We're pleased the New Zealand Fire Service now recommends photo-electric smoke alarms.
"Got smoke alarms installed and think you're protected? Think again - there's more you need to know."
That's what we said in our 2006 smoke alarms test. Our test findings, in line with overseas testing, showed that common ionisation-type smoke alarms do not give adequate warning of smoke produced from a slow smouldering fire.
And a month or so after our test results were published, we reported on a smouldering house fire in Southland where a child coughing from the smoke awoke the mother and so saved the family. Their three ionisation-type smoke alarms didn't go off.
At the time of our test the New Zealand Fire Service expressed concern that we "might confuse people and potentially reduce public confidence and take-up of smoke alarms". We disagreed. We are now pleased to see that the New Zealand Fire Service recommends photo-electric smoke alarms.
This is from its website: "Note: the New Zealand Fire Service recommends photo-electric type smoke alarms be installed in your home." They are also recommended (in print) at the end of a Fire Service TV advertisement.
Well done the Fire Service. We also recommend photo-electric smoke alarms.
More information
- New Zealand Fire Service: www.fire.org.nz
More from consumer.org.nz
- Smoke alarms - our 2006 test of 21 smoke alarms
Member Comments
Got a question or comment on this topic? Share your views and experiences with other Consumer members...
To add a comment you need to be a member of consumer.org.nz. Login or Join.
Read what our members have to say close
To save money on essentials and make buying decisions easy, you can't go past Consumer. We're proud to have over 65,000 members all enjoying our independent information online or in Consumer magazine.
Here's what some of them say...
"Just wanted to let you know that I find your site excellent! Easy to find my way around, everything at my fingertips - just a click away.
I only took out a 3 month membership as I wasn't sure but it is actually really easy to use and if I want it on paper I can print the
reports. Thanks again".
Denise Watkinson - Waitakere
"My mother (74) got a renewal letter from her insurance company for her car insurance, wanting $570. After reading
your article on car insurance, I contacted one of the companies you recommended, who quoted her $318 for the same
level of cover. I just wanted to stay thank you very much for your article, as it has saved my mother a substantial amount of money".
Adrian Lane - Kapiti Coast
"I've been a member to the magazine since 1997 and enjoy reading it a lot. I've found lots of helpful information on different issues...
Thank you for being so helpful".
Peter Kovalenko - Porirua
"I have been a member of the Consumer NZ for 20 or more years and have enjoyed much reliable advice.
I turn to their tests before making significant purchases".
Lyndal Print – Auckland
Join Consumer now and make your decisions easy on a huge range of products and services
- Over 500 reports, plus interactive tools and calculators
- Independent advice from NZ's trusted source of information
- Join over 65,000 members who help us get all NZers a fairer deal
from just $25
