05/07/2026
⚠️ Warning: When buying smoke alarms or carbon monoxide alarms from online marketplaces like Amazon, Instagram, Facebook, Temu, Wish, and other third-party sellers, you must pay attention.
Just because a product says “Amazon’s Choice” or has good reviews doesn't mean it is legal or safe for use in Canada.
The alarms shown below are an example of products being sold online right now that do not appear to show the proper Canadian certifications required for sale and use in Canada.
In Canada, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms must be certified to Canadian safety standards. Look for certification marks such as:
✅ ULC (Underwriters Laboratories of Canada)
✅ CSA (Canadian Standards Association)
✅ cETL (Electrical Testing Laboratories)
✅ cUL certification from recognized testing agencies.
These certifications mean the alarm has been independently tested for reliability, sensitivity, electrical safety, durability, and proper alarm performance.
A cheap knockoff alarm may look legitimate, especially with high ratings, but if it fails during a real fire or CO emergency, that can be tragic. CO is especially dangerous because you cannot see it, smell it, or taste it.
Stick with trusted brands such as Kidde Canada and other reputable manufacturers that clearly display Canadian certification information on both the packaging and product listing. If the certification is missing, vague, or cannot be verified, don’t buy it.
We became alert to this issue after someone recently sent us a fake social media post designed to scare people with misinformation. It’s a reminder that false information and unsafe products are both spreading online far too easily.
Please take a moment to check the alarms in your home and share this message with family and friends. A certified alarm is not just another gadget; it is life safety equipment.