Certification Overview by Region
EN 14604
Europe
Smoke alarm devices
UL 217
USA/Canada
Single/multiple station smoke alarms
AS 3786
Australia/NZ
Smoke alarms using scattered light
BS 5839-6
United Kingdom
Domestic fire detection systems
SASO
Saudi Arabia/GCC
Fire detection for Middle East
Detailed Comparison Table
| Aspect | EN 14604 (EU) | UL 217 (USA) | AS 3786 (AU) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Standard | EN 14604:2005+A2:2020 | UL 217 8th Ed. | AS 3786:2014 |
| Test Fire Types | TF2, TF3, TF4, TF5 | Flaming/Smoldering | AS test fires |
| Smoke Sensitivity | 0.05-0.15 dB/m | MIC threshold | Similar to EN |
| Alarm Sound Level | 85 dB(A) at 3m | 85 dB(A) at 10 ft | 85 dB(A) at 3m |
| Alarm Pattern | Intermittent | T3 temporal | Intermittent |
| Low Battery Warning | 30 days minimum | 7 days minimum | 30 days minimum |
| Operating Temp | 0°C to 55°C | 0°C to 57°C | 0°C to 50°C |
| Factory Audits | Initial + renewal | Quarterly | Initial + annual |
| Certificate Validity | 5 years | Continuous | 5 years |
| Marking Required | CE + DoP | UL mark | RCM mark |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which certification do I need for my market?
For Europe, you need EN 14604 with CE marking. For USA/Canada, you need UL 217 listing. For Australia, you need AS 3786 with RCM marking. For UK (post-Brexit), you need UKCA marking. Some products can be certified for multiple markets.
Can one product have multiple certifications?
Yes, many manufacturers design products to meet multiple standards. This is called dual or multi-certification. The product must pass all tests for each standard, but testing can often be combined to reduce costs and time.
How long does certification take?
Most certifications take 4-8 months including product testing, documentation preparation, and factory audits. Timeline depends on testing lab availability and any required design modifications.
What happens if my product fails testing?
If your product fails testing, the lab will provide a detailed report of failure reasons. You can modify the product and resubmit for testing. Most labs offer preliminary consultations to identify potential issues before formal testing.