Updated 27 Apr 2018
Family Shield
FS-588HLL
Bottom line: This photoelectric smoke alarm is good at detecting smouldering fires and OK at detecting flaming fires. It has a 10-year battery.
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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
"Beware"
28 Apr 2018, John B.
Product use: 1 - 3 months
Pros:
Nothing
Cons:
I bought 2 "Family Shield" (from Bunnings) alarms with the model number SD-588H-LL in 2015. The model was SD-588H-LL and the packaging referred to harco.co.nz. I realise this is a slightly different model, but the 588HLL identifier has to be a worry. Both started giving false alarms within a few months. Nothing wrong with the batteries. I took one alarm back and got it exchanged, but the new started giving false alarms a few months later. Gave up and binned them. Distributors & retailers shouldn't be allowed to sell substandard safety product.
Recommend it?
No, this product has too many drawbacks.
