Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

Two FireAngel smoke alarms fail Which? fire test

Published: 24 October 2013
Which? is telling consumers not to buy two FireAngel brand smoke alarms after they failed a fire test.
Two FireAngel smoke alarms fail Which? fire test
The consumer organisation says the FireAngel LSI-601 Escape Light and SI-601 Easy to Silence models failed to go off as required under the British Standard in a smouldering wood fire test.

Which? has now branded the two alarms 'Don't Buys' and has passed its findings on to Trading Standards. It has also alerted the supplier, Sprue Safety Products, which is conducting its own investigations.

However, one other FireAngel alarm tested emerged as a 'Best Buy'.

In total, Which? tested 15 of the most widely available domestic battery smoke alarms, from Kidde, First Alert, Ei Electronics and FireAngel.

The products were put through rigorous British Standard tests - four different types of fire, from a cigarette smouldering on a sofa to a petrol fire. They were also tested for loudness and whether the light could be seen in smoke, and assessed on their ease of use, from clarity of instructions to battery installation and ceiling fixing.

Prices of the products varied from £6.50 to £20.99, but Which? found that paying more did not guarantee the best smoke alarm. In fact, the Kidde 19040 Lifesaver Compact, at £6.50, achieved joint top score with the 19060 Alarm with Hush Button, also by Kidde, at £8.50.

The other two top buys were the FireAngel ST-620 Thermoptek 10 Year Life alarm and First Alert SA700 Long Life No Nuisance alarm.

Commenting on the findings, Which? editor Richard Headland said: "We advise people not to buy the two FireAngel smoke alarm models that failed to meet the required standard in one of our tests. If you think you have one installed at home and you're concerned, you can contact the manufacturer for a free alternative."

Comments

30 May 2017 16:29:48
Gel

Best to buy from retailer where you could easily swap. Several instances of this brand's alarms catching fire, yet Fire Brigades continue to fit; amazing the power of lobbying.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2058922/Firefighters-forced-stop-handing-smoke-alarms-catches-alight-nearly-burns-house.html

http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/thousands-of-smoke-alarms-at-small-risk-of-catching-fire-1-3991184

http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/news/article-3554501/Top-British-smoke-alarm-manufacturer-admits-90-000-popular-devices-faulty.html

 

27 May 2017 20:47:21
Pete

just purchased 2  of the fire Angel     SI-601 smoke alarms from a reputable company on eBay a train pack and both are faulty stood as you put the supplied battery's in the alarm goes off and will not go off 

at all position makes no difference were they are fit 

Published prior to March 2014
By Ross
I purchased two FireAngel SI-601 from a large store here in New Zealand promoting as best home protection. One if these just goes off randomly with know heat. You can be just sitting there watching TV nothing cooking or anything else on but TV suddenly smoke alarm going off get up in morning while having shower smoke alarm goes off and it in kitchen again nothing on in there yet.
Published prior to March 2014
By Electrical contractor
Hi my name Is - an Electrical contractor based in Worcester, I used to fit smoke detectors regularly as part of my working week, and did not give it a though as to what type of detector i was installing until now.
The general public may be unaware that this type of smoke detector may not protect them in the event of a typical smouldering fire. Before contacting me you may like to see the video on the internet indicating that this type of detector should no longer be used.

The video is on YouTube (only)
Please type in smoke detector recall its the first video

Have shown this video to my local fire officer based in worcester and have asked the question is the ionisation detector safe. He told me that they meet a standard, he was unable to say that this type of alarm was safe.
Published prior to March 2014
By Nick Rutter
Since being contacted by Which? regarding the SI-601 and LSI-601 one year ionisation smoke alarms we have questioned their findings. They have so far not fully responded.

An accredited, independent UK test house has tested randomly selected samples and confirmed they remain 100% compliant.

It is a clear fact that working smoke alarms save lives and we continue to work closely with fire and rescue services throughout the UK to ensure that the public have the best possible protection against the risk of fire.

On a different note, we re pleased that the FireAngel ST-620 smoke alarm is listed as a Which? Best Buy, the only alarm without any cons . This is also the smoke alarm of choice of over 90% of UK Fire and Rescue Services.

We have no other comment to make on the article at this time

(Your email address will not be published)
6 + 4 =  
Already Registered?
Sign In
Not Yet Registered?
Register
Printable View E-mail Bookmark
*

Latest reader comments

re: Latest update on Green Homes Grant and implications for homeowners and landlords

John Hart
After applying for a green homes how long will it take for a decision? thanks...

re: SX Rainproof Exterior Caulk

Wally
I need the exterior sx rain resistant caulk! Can't get it anywhere so please help! How can I order it? Need it yesterday...

re: BCT can replicate any material in a ceramic tile

Christina Tiritanou
Not sure if you can help as I require a tile which has the measurements of 6”x 6”? Thank you....

re: Latest update on Green Homes Grant and implications for homeowners and landlords

colin thompson
SarahVery clear and helpful information.Thanks...

Most read stories