Is your property due for smoke alarm upgrades? Installing working smoke alarms in all occupied homes and commercial buildings is a necessity. Equally important is using the type of device that meets the required Australian Government Standard AS3786. The two types commonly used in QLD homes: Photoelectric and Ionisation alarms. Currently, both can be legally purchased and used.
Different Alarm Legislations By Different Australian States
For many years now, the Australian Fire Authorities and Fire Brigades have been recommending the use of Photoelectric Smoke Alarms. There is a global campaign for a total ban of Ionisation alarms, as this type is not interconnected and past their replacement date. Furthermore, studies show that Photoelectric alarms typically respond to smoky fires within about three to five minutes, while Ionisation alarms may take up to 20 minutes or more, by which time escape can be much more difficult.
The Northern Territory has led the way for legislating against the use of Ionisation smoke alarms, and other states are following suit. From the 1st of January 2022 in QLD, all residential properties still using Ionisation alarms will need to have a smoke alarm upgrade.
According to the placement guidelines, all residences must have hardwired 240-volt, interconnected Photoelectric smoke alarms installed in each bedroom, passageway and living areas. If it is not possible to wire a smoke alarm system in your residential property, a ten-year lithium battery-powered smoke detector can be used.
As of writing, New South Wales and the ACT region still follow that all smoke alarms installed in residential accommodation meet the Australian Government Standard AS3786. Property owners and landlords can still opt to use either Photoelectric or Ionisation smoke alarms.
To find out what type you currently have in your home, get in touch with licensed electrical installers
Other Times You May Need Electrical Installers To Do Smoke Alarm Upgrades
- When your smoke alarm is nearing the ten-year mark as typically, this is the time when the sensors start to weaken
- When detectors are repeatedly setting false alarms
- When they malfunction and do not react to alarm triggers
*If your smoke alarm is not ten years old, and is malfunctioning, contact licensed electrical installers. They will diagnose the issue and will provide you with the right recommendation.
Please call us if you need further information about smoke alarm upgrades. We can also help with other electric installation services, such as putting up a smoke alarm system, so your property can comply with the new legislation.