First Alert's New Precision Detection Advanced Sensing Technology

What is the UL 217 8th Edition Smoke Alarm Update?

UL Solutions has updated its smoke alarm standards requiring smoke alarm manufacturers to meet new requirements by June 30th, 2024, to reduce nuisance alarms and detect smoke from synthetic materials. This update is known as UL 217 8th Edition and helps to improve fire protection for modern homes. As a leader and the most trusted brand in fire safety*, First Alert has introduced Precision Detection^TM advanced sensing technology to meet new UL 217 8th Edition industry standards. First Alert’s Precision Detection smoke alarms and combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are available now at select retailers.

Benefits of First Alert's Precision Detection

Our new advanced sensing technology complies with UL 217 8th Edition smoke alarm standards to reduce cooking nuisance alarms and provide an early warning in the event of a home fire emergency. Current smoke alarms will continue to provide protection until they reach their end of life. However, when it’s time to replace the smoke alarms in your home or you want to upgrade to the latest technology, look for Precision Detection to help identify complaint First Alert alarms. Alarms should be replaced at least every 10 years.

Shop New Precision Detection Alarms

Early Warning

In a home fire emergency, every second counts. Modern homes tend to be built and furnished with lighter, synthetic materials that burn hotter and faster - and feature layouts with higher ceilings and open floor plans - that may result in less time for a safe evacuation if a fire breaks out. Escape times have reduced from 10-15 minutes in the 1970’s to 1-2 minutes today (NFPA). Precision Detection helps better detect fires in homes built and furnished with modern construction materials where fires can spread more quickly and provide an early warning. Install Precision Detection alarms and create an escape plan with your family to help be prepared.

Reduce Nuisance Alarms

This advanced sensing technology also better distinguishes between nuisance cooking alarms and a fire emergency. The #1 reason why people disable smoke alarms in their home is due to nuisance alarms caused by cooking or steam leaving them unprotected (NFPA). Almost 3 of every 5 home fire deaths result from fires with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms (NFPA) so it is important to install and maintain your home’s alarms. Installing alarms equipped with Precision Detection and following proper placement of at least 15 feet away from cooking appliances will help reduce nuisance alarms.

First Alert's new Precision Detection advanced sensing technology, certified to UL 217 8th Edition standards, helps to provide reliable fire protection to protect what matters most. Upgrade to First Alert's Precision Detection smoke alarms or combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home.