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Kidde In Stock

Optical Smoke Alarm | 10 Year Battery Smoke Detector | Built-in Lithium Battery | Kidde DA394

SKU: DA394
£18.83 / exc vat
£22.60/ inc vat
  • Sealed-in 10-Year Battery
  • Optical Sensor Technology
  • Combined Test/Hushâ„¢ Button
  • End-of-Life Notification

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Product Overview

Keeping your staff, customers, and  premises safe isn't just a good idea—it's the law. This Kidde DA394 Optical Smoke Alarm is the definition of 'fit-and-forget' fire safety. Designed for commercial environments where reliability is paramount, it removes the biggest headache of traditional smoke detectors: the dreaded low-battery chirp. With a sealed-in power pack that lasts a full decade, it’s a smart, low-maintenance choice for any business.

This isn't just any detector; it's an optical smoke detector with a lithium battery, specifically engineered to 'see' the smoke from slow, smouldering fires—the kind often caused by upholstery or faulty electricals. It's the perfect safety guardian for offices, hallways, stockrooms, and  hotel rooms. Its simple Test/Hush button and  clear end-of-life warning make it incredibly user-friendly, ensuring you're always protected and  compliant without any fuss.

Ultimately, this commercial smoke alarm with a 10-year battery is about peace of mind. You install it once and  trust it to do its job for the next ten years, freeing you up to focus on running your business. It meets rigorous British Standards, comes with a 10-year warranty, and  is backed by Kidde, a name synonymous with safety. It’s the simple, professional solution to a critical business need.

Key Features and  Benefits

  • Sealed-in 10-Year Battery: No more annual battery changes, saving you time and  hassle.
  • Optical Sensor Technology: Provides faster detection of slow, smouldering fires.
  • Combined Test/Hushâ„¢ Button: Easily test the alarm or silence non-emergency alerts.
  • End-of-Life Notification: Clearly chirps to let you know when it's time for a replacement.
  • BSI Certified to BS EN14604:2005: Guarantees it meets the highest UK safety standards.
  • 10-Year Manufacturer's Warranty: Your purchase is protected for the alarm's entire operational life.
  • Ramp-Up Horn: The test alarm starts quiet before reaching full volume.
  • Compact & Discreet Design: Blends seamlessly into any professional or commercial interior.

Technical Specifications

  • Brand: Kidde
  • SKU: DA394
  • Dimensions: 45(H) x 104(W) x 104(D) mm
  • Sensor Type: Optical
  • Power Source: Sealed-in 10-year lithium button battery (included)
  • Alarm Sound Level: 85dB at 3 metres
  • Material: Plastic
  • Certification: BSI certified to BS EN14604:2005
  • Functions: Test Button, Hush Button, End-of-Life Indicator, Ramp-Up Horn
  • Warranty: 10 Years

Expert Review and  Insights

The Kidde DA394 is a real workhorse for facilities managers and  business owners. Its main selling point is the sealed ten-year battery, which completely eliminates the most common maintenance task associated with smoke alarms. It’s a robust, no-nonsense unit that focuses on doing one job—and doing it exceptionally well for a full decade.

Daniel Foster – Maintenance Expert View Profile →

  • Pro: The 'fit-and-forget' design drastically cuts down on routine maintenance costs and  labour.
  • Con: As a single unit, it can't be interlinked with other alarms.

Case Study: Real Business, Real Results

A multi-site property management firm in Birmingham was struggling with the logistics and  cost of sending maintenance staff to dozens of rental properties each year just to change smoke alarm batteries. They needed a more efficient, compliant solution.

"Switching to the Kidde 10-year alarms across our portfolio was a brilliant move. We've eliminated hundreds of tenant calls and  maintenance visits a year. The peace of mind, for both us and  our tenants, is invaluable. It just works."

Robert Green – Facilities Manager

The switch resulted in a 95% reduction in maintenance call-outs for smoke alarm issues within the first year, saving significant labour costs and  improving tenant satisfaction.

Installation and  Maintenance Guide

Setting It Up

  • Always install on a ceiling, at least 30cm away from any wall or light fitting.
  • For wall mounting, position it 15-30cm below the ceiling.
  • Use the included screws and  mounting bracket for a secure fit.
  • Once mounted, press the test button to ensure it's working correctly.

Keeping It Going

  • Press the 'Test' button once a month to check the alarm and  battery.
  • Once a year, gently use a soft brush attachment on your vacuum to clean the vents and  remove any dust.
  • Never use detergents or solvents to clean the alarm.
  • Make a note of the 'replace by' date and  ensure the unit is replaced after 10 years of operation.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Smoke Alarm

Not sure which alarm is right for your business space? Here are a few things to consider.

Sensor Type

Optical alarms (like this one) are best for slow, smouldering fires (e.g., sofas, wiring). Heat alarms are for kitchens, where cooking fumes would trigger a normal alarm.

Power Source

A 10 year battery smoke alarm offers a decade of maintenance-free power, ideal for 'fit-and-forget' convenience in commercial settings. Replaceable batteries are cheaper initially but require annual checks and  changes.

Placement is Key

You need alarms in hallways, corridors, offices, and  stockrooms. A restaurant smoke detector should be optical for dining areas, but a heat alarm is essential for the kitchen itself.

Interlinking

For larger premises, consider interlinked alarms. When one goes off, they all go off. This model is a standalone unit, perfect for individual rooms or smaller businesses.

Compliance

Always choose alarms that are BSI certified to BS EN14604:2005 for smoke alarms or BS 5446-2 for heat alarms. It’s a legal requirement for most businesses.

See all Fire Safety Equipment

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the main advantage of a sealed battery?

A: The key benefit is convenience and  safety. You never have to change the battery for the full 10-year life of the alarm, which saves time, money on batteries, and  ensures it's always powered.

Q: Why choose an optical alarm over an ionisation one?

A: Optical alarms are more effective at detecting larger smoke particles from slow-burning, smouldering fires, which are common in commercial and  residential settings (e.g., from furniture or electrical faults).

Q: How do I test the Kidde DA394 smoke alarm?

A: Simply press and  hold the large central button. The 'Ramp-Up Horn' feature means it will start quietly before reaching the full 85dB volume.

Q: Can I use this in my commercial kitchen?

A: No, this is not recommended. Smoke alarms in kitchens are prone to false alarms from cooking fumes. You should install a dedicated heat alarm in kitchen areas.

Q: What does the 'Hush' button do?

A: If a non-emergency situation triggers the alarm (like dust from cleaning), the Hush button will silence it for approximately 10 minutes before it resets itself.

Q: How will I know when the 10 years are up?

A: The alarm has an end-of-life notification. It will emit a short chirp every 30-40 seconds for at least 30 days to signal that the entire unit needs to be replaced.

Q: Does this meet UK fire safety regulations for businesses?

A: Yes, it is BSI certified to BS EN14604:2005, which is the British Standard for smoke alarms and  is suitable for meeting your legal obligations as part of a fire risk assessment.

Q: Is it difficult to install?

A: Not at all. It comes with a mounting bracket and  screws. You just fix the bracket to the ceiling and  twist the alarm into place to activate it.

What Customers Are Saying

"Brilliant bit of kit. Easy to install, and  I don't have to think about it again for ten years. One less job to worry about on the annual safety checklist."

Mark L – Pub Landlord, Sheffield

"We put these in our office and  staff room. They're neat, tidy, and  the test button isn't deafeningly loud straight away, which is a nice touch. Highly recommend."

Susan Clarke – Office Manager, Bristol

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Kidde: A Decade of Uncompromised Safety

When you choose a Kidde product, you're investing in more than just a piece of plastic with a sensor. You're buying into a legacy of safety and  reliability trusted by millions worldwide. This commercial smoke alarm with a 10-year battery is a prime example of their practical, user-focused design. For a business owner, the value extends far beyond the initial purchase. It represents a decade of zero battery replacement costs, zero labour time spent on ladders changing them, and  most importantly, a decade of unwavering compliance and  peace of mind. Knowing your property is protected by a device that is engineered to work faultlessly for its entire lifespan allows you to focus on your operations, confident that one of the most critical aspects of your duty of care is handled.

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Why a Sealed 10-Year Battery is a Smarter Choice

A 'built-in battery smoke detector' might sound restrictive, but it's actually one of its biggest strengths for a business. Think of it like the sealed battery in your smartphone; it’s designed to work perfectly for the device's entire lifespan. With this alarm, the battery and  the sensor age together. By the time the battery is depleted after 10 years, the optical sensor itself is also at the end of its optimal life. This design ensures you replace the entire unit when its sensing capabilities might start to degrade, guaranteeing you always have a fully effective alarm, not just one with a fresh battery. It’s a clever way to enforce best safety practices automatically.

Who Should Buy This?

  • Hotels & Guest Houses: Install in every room for guest safety and  to eliminate nuisance low-battery chirps at 3 am.
  • Offices & Commercial Landlords: A perfect, low-maintenance solution to meet fire safety regulations in common areas and  individual units.
  • Retail Shops & Boutiques: Protect your stock and  premises with a discreet alarm for backrooms, offices, and  hallways.
  • Schools & Care Homes: Provides reliable, long-term protection in non-sleeping areas like corridors, staff rooms, and  community halls.
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