can be fined $3000.

Why photoelectric?
As well as being part of the RTA, photoelectric alarms are also recommended by the NZ Fire service.  This is due to the advanced level of technology within a photoelectric alarm which detects both stages of fires faster. Photoelectric alarms use a light sensor, which when obstructed by smoke, will sound the alarm. Ionisation is another type of smoke alarm technology which has been banned altogether in many Australian states

Protecting your home
For the comprehensive protection of your home or rental property, CAVIUS recommends the use of both smoke alarms and thermal heat alarms. Place smoke alarms in every bedroom, hallway and lounge. For the garage, laundry, kitchen, and workshop (where fast, flaming fires are more likely to start), thermal heat alarms are recommended.

landlords, NZ building compliance, NZ smoke alarms, NZ tenant, photoelectric, rental properties, Residential Tenancies Act, RTA