Updated 27 Apr 2018
Cavius
CAV10
Bottom line: This photoelectric smoke alarm is good at detecting smouldering fires and OK at detecting flaming fires. It has a 10-year battery.
Choose what’s right for you with confidence
Join today and get instant access to all test results and research.
Test results
Overall score
Good points
- Good at detecting smouldering fires.
- OK at detecting flaming fires.
- OK to use.
- Has a 10-year battery.
But
No obvious bad points.
How we test
Overall score is based on smouldering and flaming fire sensitivity.
“Good” or “OK” meant the alarm sounded quickly enough to alert you to danger.
“Poor” meant the alarm took significantly longer to sound.
“Extreme” sensitivity meant the alarm sounded so quickly they are more likely to issue false alarms.
Ease of use (/10) includes instructions and ease of installation.
See "About our test" for more information.
Noise is measured in a quiet room 3m from the alarm.
Price is from a March 2018 price survey.
Key data
Test results
Smouldering fire sensitivity
Flaming fire sensitivity
Ease of use
Model
Avg price
Alarm type
Noise (dBA)
Battery type
Size
Features
Battery life (years)
Alarm life (years)
Warranty (yrs)
Hush period (min)
Carbon monoxide alarm
Alarms can be linked
Voice alerts
Member reviews
"Small, loud, but only somewhat reliable."
28 May 2018, Rental R.
Product use: 6 months or more
Pros:
It's small size makes it inconspicuous. This can be good in rental properties where some tenants with a habit of burning toast take down alarms as a 'precaution' against false alarms - they don't know it is an alarm, so keep it on the ceiling. Their good looks make it great for high spec homes. Alarm is loud and piercing - great for waking you up, not so great for testing!
Cons:
The unfamiliar size and shape can lead to some false accusations that the landlord hasn't provided alarms. The side test button is unexpected, so some tenants don't test these themselves (I recommend landlords check alarms every 6 months or less). If you don't have it properly clipped into the bracket the alarm won't work, so make sure you test it after installation. Cavius did a recall of some batches, if one fails check if it was from this run. They do fail before 10 years, I've had several in both my own home and rentals that haven't lasted more than 3 years before beeping 'flat'.
Recommend it?
Maybe, it depends on what you're after.
"Small and great quality "
29 Apr 2018, Jimy
Product use: 6 months or more
Pros:
- Small and aesthetically appealing
- battery lasts for 10 odd years
- doesn’t give false positives like many of the cheaper ones
- easy to install
Cons:
- pricey, but I figured with cost of batteries over 10 years for a cheaper one it evens out
Recommend it?
Yes, I recommend this product.
"Great smoke alarm in a small package"
28 Apr 2018, Ray M.
Product use: 6 months or more
Pros:
Size and now one battery for life - 10 years. I have the original ones where battery lasts 5 years, now on second battery.
Cons:
Costs more but worth it.
Recommend it?
Yes, I recommend this product.
