Smoke alarms
We tested 20 models to see which respond fastest to smoke.
CodeRED
CRG-100
score
Avg price
$8
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
Good
Model
- Avg price
$8
- Alarm type
Photoelectric
- Noise (dBA)
94
- Battery type
9V
- Size
Standard
Features
- Battery life (years)
Not stated
- Alarm life (years)
Not stated
- Warranty (yrs)
1
- Hush period (min)
10
- Carbon monoxide alarm
- Alarms can be linked
- Voice alerts
More info
- Notes
-
- Availability
The Warehouse only.
False alarms
Pros
Was already installed in our house when we bought it.
Cons
Problems started about one year after moving into our new house (probably when the original batteries started to run low). Our first one of these alarms started going off at random, when there was no cooking or anything going on, so had to take it down. Perhaps summer humidity set it off. Then some weeks later, the second one (in a bedroom) started false alarming constantly. New battery made no difference in either case.
Do not buy these, they're obviously cheap for a reason.
Recommend it?
No, this product has too many drawbacks.
Carel
Used 6 months or more