4 test winners for more security
Since January 2021, smoke detectors have been mandatory in Berlin, NRW, Brandenburg and the rest of Germany for all apartments in old buildings, existing apartments and houses. We introduce you to the current smoke detector test winners. There are also useful tips on the care and maintenance of fire alarms.
Busch-Jaeger, Ei Electronics and Hekatron – these names should not be familiar to most people. It is these specialized manufacturers that have included Stiftung Warentest in the list of favorites for the best smoke detectors in 2021. Not all smoke alarm devices work equally reliably. Some models are more prone to false alarms or responding to fires too late. We explain what the Q-Label and VdS seal of approval mean and go into the advantages of wireless models. In addition, we give you tips on the correct maintenance and cleaning of smoke detectors.
Contents
- 1 GIGA price tip: Brennenstuhl RM L3100
- 2 Amazon Best Sellers: Ei Electronics Ei650
- 3 Test winner at Stiftung Warentest: ABUS RWM150
- 4 Test winner “Radio networkable smoke detectors” at Stiftung Warentest: Hekatron Genius Plus X
- 5 Smoke detector test 2022: This is how we selected the recommendations
- 6 Buying a smoke detector: What you need to know
- 6.1 Photo-optical vs. thermo-optical: which smoke detectors are better?
- 6.2 DIN 14604, Q-Label and VdS seal of approval for smoke detectors – what does it all mean?
- 6.3 Replaceable or permanently installed: Which battery type is better for the smoke detector?
- 6.4 Smoke detectors give false alarms, especially at night – why?
- 6.5 Does insurance pay if there is no smoke detector?
GIGA price tip: Brennenstuhl RM L3100
Advantages:
- good alarm reliability
- Q certification
- 10 year battery
- pollution compensation
- mute mode
Disadvantages:
- not suitable for bedrooms
- Test alarm loud
With a street price of just under 20 euros, the Brennenstuhl RM L 3100 (see on Amazon) offers a lot for the money. Stiftung Warentest rated the alarm reliability as “good” with a grade of 2.1. This puts the Brennenstuhl RM L 3100 just behind the test winners. The smoke alarm device offers some important functions that are otherwise only found in the higher price regions. The coveted Q certification means that the RM L 3100 has a high-quality finish. There are neither gaps nor frayed plastic edges. The smoke detector easily withstands falls from a height of several meters.
We particularly like the pollution compensation. Many smoke detectors lose their ability to reliably sound the alarm due to dust. Contamination compensation counteracts this by dynamically adjusting the alarm threshold. A small LED lamp flashes briefly every 40 seconds. This tells you that the Brennenstuhl smoke detector is working. Officially, the RM L 3100 loses its bedroom suitability. Ultimately, you have to decide for yourself whether the blinking bothers you.
Amazon Best Sellers: Ei Electronics Ei650
Advantages:
- VdS seal of approval, Q certification
- 10 year battery
- pollution compensation
- Suitable for bedrooms
Disadvantages:
Over 10,000 reviews with an average of 4.7 out of 5 points on Amazon speak for themselves: the Ei Electronics Ei650 (view at Cyberport) is a very popular smoke detector. Since I use it myself, I can confirm the predominantly good impression of the reviews on Amazon. It is practical that it does not flash constantly, so you can also attach it in the bedroom or children’s room.
The Ei Electronics Ei650 is also VdS-approved. VdS (Association of Property Insurers) is an independent accreditation body for fire protection and burglary protection. The requirements for that VdS seal of approval are more demanding than the certification EN 14604. The legislature requires the latter. The Ei650 smoke detector from Ei Electronics is not wireless. Here you have to go to the bigger brother Grab Ei Electronics Ei650RF (view on Amazon).
Test winner at Stiftung Warentest: ABUS RWM150
Advantages:
- Reliable alarm
- High alarm volume
- Mute function
- 10 year battery
- Q-certified
- VdS seal of approval
- pollution compensation
- Suitable for bedrooms
Disadvantages:
There is no clear winner in the smoke detector test 2021 the Stiftung Warentest. A total of 4 smoke alarm devices share the test score of 1.9 (“good”). We chose the ABUS RWM150 (view on Amazon) for a number of reasons. On the one hand, it is the cheapest model among the test winners. On the other hand, the ABUS RWM150 has the best combined rating for alarm reliability (grade 1.9) and alarm volume (grade 1.9). Q label and VdS seal of approval are available.
The ABUS RWM150 offers functions such as Pollution compensation, 10-year battery and suitability for bedrooms from our point of view the strongest complete package. A small flaw if you live in a large apartment or multi-storey house: A radio connection with other smoke alarm devices is not possible.
Test winner “Radio networkable smoke detectors” at Stiftung Warentest: Hekatron Genius Plus X
Advantages:
- Reliable alarm
- highest alarm volume
- Suitable for the bedroom despite the LED lamp
- VdS approval, Q label
- Frequency-optimized alarm
- pollution compensation
Disadvantages:
- Radio setup a bit cumbersome
In the “Radio networkable smoke detectors” category, the picture is similar to that of conventional smoke alarm devices. There are a total of 3 candidates who are in first place at Stiftung Warentest with the same grade (1.9). The Hekatron Plus X (view it on Amazon) is my favorite for two reasons. First, it is the cheapest test winner. With prices starting at 80 euros including the wireless module, it’s good if you can save a little money. Second, the Hekatron Plus X is bedroom-ready without a control LED to renounce. Thanks to the integrated real-time clock, you can set rest times. The smoke detector does not flash during this time.
Smoke detector test 2022: This is how we selected the recommendations
In this summary, we mainly have the results of the Stiftung Warentest (Edition 01/2021), but also incorporate your own experiences. In addition, we have researched the most popular and best rated smoke alarms on Amazon so that we can point out the advantages and problems of long-term use of the smoke alarms.
If there is a fire, we recommend a good fire extinguisher:
Buying a smoke detector: What you need to know
Photo-optical vs. thermo-optical: which smoke detectors are better?
There are two operating principles for smoke alarm devices: photo-optical or thermo-optical. Most smoke detectors in Germany work photo-optically. In a light-protected chamber, a diode continuously emits an infrared beam onto a photodiode, which is made conductive by infrared light. If the infrared beam is interrupted by a certain amount of smoke particles, the alarm is triggered. The problem: Dust and water vapor also interrupt the infrared beam and can thus trigger a false alarm.
The problem does not exist with thermo-optical smoke detectors (see on Amazon). These also check the temperature and only sound the alarm at around 60 degrees – so water vapor is not a problem. However, since thermo-optical smoke detectors require both smoke and a high temperature to trigger an alarm, they are unsuitable for most private purposes. Occupants are exposed to alarming levels of smoke before the fire alarm itself is hot enough.
DIN 14604, Q-Label and VdS seal of approval for smoke detectors – what does it all mean?
Smoke detectors have various certifications that confirm their quality. All smoke alarm devices in Germany must have the DIN 14604 certificate. A total of 29 standards must be met, including false alarm tolerance and sufficient volume. Smoke alarms with the Q label (“Quality”) go one step further.
Smoke detector with Q-Label:
- increased protection against the ingress of foreign bodies into the smoke measuring chamber,
- increased resistance to damage caused by damp indoor climate, corrosion and temperature changes as well as electromagnetic radiation,
- improved electronics and self-monitoring,
- increased stability of the detector housing and components
Last comes this VdS seal of approval (“Trust through Security”). VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH, which awards the seal of approval, is Europe’s largest institute for corporate security. Smoke detectors that have one must meet strict quality standards. The error tolerance is significantly lower than with the DIN 14603 certificate.
Replaceable or permanently installed: Which battery type is better for the smoke detector?
Smoke alarms with replaceable batteries need a new one every one to two years. Models with a permanently installed battery last 10 years from most manufacturers, after which the entire smoke detector must be disposed of. The advantages of long-life batteries are obvious – they last a particularly long time and do not have to be constantly replaced. The vast majority of high-quality models have such a lithium battery. The best of both worlds comes with Nest Protect (see it on Amazon). Here you get a smoke detector with long-lasting and replaceable lithium batteries. The disadvantage is the relatively high price.
Smoke detectors give false alarms, especially at night – why?
30 days before the battery of a smoke detector is empty, it reports with a beep signal. This is a sensible security measure and required by law. But this warning can also sound before that, and that mostly happens at night – and in the bedroom. Most of us like it cool there. Coupled with the lower temperatures at night, this can lead to low battery voltage in your smoke alarm. The smoke alarm device then thinks that the battery life is almost at the end and beeps accordingly.
Does insurance pay if there is no smoke detector?
As the owner, you must ensure that smoke alarms are properly installed and working. However, it is still unclear how your insurance company’s obligation to pay benefits will be handled in an emergency. To date, no court judgments have been rendered in this regard. In my opinion, the question is irrelevant. It’s about protecting human life. The effort and costs for smoke detectors, on the other hand, are very small. Therefore: Do not hesitate and get good smoke detectors.
But beware: You should only extinguish fires yourself if they are still relatively small. If in doubt, it is always better to leave the building and call the fire brigade (tel. 112).
