Smoke alarms are one of the most important devices in your home. They can save you and your family’s lives.
These alarms can detect a fire in your home before it becomes too large to control. Smoke detector alarms provide an early warning signal that can help you and your family get out safely.
There are many different types of smoke alarms on the market, and it can be difficult to determine which one is the best for your needs.
In this blog, we will discuss the features of some of the most popular smoke alarms, as well as what you should consider when choosing a smoke alarm. We will also provide a buyer’s guide to help you choose the best smoke detector alarm for your home.
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How to choose the best Smoke Alarm for you
When choosing a smoke alarm, it is important to consider the following factors:
Type of smoke alarm: There are two types of these alarms- radioactive isotope and optical sensor. Which type is best for you will depend on your specific needs.
An isotope smoke alarm uses radioactive material to detect fire. This type of alarm is not as common as the optical sensor type, but it can be more sensitive to fire. Since it detects smoke through radioactivity, there is no need to worry about the alarm causing a false alarm because of dust.
An optical sensor smoke alarm uses light to detect the presence of smoke. When smoke is present, the light is scattered and the alarm is activated.
Battery-powered smoke detectors are generally inexpensive to purchase, but they do need your attention every couple of months to replace the batteries and ensure that they’re working correctly. This is especially important if you’re using rechargeable batteries since even they will eventually no longer hold a charge.
How many smoke alarms should be in a house in NZ?
The number of smoke detectors that should be in a house depends on the size of the house and the level of protection that is desired. In general, it is recommended that there be at least one smoke alarm on each level of the house, and one in each bedroom.
What type of smoke detector is best?
There are many different types of smoke detectors on the market, but the best type of smoke detector is the one that is best suited for your specific needs. For example, if you have a large house with multiple levels, you may need a smoke detector with a built-in alarm that will sound when the smoke reaches a certain level. If you live in an apartment, a battery-operated smoke detector may be more appropriate. However, if you live in a home and you do not have the space for a smoke alarm with multiple sensors, one that uses photoelectric technology might be your best option.
How many smoke detectors do I need for a 3-bedroom house?
You need at least one smoke detector for each level of your house. So, for a 3-bedroom house, you would need at least 3 smoke detectors. One on the main floor and then one for each of the upper levels, such as a bedroom or den.
The Best Smoke Alarms NZ
1. Google Nest Protect Smoke & CO Alarm 
Google Nest Protect Smoke detectors Alarm is a top-of-the-line smoke and carbon monoxide alarm. It features advanced sensors that can distinguish between different types of fires to send a message when there’s a problem or the batteries are running low. It has a light that turns on when you walk underneath it, and its voice alerts make it easy for you to know what’s happening if something goes wrong.
2. Cavius Nano Photoelectric
The Cavius Nano Smoke detectors Alarm is a top-of-the-line smoke alarm that features a penetrating sound at 85dB at 3 metres to alert you of any potential fires. It also has an intelligent test and a 10-minute hush button to silence the alarm in case of accidental activation, as well as a 30-day low battery warning so you can replace the battery before it expires. The unique smart clip ceiling mechanism makes installation a breeze, and the alarm will automatically reset itself after testing.
3. Cavius Wireless Photoelectric Smoke Alarm
The Cavius Wireless Smoke Detector has a unique wireless design and comes in both different mounting options, so installation can be done by either mounting it to the ceiling’s baseboard or anchoring it with screws. It also has a low battery alert to help ensure your safety.
The wireless smoke detector is designed with a 10-minute hush button to make the unit quiet for up to 10 minutes. This model also comes with an 85-decibel siren, so it can be heard throughout your home or office building while providing you ample time to escape reaches of danger.
4. CodeRED Photoelectric Smoke Alarm
This alarm is a great investment for any home. It features a 10-year lifespan, making it ideal for those who want to avoid frequent replacements. The photoelectric design is best for detecting slow smouldering fires, and the alarm will sound at 85db at 3m. The low battery warning will chirp intermittently until the battery is replaced, and the large Hush/Test button makes it easy to silence the alarm or test its functionality.
5. Orca Photoelectric Smoke Alarm w/ Hush
The Orca Photoelectric Smoke Detector Alarm is a great choice for those looking for a reliable smoke alarm that can detect slow smouldering fires. This alarm has a loud warning tone of 85db at 3m. The large Hush/Test button makes it easy to silence the alarm or test its functionality, and the low battery warning ensures you never run out of power unexpectedly.