FAQS

Details on placing orders and our shipping process.

Orders & Shipping

FAQ

Information about smoke alarms and their installation.

Smoke Alarms

FAQ

Learn about heat alarms and their applications.

Heat Alarms

FAQ

Essential information on carbon monoxide alarms.

Carbon monoxide alarms

FAQ

Discover the benefits of interconnected alarms.

interconnected alarms

FAQ

Usage and benefits of fire blankets.

fire blankets

FAQ

Key facts about different types of fire extinguishers.

fire extinguishers

Orders & Shipping

You can return your order within 14 days after receipt of the order, without stating reasons. You should handle the products with care and return the product(s) complete with all accessories, and in the original product packaging.
If the original shipping packaging is not available or severely damaged you can use your own shipping packaging.

The costs of returning the order are for your account. We will refund the full purchase price, including the original shipping costs, within 14 days of receiving the returnd.

However, if the product(s), upon return, are damaged due to your careless handling and/or inadequate shipping packaging we reserve the right to only pay out part of the purchase amount or not at all.

The shipping costs vary upon the country where the order should be sent. We will select the cheapest form of shipment but still with an acceptable shipment time to your country.
You will see the shipping costs to your country calculated in the total price before actual payment.
If your order amount exceeds a certain limit (depending on the shipping country), shipping

costs will be cancelled and shipping will be free.
For the actual shipping costs see our table SHIPPING COSTS

If you order from within the EU before 21.00 hours CET on working days, we will ship your order the same day. If you order in the weekend your order will be shipped on Monday.If you order from without the EU, we must prepare shipping and tax documents, which will usually take one day extra before we can ship.Once your order has been shipped, you willreceive an email with the Track&Trace code, so you can follow the shipment real time.Shipment time within Europe is usually limited to a few days.

Yes, within the EU we will take care of all taxes and duties.The price you see in our webshop is inclusive the Dutch VAT, which we are obliged to charge by law, of 21 percent.

As we sell safety products, the performance of our products is demanded by law.
For most of these products the legal life time is restricted to 10 years.
Therefore we give al lifelong guarantee period to (most of) our products. So, in practice a period of 10 years, with normal use and maintenance.
Exceptions to this 10-year warranty period are battery life times and certain types of fire extinguishers.
For more information about our guarantee, see our GUARANTEE PAGE.

If your order does not arrive withing 5 days after you receive the shipping email, you can best contact us by sending an email to info@dvm-i.com. We will then investigate the reason and inform you as soon as possible about the cause and the solution.

You can go to our COMPLAINTS PAGE in this web shop and send us a message with your complaint.After receiving your complaint we will send you an email with confirmation of receipt.We will react to your complaint within 14 days of receipt of your complaint email.

We are located in the Netherlands, a cross roads location for all countries of the EU. Because of this favourable location, we can limit shipping costs and delivery times to your country to a minimum.

SMOKE ALARMS

An optical smoke alarm, also known as a photoelectric smoke alarm, detects smoke using a light beam. When smoke enters the chamber, it scatters the light, triggering the alarm. This type of alarm is particularly effective at sensing slow-burning, smouldering fires. It's ideal for use in living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways for early fire detection.

Smoke alarms must meet the EN 14604 standard. This standard ensures alarms are reliable and effective. Key requirements include a test button, a minimum sound level of 85 dB at 3 meters, and a battery life indicator. Additionally, alarms should have a minimum battery life of one year and must be marked with the CE symbol to indicate compliance with European safety regulations.

Yes, a smoke alarm is allowed in the kitchen, but it's recommended to use a heat alarm instead. Smoke alarms can trigger false alarms due to cooking fumes. Heat alarms, which respond to temperature increases, are more suitable for kitchen environments, reducing the likelihood of false alarms while providing effective fire detection.

Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement. Key locations include living rooms, hallways, and stairways. For optimal protection, avoid installing smoke alarms in kitchens and bathrooms due to potential false alarms from cooking fumes and steam.

Yes, a smoke alarm is allowed on the wall, but placing it on the ceiling is preferred for optimal performance. If installing on the wall, mount it high, 10-30 cm (4-12 inches) from the ceiling, as smoke rises. Ensure it is away from corners and not obstructed by furniture or drapes to ensure effective smoke detection and early warning.

The lifetime of a fixed battery in smoke alarms is typically 10 years. After this period, the entire smoke alarm unit should be replaced to ensure continued effectiveness and safety. Regular testing is recommended to ensure the alarm is functioning properly throughout its lifespan.

Place smoke alarms inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home, including the basement. Key locations include living rooms, hallways, and stairways. For optimal performance, mount alarms on the ceiling or high on walls, away from kitchens and bathrooms to avoid false alarms from cooking fumes and steam.

The lifetime of a replaceable battery in smoke alarms is typically 1-2 years. It's essential to replace the battery annually to ensure the alarm functions properly. Regular testing is recommended to ensure the smoke alarm is operational and provides reliable protection.

DVM International smoke alarms are delivered in an ecologically optimal plain brown carton box with as little plastics as possible. Mounting material (plugs and screws), Manuals (English, French, German and Dutch) are included. With the QR-code on the label you can search for more information on this product.

No, a smoke alarm cannot detect carbon monoxide (CO). Smoke alarms are designed to sense smoke from fires, not CO gas. For detecting carbon monoxide, you need a separate carbon monoxide detector.

To activate a DVM International Smoke-alarm, press and hold the Test-button for about 3 seconds. You will hear two loud beeps and the red LED flashes. Then release the Test-button within about 2 seconds. Hereafter the red LED will flash about every 48 seconds to indicate the Smoke-alarm is in the activated mode.

To de-activate a DVM International Smoke-alarm, press the Test-button 6 times in succession. You hear a loud beep and the red LED flashes once. Then press again the Test-button 6 times in succession. The Smoke-alarm is now de-activated.

DVM International gives a lifelong guarantee on our smoke alarms. By law, the lifespan of a smoke alarms is 10 years, after that period the alarm must be replaced by a new smoke alarm. So, our guarantee period for smoke alarms is 10 years, see production date on the label of the product.

HEAT ALARMS

A heat alarm is a safety device designed to detect rapid increases in temperature caused by fires. Unlike smoke alarms, which sense smoke, heat alarms respond to heat alone, making them ideal for areas where smoke alarms might cause false alarms, such as kitchens or garages.

A heat alarm is preferred over a smoke alarm in certain areas, like kitchens or garages, where smoke or steam could trigger false alarms. Heat alarms detect rapid temperature increases rather than smoke, making them more suitable for environments where smoke alarms might be prone to false triggers.

Heat alarms should be placed in areas prone to high heat where smoke alarms might be unsuitable, such as kitchens, garages, and utility rooms. They should be installed on the ceiling or high on a wall, away from appliances that produce heat, to effectively detect dangerous temperature rises.

The lifetime of a fixed battery in heat alarms is typically 10 years. After this period, the entire heat alarm unit should be replaced to ensure continued effectiveness and safety. Regular testing is recommended to ensure the alarm is functioning properly throughout its lifespan.

DVM International heat alarms are delivered in an ecologically optimal plain brown carton box with as little plastics as possible. Mounting material (plugs and screws), Manuals (English, French, German and Dutch) are included. With the QR-code on the label you can search for more information on this product.

To activate a DVM International Heat-alarm, press and hold the Test-button for about 3 seconds until the LED lights up. Then release the Test-button within about 2 seconds. The heat alarm gives a beep to indicate it is activated and enters the working state.

To de-activate a DVM International Heat-alarm, press the Test-button 6 times in succession. Then the red LED begins to flash. Then press again the Test-button 6 times in succession. The Heat-alarm will give a long beep. The Heat-alarm is now de-activated.

DVM International gives a lifelong guarantee on our heat alarms. By law, the lifespan of a heat alarms is 10 years, after that period the alarm must be replaced by a new heat alarm. So, our guarantee period for heat alarms is 10 years, see production date on the label of the product.

CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS

Yes, a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm is essential for safety. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that can be deadly if not detected. A CO alarm alerts you to dangerous levels of CO in your home, helping to prevent poisoning and ensure family safety.

A carbon monoxide alarm is a safety device designed to detect dangerous levels of carbon monoxide (CO) gas in your home. It alerts you with an audible alarm when CO levels become hazardous, helping to prevent CO poisoning and ensure timely evacuation.

Carbon monoxide alarms should be placed on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas and in hallways. Install them at least 40 cm (15 feet) from fuel-burning appliances to avoid false alarms. Ensure they are mounted according to the instructions on our manual, either on the wall or ceiling.

The lifetime of a fixed battery in carbon monoxide alarms is typically 10 years. After this period, the entire carbon monoxide alarm unit should be replaced to ensure continued effectiveness and safety. Regular testing is recommended to ensure the alarm is functioning properly throughout its lifespan.

DVM International carbon monoxide alarms are delivered in an ecologically optimal plain brown carton box with as little plastics as possible. Mounting material (plugs and screws), Manuals (English, French, German and Dutch) are included. With the QR-code on the label you can search for more information on this product.

To activate a DVM International Carbon-monoxide-alarm, press and hold the Test-button for about 3 seconds until the LED lights up. Then release the Test-button within about 2 seconds. The carbon monoxide alarm gives a beep to indicate it is activated and enters the working state.

To de-activate a DVM International Carbon-monoxide-alarm, press the Test-button 6 times in succession. Then the red LED begins to flash. Then press again the Test-button 6 times in succession. The Carbon-monoxide-alarm will give a long beep. The Carbon-monoxide-alarm is now de-activated.

DVM International gives a lifelong guarantee on our carbon monoxide alarms. By law, the lifespan of a carbon monoxide alarms is 10 years, after that period the alarm must be replaced by a new carbon monoxide alarm. So, our guarantee period for carbon monoxide alarms is 10 years, see production date on the label of the product.

INTERCONNECTED ALARMS

Interlinking Alarm devices work by connecting multiple Alarm-devices by a radio-signal. So that when one device goes into the alarm status, all devices go into the alarm status and sound the alarm simultaneously. This system enhances safety by ensuring early warning throughout the entire building, even if the fire/CO starts in a distant area. Interlinking can be done wirelessly or through hardwiring, and it's ideal for larger homes or multi-story buildings.

Up to 40 DVM International alarms can be interlinked. This can be any mix from our linkable Smoke-alarms, Heat-alarms and Carbon-monoxide-alarms. All our linkable Alarms have the letter R at the end of the product code.

To link DVM International alarm devices take the following steps:

  1. Make sure all Alarms are activated.
  2. Select one of the Alarms as the MASTER Alarm, treat all other Alarms as SLAVE alarms
  3. Press the Test-button of the MASTER Alarm three times within two seconds. The red LED flashes quickly. The MASTER Alarm is now in transit mode for the radio signal. This mode lasts 48 seconds.
  4. While the MASTER Alarm is in the radio signal mode, press the Test-button of a SLAVE Alarm three times within two seconds. The SLAVE Alarm stores the signal from the MASTER Alarm and completes the pairing and gives a beep with aflash as confirmation.
  5. Repeat the above stepson all other SLAVE Alarms.

To disconnect DVM International alarm devices from the interlink take the following steps:

  1. Determine which SLAVE Alarm you want to clear from the connection
  2. Press the Test-button of this SLAVE Alarm three times within two seconds. The red LED flashes quickly.
  3. Press and hold the TEST-button again until the red LED goes off t5he first time. Then release the TEST-button immediately. The red LED flashes slowly.
  4. Now press the TEST-button again. The SLAVE-alarm beeps three times, which means the SLAVE Alarm has erased the wireless connection.

Press the Test-button on one of the devices and all alarm devices will go into alarm: sound signal and flashing red LED.
Press the Test-button at least 20 seconds to make sure all devices of the network go into the alarm-mode.
Check if all red LEDs are flashing to confirm the interlink connection.

For DVM International Alarm devices the sound signal and red LED flash-pattern is different between the Main alarm device and the Secondary (interconnected) alarm devices:

Main alarm

Beep 0.5s – Pauze 0.5s 
Beep 0.5s – Pauze 0.5s 
Beep 0.5s – Pauze 1.5s while the red LED flashes.

Secondary alarms

Beep-Beep – Pause 1.2s with the red LED flashes.

No, you must press the Alarm-pause-button of the Main alarm device. This will silence the alarms of all Secondary alarm devices.

You cannot switch off an alarm device to get rid of the alarm signal, the alarm device will get back to its basic functioning only after the cause of the alarm has disappeared.

For Smoke-alarms the smoke has to be vanished, for Heat-alarms the temperature has to drop and for Carbon-monoxide-alarms the CO level has to drop below a certain level.However, you can de-activate an alarm device with a fixed battery: see answer above.

FIRE BLANKETS

A fire blanket works by smothering flames and cutting off the oxygen supply to a fire. Made from fire-resistant materials, it is used to cover small fires or wrap around a person whose clothing is on fire. This helps to quickly extinguish the fire and prevent further injury.

There are primarily two types of fire blankets: wool fire blankets and fiberglass fire blankets. Wool fire blankets are typically used for small kitchen fires and are effective for smothering flames. Fiberglass fire blankets, often coated with fire-resistant materials, are suitable for both domestic and industrial use and can handle higher temperatures.

The size of a fire blanket should match the intended application: 1.2 x 1.2 meters is ideal for small kitchen fires and personal use, while 1.2 x 1.8 meters is better to wrap around a person in case of emergency.

Fire blankets from DVM International are packaged in a compact, wall-mounted plastic container or a protective bag.

The packaging includes clear instructions for use and is designed for easy accessibility during emergencies. The container is equipped with a quick-release tab for rapid deployment.

Fire blankets should be placed in easily accessible locations, such as near the kitchen, by cooking areas, and near fire-prone equipment. They should be mounted on walls at a height that allows quick access during an emergency, and away from heat sources to avoid accidental damage.

DVM International gives a lifelong guarantee on our Fire blankets. The lifespan of a fire blanket is typically around 10 years, depending on usage and maintenance. Regularly check for any signs of damage or wear and replace the blanket if it has been used or shows signs of deterioration. So, our guarantee period for Fire blankets is 10 years.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Fire extinguishers come in several versions, each designed for different types of fires:

Water extinguishers
for Class A fires involving solids.

Foam extinguishers for Class A and B fires involving flammable liquids.

Dry Powder extinguishers for Class A, B, and C fires involving gases.

CO2 extinguishers for Class B and electrical fires.

Wet Chemical extinguishers for Class K fires involving cooking oils and fats.

A foam extinguisher is suited for Class A fires involving solid materials and Class B fires involving flammable liquids. It effectively smothers and cools burning materials and forms a protective layer over flammable liquids to prevent re-ignition. Ideal for use in environments like offices, warehouses, and workshops.

A powder extinguisher is versatile and suited for Class A, B, and C fires. It can effectively tackle fires involving solids, flammable liquids, and gases.

This makes it ideal for use in industrial settings, garages, and locations with mixed fire risks.

A CO2 extinguisher is suited for Class B fires involving flammable liquids and electrical fires. It works by displacing oxygen and cooling the fire, making it ideal for use in offices, server rooms, and areas with electrical equipment.

The size of a fire extinguisher you need depends on the potential fire risk in your area. For small, low-risk areas like homes, a 2kg extinguisher is typically sufficient. For larger or higher-risk environments, such as offices or workshops, consider a 6kg extinguisher for more effective coverage. Always choose based on the specific fire hazards present.

Fire extinguishers should be placed in easily accessible locations, such as near exits, in high-risk areas (like kitchens and workshops), and along escape routes.

Ensure they are mounted at eye level, within 3-5 m (10-15 feet) of potential fire hazards and are clearly visible and unobstructed.

The lifespan of the DVM International disposable fire extinguishers is 5 years. Regular inspections are crucial, and the fire extinguisher should be replaced at the end of its lifespan.

Dispose the extinguisher at the recycling station of your municipality or whatever chemical disposal system is valid for your place of residence.