Ss-168 Smoke Detector Wired: A Review
Smoke detectors are essential devices for any home or office, as they can alert you to the presence of fire and smoke before it is too late. However, not all smoke detectors are created equal, and some may perform better than others in different situations. In this article, we will review one of the smoke detectors available on the market, the Ss-168 Smoke Detector Wired, and see how it compares to other models.
Ss-168 Smoke Detector Wired
What is the Ss-168 Smoke Detector Wired?
The Ss-168 Smoke Detector Wired is an ionization 9V DC smoke alarm that is operated by a 9V battery. It has an 85 decibel horn, a test button, an alarm LED indicator, and a low battery warning. It also has an optional feature of wireless interconnection with other Garvan smoke and heat alarms, using a RF signal base. This allows up to 20 alarms to be connected wirelessly and sound simultaneously in case of fire. The Ss-168 Smoke Detector Wired is manufactured by Garvan Enterprises Ltd., a Hong Kong-based company that specializes in fire safety products. The Ss-168 Smoke Detector Wired is sometimes listed as the SS-168 or as a 'General Purpose smoke alarm' and it can often also be found unbranded and for sale on online marketplace sites such as eBay.
How does the Ss-168 Smoke Detector Wired work?
The Ss-168 Smoke Detector Wired uses ionization technology to detect smoke particles in the air. Ionization smoke alarms have a small amount of radioactive material that ionizes the air inside a sensing chamber. When smoke enters the chamber, it disrupts the flow of ions and reduces the current. This triggers the alarm to sound. Ionization smoke alarms are usually more responsive to fast flaming fires that produce little visible smoke, such as those caused by paper, wood, or flammable liquids. However, they may also be more prone to false alarms from cooking vapors, steam, or dust. Therefore, it is recommended to install ionization smoke alarms away from kitchens, bathrooms, or other sources of humidity or fumes.
What are the pros and cons of the Ss-168 Smoke Detector Wired?
The Ss-168 Smoke Detector Wired has some advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before buying it. Here are some of them:
Pros:
It is easy to install and operate. You just need to mount it on the ceiling or wall with screws and connect it to a 9V battery. You can also test it regularly by pressing the test button.
It has a wireless interconnection feature that can enhance your fire protection. By using a RF signal base, you can link up to 20 Ss-168 Smoke Detector Wired alarms or other Garvan smoke and heat alarms together. This way, if one alarm detects fire, all the connected alarms will sound at the same time. This can help you to hear the alarm from any room in your house or office and evacuate faster.
It has a low battery warning that will beep every 40 seconds when the battery needs to be replaced. This can prevent you from having a dead battery that could compromise your safety.
Cons:
It has a poor performance in detecting smoke from different types of fires. According to a review by Which?, a consumer organization in the UK, the Ss-168 Smoke Detector Wired failed to sound in seven out of eight of their fire tests. They tested it with fires fueled by wood, plastics, cotton, and solvents, and found that it was unable to reliably detect smoke from any of them except for wood. They concluded that this alarm was one of the most unresponsive and potentially dangerous alarms they have seen and made it a Don't Buy.
It may cause false alarms from non-fire sources. As mentioned earlier, ionization smoke alarms are more sensitive to small particles in the air that may not be related to fire, such as cooking vapors, steam, or dust. This can result in annoying and unnecessary beeping that may make you ignore the alarm when there is a real fire.
It has a limited battery life. The Ss-168 Smoke Detector Wired uses a 9V battery that has a minimum life of one year. This means that you will need to replace the battery at least once a year, or more often if the alarm beeps frequently due to false alarms or low battery warning. This can be inconvenient and costly, especially if you have multiple alarms installed.
Conclusion
The Ss-168 Smoke Detector Wired is an ionization 9V DC smoke alarm that has some features that may appeal to some users, such as wireless interconnection, low battery warning, and easy installation. However, it also has some serious drawbacks that may outweigh its benefits, such as poor smoke detection, false alarms, and limited battery life. Based on the review by Which?, we do not recommend buying this alarm, as it may not provide adequate fire protection for your home or office. Instead, we suggest looking for other models that have better performance and reliability, such as optical smoke alarms or combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. You can find some of the best smoke alarms on the market by visiting [Which?] or other reputable sources.
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