Smoke alarms
We tested 20 models to see which respond fastest to smoke.
Cavius
CAV10
worth considering
Avg price
$50
Test results
- 65Ease of use
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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 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.
More test results
- Smouldering fire sensitivity
Good
- Flaming fire sensitivity
OK
Model
- Avg price
$50
- Alarm type
Photoelectric
- Noise (dBA)
95
- Battery type
Sealed lithium
- Size
Mini
Features
- Battery life (years)
10
- Alarm life (years)
10
- Warranty (yrs)
5
- Hush period (min)
10
- Carbon monoxide alarm
- Alarms can be linked
- Voice alerts
More info
- Notes
-
- Availability
-
False advertising!
Pros
Nice small size
Cons
Battery life is < 5 years on many of the units we bought for different houses
Recommend it?
No, this product has too many drawbacks.
Jon D.
Used 6 months or more