PDL Sd100
- Mains Powered
- Ionisation Alarm
- 9 Volt Battery
- Production Status = Ceased
Surface mount 240V a.c. Mains Powered Ionisation Smoke Alarm with 9V d.c. Battery Backup The Clipsal PDL SD100 was a popular and broadly adopted smoke alarm in Australian homes, valued for detecting fast flaming fires.
While reliable in its time, all units are now past their service life. Based on performance and longevity, we rate it 8 out of 10.
General Information
A surface mount Ion240/9v mains powered unit with a 9 volt backup battery. Supplied by Clpsal/Schneider Electronics.
COMMON ISSUES & EXPIRY
- Over time, dust build-up can make the sensor overly sensitive (causing false alarms) or, conversely, too slow to respond.
- Older units frequently experience:
- Continuous beeping after a battery change.
- Broken hinges.
- A test button that sticks.
- ‘Latch’ malfunctions (failure to secure properly).
All smoke alarms, including this model, have a maximum service life of 10 years. The SD100 is now an older model, meaning all installed units are considered expired and should be replaced as soon as possible to ensure reliable protection.
How to Open
To open the SD100, press the 1cm-wide latch on the side of the alarm. This will release the unit from its ceiling base and disconnect mains power. The alarm will hang down on small plastic hinges, giving access to the battery compartment and label details. Take care, as the older plastic hinges can be brittle and may break when handled.
Our Opinion
The SD100 was a broadly adopted and generally reliable model in its time, performing well against fast-flaming fires. However, modern photoelectric smoke alarms now offer superior all-round detection, particularly for smouldering fires.
Based on its historical performance and track record, we rate it 8 out of 10. That said, because all units have now reached or exceeded their 10-year lifespan, we strongly recommend replacing them with current photoelectric models. This upgrade improves fire safety and better aligns with insurance and compliance requirements.