How to choose the right smoke alarm

No smoke without fire! And precisely when there is smoke, the autonomous alarm smoke detector (DAAF) gives the alarm. A loud sound signal (85 dB), to better get you out of bed if the fire is triggered at night (70% of fire-related accidents are nocturnal).

From now on, since the law Morange passed in 2010, each housing must be equipped with it. The owners have the responsibility to buy and install one whether they are occupants or not. Tenants, they must maintain (regular dusting, battery change and possibly test with the "test" button to ensure that the device remains consistent over time).

Benchmarks to identify a good smoke detector

- It is imperative that we clearly see the CE marking on the smoke detector packaging.

- The NF standard is an additional guarantee. It certifies for example that it is a principle of optical detection that works (and not an ionization system, prohibited in France) or that the ergonomics of the product allows its proper use (for example, a model where can not forget the batteries). This same NF standard certifies that the device is delivered with a battery and a user manual, that the autonomy (1, 5 or 10 years) is clearly displayed and that the manufacturer makes available to its customers a service of assistance.

- The recommendation "by firefighters of France" on smoke detectors is an additional asset but for the moment only 2 brands have obtained it.

The smoke detectors selected by Advantages

- The most discreet: First Alert, ø8,5cm, from 14,90 €, Large Food Surfaces.

- The smallest: "Smoky" ø 4cm, 24,90 €, cfi-extel.com.

- The most design, "Calypso" with 8 interchangeable hood colors, ø7.9 cm, from 15 €, lifebox.fr.

- The "recommended by firefighters" 29FR ", from 14,90 €, kidde.fr

- The luminous one: "Ferion 3000 O" ø 12cm, has an emergency lighting which makes it possible to find the nearest exit, 29,99 €, Bosch.

- The "connected" that can be supported in case of fire. It sends an alarm to a support center, ø12cm, subscription 28 € / month (tax deductible), assystel.fr.

Smoke detectors to avoid

The magazine Quelle Choisir in its February 2015 issue pin 4 detectors tested and not up to par . Models to avoid, according to the consumer association.

- Arcotec DF0001 / KD 108

- ElroRM144C

- Blyss NB739B-1

- ArevTechnic KD-134A

Note that in general these are references within a brand that are defective, not necessarily all the products of the brand.

Finally, to keep abreast of product withdrawals by the DGCCRF, visit the RAPEX website.