First Alert, Inc. (“First Alert”) is the world’s largest smoke alarm manufacturer. First Alert
sells ionization and photoelectric smoke detectors through its wholly owned subsidiary,
BRK Brands Inc.
In their 1980 report, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) warned ionization
smoke alarms would not safely detect smouldering fires.
The IAFC addressed the combination ionization/photoelectric issue stating:
- - - - - - - - - - More Evidence - - - - - - - - - -
Consumer Product Safety Commission’s ‘Fire Incident Report’, 1995
Hackert v BRK Brands, Inc. & First Alert, Inc.
Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro -- Proposed Class Action Law Suit
IAFC’s 1980, ‘Residential Smoke Alarm Report’
Why the Toymaker got it Right and the Smoke Alarm Industry got it Wrong
This document extracted on 28 July, 2009 from:
www.brkelectronics.com/announcements/photoelectric-specific-legislation-letter
BRK - Official Position on
Photoelectric-Specific Legislation
Download: Here > > >
In their Position Statement and latest product packing (see both below), BRK admits to,
and provides scientific evidence of, the unacceptably high false alarm problem with ionization
smoke alarms. Scientific studies show photoelectric alarms will false alarm at approximately
one eighth the rate of ionization alarms.
BRK’s reason to promote photoelectric smoke alarms, the unacceptably high incidence of false
alarms, concurs with global research, including the research listed in their document below, and:
Download:
(c) Copyright 2012 The World Fire Safety Foundation | Last Updated: 07 February, 2012 | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Search WFSF site
For errors on, or suggestions for this ‘brk’ webpage, contact the WFSF WebMaster | Supporters | About | Media