Consumers Urged to Switch Smoke Alarms (Not Just Batteries) This Daylight Savings

Kiwis are being urged to replace not only their smoke alarm batteries but to consider switching to smoke detectors which are safer, stylish and more cost effective this daylight savings weekend (Sunday September 30).

CAVIUS is the world’s smallest smoke alarm and was co-created by a New Zealand company and a Danish design team. Since launching 18 months ago more than 250,000 CAVIUS alarms have been sold worldwide.

Daylight savings is traditionally the time to check and replace smoke alarms and CAVIUS’ co-creator, Peter Smith, says its photoelectric alarm is more reliable and cheaper in the long run than traditional smoke alarms because its battery lasts for five years.

“Smoke alarms are one of the most essential accessories every home needs but they are often the last thing you think about,” Smith says. “People spend hundreds of thousands of dollars designing and building their dream home but then install large, unsightly detectors with batteries that go flat every year.

“CAVIUS smoke alarms uses the very latest photoelectric technology, a feature which is recommended by the NZ Fire Service. Measuring only 4cm wide they’re very discreet and stylish and have been a popular choice with leading New Zealand interior designers and consultants.”

CAVIUS alarms retail for $59.90 each but Smith says they are more affordable in the long-term than the cheapest smoke detectors which cost $10 and require a new $12 battery every year.

“They’re very economical and are a welcome relief for people who find it difficult to climb up on a chair or ladder to replace their smoke alarm batteries every daylight savings.”

Smith says CAVIUS received terrific feedback at Auckland’s recent Home Show and are now stocked by 200 retailers nationwide. “In the last six months we have already doubled the total sales we achieved last year. We’re on track to sell 12,000 CAVIUS smoke alarms in New Zealand this year which shows just how well this product has been received.”

Smith is currently in negotiations with a nationwide hardware chain and recently signed a new deal with electrical wholesalers JA Russell. “They’re pumping through them. Word of mouth is spreading fast as people want the safest technology available as well as something that looks aesthetically pleasing.”

CAVIUS alarms feature an 85 decibel alarm at three metres distance; have a 10 minute pause option; low battery alert; are easy to install and is environmentally friendly. The name CAVIUS is derived from two Latin words – “caveo” meaning ‘to beware’ or ‘to look out for’, and “salvas” meaning ‘safe’ and ‘unharmed’.

Millions of dollars were invested in the new product which took four years to develop. Smith says while it was designed to save people’s lives, creating something which looked stylish in people’s homes was also paramount.

“So many people remove their smoke alarm batteries because of false alarms or they go flat and never bother to replace them. In fact, at over 80 per cent of fires attended by the Fire Service, smoke alarms are either not installed at all or not working properly, which is crazy. People cannot smell smoke when they’re asleep and that’s when fatalities occur.”

Daylight savings begins at 2am this Sunday September 30 and people can visit www.cavius.co.nz to find their nearest CAVIUS retailer.