Smoke alarms fail consumer tests

Four smoke alarms widely available online have completely failed to detect smoke in consumer tests, underlining concerns about how easy it is to unknowingly buy unsafe products through online marketplaces.

The alarms were purchased online by consumer watchdog Which?. Each one was tested in fire settings involving wood, cotton, plastics and solvents.

All four failed to sound in ever y test conducted, while three of the alarms had aCE mark, suggesting to consumers that they are legal to sell.