Smoke alarms
We tested 20 models to see which respond fastest to smoke.
Orca
OM107H-LS
recommended
Avg price
$25
Test results
- 65Ease of use
Why is this free?
This report is free thanks to funding from Tenancy Services.
Consumer NZ is non-profit. To help us get a fairer deal for all New Zealand consumers you can become a Consumer member or make a donation. We’ll use your contribution to investigate consumer issues and work for positive change.
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
$25
- Alarm type
Photoelectric
- Noise (dBA)
96
- Battery type
Sealed lithium
- Size
Standard
Features
- Battery life (years)
10
- Alarm life (years)
10
- Warranty (yrs)
10
- Hush period (min)
9
- Carbon monoxide alarm
- Alarms can be linked
- Voice alerts
More info
- Notes
-
- Availability
-
False alarms galore
Pros
None
Cons
Out of 6 Orca alarms 4 have developed faults and cause false alarms within the first 2-3 years. We have been woken middle of night 3 times, and our neighbours have rung us while we were on holiday saying our smoke alarm has been going off all afternoon. Total waste of money - how we have to invest in replacements (will not be this brand) for them all as we don’t trust them.
Recommend it?
No, this product has too many drawbacks.
James H.
Used 6 months or more