Know the basic types of Smoke Alarms

Most house fires occur at night-time, and while you sleep.  It is simply not worth the risk of not having smoke detection devices installed in your home or business.  It is a known fact that having the correct Smoke Detection systems installed will save lives. 

So, make sure you and your family are protected by following a few simple steps to help you to check that your alarms are in good working order. Also, you need to check that you have enough alarms installed and in the correct locations, and you have the right type of alarm installed.  

Powered Electrical and Data are here to help you with all of the above questions, to ensure you and your family have a good nights sleep, knowing that you have all the relevant measures in place to help keep your loved ones protected.

Types of Alarms

Multi Sensor Alarm

A multi sensor alarm typically has 2 separate sensing elements, using a dual monitoring system it responds much faster to all fire types than a traditional single sensor alarm.

Photoelectric smoke alarm

These units are best for detecting slow, smouldering fires that would be typical found in a modern-day family home.

Heat Alarm

This alarm only detects heat and is usually installed in roof cavities, laundry and kitchen areas of homes and businesses.

Carbon monoxide alarm

Carbon monoxide is an odourless and colourless gas that can cause sudden illness and even death if humans or animals become exposed.  The installation of this alarm helps to detect the presence of carbon monoxide levels in your home or business and alerts you with a red light.

Ionisation Alarm

These alarms are known for “smelling” the smoke. They work by detecting the invisible particles that come from the flames and are good for fast burning fires that produce minimal smoke.

What you should know – The Law

NSW legislation stipulates that you must have at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of your home. This includes, owner occupied, rentals properties, relocatable homes, caravans, camper vans and any other residential building where people sleep. The NSW legislation only provides the minimum level of protection, however Fire and Rescue NSW recommends owners and occupants consider higher levels of protection.

Landlords and Tenants

Landlords are responsible for the installation of Smoke Alarms in rented premises.  After the installation, it is the tenant’s reasonability to replace the battery, if required in battery operated systems. If the Smoke alarms is hard wired in this must be replaced by the landlord.

Installation of Smoke Alarms

In addition to the NSW legislation, Powered Electrical & Data recommend the safest options for your family. In most cases, this would be the installation of interconnectable alarms in every bedroom, and living space, including the garage and hallways.  Hardwired smoke alarms that are connect to your mains power must be installed by a licenced Electrician and always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions.

Maintenance of Smoke Detectors

The following maintenance is recommended in order to keep all smoke detectors in good working order.

Every Month: Smoke alarms should be tested, by pressing the test button to ensure the battery and alarm work.

Every 6 months:  Smoke alarms should be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner, to remove any dust particles that could prevent the detector from working adequately.

Annually: If your smoke alarm has a battery this should be replaced once a year. We recommend installing 10year lithium battery detectors, which has a built-in battery lasting a 10year life span. The batteries are not replaced, but the whole unit will require replacing after 10 years.

Every 10 years: Smoke alarms do not last forever. All types of detectors should be replaced every 10 years. If you are unsure of how long a detector has been installed for, then you should be able to find manufacture date/expiry on the base of the alarm, which is a requirement under standard AS3786.

How to Prevent Electrical Fires

• Do not overload power points and power boards – consider installing more power points throughout your home.
• Regularly check electrical leads for damages
• Before going to bed turn off all electrical appliances at the power point.

Facts

• Did you know you are twice as likely to die in a home fire if you don’t have a working alarm installed?
• When you are asleep, you won’t smell the smoke from a fire
• Electrical appliances and faults cause 40% of most home fires

Powered Electrical & Data are a family owned local company, who are here to ensure your home is prepared, if a fire was to break out. Please contact us today to book a free home consultation.