The Cambridge Fire Department is warning residents about illegal smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms it says are being sold online in Ontario.
When purchasing smoke and CO alarms, always check for the appropriate marks to ensure they comply with Canadian standards, warns a press release.
Any smoke or CO alarm sold in Canada must comply with the appropriate Canadian standards.
The fire department advises to look for recognized Canadian certification marks such as CSA, cUL, ULC, or cETL, which should appear directly on the product, not just the packaging.
These certifications enhance the safety of products as well as the public’s confidence in their compliance, says the release.
For example, UL Canada's safety certification services include testing, evaluation and factory surveillance of products to Canadian and international standards for safety. Below are some photos of Canadian Standard markings.
Cambridge Fire would like to remind everyone to clean and test your smoke and CO alarms every month.
Smoke and CO alarm batteries should be replaced every six months. Alarms expire after 10 years and should be replaced accordingly.
To learn more about purchasing certified smoke and CO alarms online, visit https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2021/75583a-eng.php
