Smoke Alarms

From residential, commercial to industrial settings, smoke and fire alarms are integral for promoting safety and saving lives. They alert inhabitants to impending danger and allow them ample time for evacuation. Since 2024, the Building Code Acceptable Solutions for Protection from Fire requires interconnected smoke sensors to be installed in new homes and substantial renovations.

At RS NZ, we carry a range of high-quality smoke detectors and fire alarms from leading brands such as Schneider Electric, Clipsal Electrical and Hoyles. In addition to this, we also stock smoke detector testers.

Types of Smoke Alarms

Ionisation Smoke Detectors

The most common type of smoke alarm relies on a small amount of radioactive material to detect smoke. When smoke enters a special ionised sensor chamber, it disrupts an electric current and triggers the alarm. Though this makes them vulnerable to false alarms from cooking, they remain one of the most effective fire detection tools. Ionisation smoke detectors tend to be more sensitive to fast-flaming fires and less sensitive to smouldering fires.

Optical Smoke Detectors

Optical smoke detectors, also known as photoelectric smoke detectors, use a pulsing LED light and sensor to check for smoke particles in the air. The light beam is directed into a chamber that is usually smoke-free. When smoke enters, the LED light is reflected and triggers the alarm. Optical smoke detectors are particularly effective at detecting smouldering fires, which produce more smoke than flames.

Heat Detectors

Heat detectors have a heat-sensitive element that responds to either a 'rate-of-rise' in temperature, or to a predetermined threshold. Rate-of-rise (ROR) detectors measure a sudden increase in temperature, but often also have a fixed temperature that they will respond to. Heat detectors are best suited for use in kitchens or laundry rooms, where air particles might interfere with a smoke detector’s sensing capabilities.

Battery-Powered Smoke Alarms

Battery operated smoke detector alarms are widely available and cost-effective. Because they are independent of any wiring, they can be installed almost anywhere. Though they will eventually run out of power, most models will contain a low battery warning or a battery testing button, so you can check if they are in working order. Many manufacturers recommend changing the batteries of a smoke alarm over a fixed schedule, such as every six months or one year, to ensure full confidence in their operation.

Mains-Powered Smoke Alarms

These fire alarms are directly connected to a building's electrical mains supply and are commonly found in commercial properties. They also often come with batteries installed for continued operation in case of any power outages. Some mains-powered smoke alarms are interconnected, which means if one alarm detects a fire, all alarms in the building will sound.

How to Choose the Right Fire Alarm

• Detector Type: Optical smoke detectors are better for home use, due to their superior ability to detect slow, smouldering fires (e.g., cigarette fire on couches). Relegate heat alarms to kitchens and garages, where cooking fumes or steam may trigger false alarms from smoke sensors.
• Power Source: Need to install a smoke detector but have limited space? Consider a battery-powered smoke alarm with long-life lithium batteries, which can last up to 10 years without replacement. Otherwise, consider a hardwired detector with backup batteries built-in.
• Smart Features: Interconnected alarms are essential in large homes, as the triggering of one alarm causes all connected alarms to sound. Some fire alarms also provide for integration with your smartphone or smart home systems, allowing you to monitor your home remotely and receive alerts.
• Test & Maintenance Options: Do schedule monthly tests if you're using a battery-powered smoke detector, unless it is powered by long-life lithium batteries. For hardwired systems, a more comprehensive inspection by professionals should be done annually.
• Regulations and Compliance: Did you know that rental properties in New Zealand must be fitted with either hard-wired optical smoke alarms, or battery-powered ones with a minimum battery life of 8 years? Ensure that any smoke detectors you install are compliant with the New Zealand Building Code and meet internationally-recognised safety standards such as the AS3786 and BS EN 14604.

Applications of Smoke Alarms & Detectors

• Manufacturing & Warehousing: Smoke detectors are crucial in these settings, where fire can spread rapidly due to large amounts of combustible material. Early detection of fires can minimise damage to goods, equipment and ensure staff safety.
• Commercial Offices: A mains-powered smoke alarm helps protect employees, valuable equipment, and sensitive data by promptly alerting occupants to fire risks in multistory buildings.
• Hospitals & Healthcare Facilities: An effective smoke alarm system is vital for the safety of vulnerable patients and staff, enabling rapid evacuation and protection of critical medical equipment and records.
• Hotels & Hospitality: An interconnected smoke detector system provides early warning to guests in various areas like private suites, kitchens, and public spaces to facilitate safe evacuation.

Ensure Safety with Reliable Smoke Alarms

RS New Zealand is your trusted supplier and distributor of reliable smoke alarms, heat alarms and cigarette smoke detectors from industry leaders such as Legrand, FireAngel Safety Technology Limited and ABUS Security-Center. We also carry other safety-enhancing peripherals, such as limit switches and anti-slip flooring. Order your smoke detectors from RS NZ for enhanced fire safety and protection today.

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