Smoke Detector: UL 268 7th Edition & the Difference

The newest UL 268 7^th Edition is for smoke detector used in security alarm system and has over 250 changes from its previous revision. This is the biggest change to smoke alarms since 1976. 

Similar to UL 217 8^th edition, one of the main requirement is to reduce cooking nuisance which can cause users to turn off the alarm. This in turn could prevent the smoke alarm from providing effective fire protection.

Another key change is the requirement for the smoke alarm device to distinguish between fast & slow burning fire. This implementation is required because furniture nowadays contain synthetic materials such as polyurethane which are much more inflammable.  

The challenge for the smoke detector alarm is to sense & differentiate between different fire & smoke signatures. This means a new development of multiple-sensor technology will be needed to meet these new demands.

This is the first ever worldwide standard for multi-criteria detectors. Nonetheless, this is similar to European EN54 tests which include TF4, a flaming polyurethane foam fire.

For the new smoke detector device to be compliant to sell on the market, all new fire sensor products must meet the compulsory requirement by the latest June 2021 deadline.

For any OEM/ODM projects regarding UL 268 7^th edition smoke alarm, please contact one of our specialists for more information.