Everything you need to know about smoke alarms

The fire risk has never been more significant with the rising number of electrical devices and power points in our homes and businesses. That’s why installing smoke alarms is so important—they could be the difference between life and death in a fire.

A properly installed and maintained smoke alarm provides early warning, giving you valuable time to react and get to safety.

Now that you’re armed with this knowledge, you can take the necessary steps to protect your home and loved ones. Here are the basics you need to know about smoke alarms:

How Do Smoke Alarms Work?

Smoke alarms are your silent guardians. They contain sensors that detect smoke particles in the air. Depending on the type of alarm, they use ionisation, photoelectric sensors, or a combination of both to detect smoke and other fire-related particles, ensuring your safety.

Once the smoke is detected, the alarm activates its siren or light, alerting you to the potential danger. However, it's important to remember that smoke alarms need regular maintenance. Test your alarms monthly, replace the batteries at least once a year, and replace the entire alarm every 8-10 years. This ensures they function properly and can alert you to a fire when you need them most.

How Many Detectors Do I Need?

For maximum protection, more is better. You can never have too many smoke alarms, especially in a larger home or building. The minimum requirement is one smoke alarm per level or storey in a residence.

In Victoria, Australia, it's not just a recommendation, it's the law that all residential homes have at least one working smoke alarm per storey. However, for optimal safety, it’s recommended that you install smoke alarms in every bedroom and hallway, along with any other critical areas of your home.

For your peace of mind, it's crucial to have a professional install your alarms. This ensures they meet local codes and are positioned correctly to provide the best possible coverage, giving you the utmost safety in your home.

Where Should I Put My Smoke Alarms?

The Australian Country Fire Authority (CFA) provides crucial recommendations for Melbourne residents on correctly placing smoke alarms. These guidelines are of utmost importance in ensuring safety in your home or business.

• Near each bedroom: The alarm should be placed where it can wake people in the event of a fire. Bedrooms are the most vulnerable areas when people are sleeping, and the sound of an alarm needs to be heard clearly from these rooms.

• In living areas: Smoke alarms should also be installed in common living spaces like living rooms, dining areas, and hallways that lead to sleeping areas.

• Interconnected alarms: It’s recommended to have interconnected smoke alarms so that if one detects smoke, all alarms in the property will sound. This ensures that everyone in the home or business is alerted, even if they are far from the source of the fire.

Smoke Alarm Placement Specifications

• On Ceilings: The smoke alarm should be installed at the centre of the ceiling, at least 30cm away from any cornice or wall.

• On Walls: If the alarm is installed on a wall, it should be placed between 30 to 50cm below the ceiling.

The more smoke alarms you have, the better the coverage and the lower the risk of a fire spreading undetected. The aim is to have alarms placed where they will be heard by all residents.

Areas to Avoid Installing Smoke Alarms

While every room should ideally have coverage, certain areas are not recommended for smoke alarm placement due to the risk of false alarms:

• Kitchens: Smoke alarms should be installed at least 3 meters from cooking appliances, such as ovens, toasters, and stoves. Cooking smoke or steam can easily trigger false alarms.

• Bathrooms: Avoid installing smoke alarms in incredibly steamy bathrooms. Steam can be mistaken for smoke, triggering unnecessary warnings. To reduce this risk, place alarms a few meters away from showers or bathtubs.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your smoke alarms are effective in providing early warning and protecting your home from fire dangers.

What Type of Smoke Alarm is Right for Your Home?

Choosing the correct type of smoke alarm for your home is essential for effective fire safety. Here are the main options available for homes in Melbourne:

Battery-Operated Smoke Alarms

These are the most basic smoke detectors. They are:

• Affordable: Battery-operated alarms are often the cheapest and easiest to install.

• Easy to Maintain: These detectors are simple to maintain by replacing the battery when needed.

• Drawback: The major disadvantage is that if the battery fails or is removed, the smoke alarm won’t work. It's crucial to regularly check and replace the batteries to ensure they function properly.

Hard-Wired Smoke Alarms

Hard-wired alarms are a more reliable option:

• No Battery Concerns: They are connected directly to the electricity supply, so they don’t rely on batteries.

• Backup Power: These alarms often come with a backup battery to ensure they still work during power outages.

• Installation: Hard-wired alarms require installation by a qualified electrician, which could involve additional costs if wiring changes are needed.

Interconnected Smoke Alarms

Interconnected alarms offer superior protection:

• Automatic Alerts: When one smoke alarm detects smoke, it triggers all other interconnected alarms in the home, ensuring that everyone is alerted no matter where the fire starts.

• Better Safety: This interconnected system helps detect small or smouldering fires early, preventing the spread to other rooms and increasing safety.

• Advantages: This type is ideal for homes or buildings with multiple levels or rooms, ensuring everyone is warned, even in large or multi-storey spaces.

How often do I need my Smoke Alarms in Melbourne checked?

To comply with Australian safety standards, smoke alarms in rental properties must be:

• Tested Annually: As per the manufacturer's instructions, smoke alarms must be tested at least once a year.

• Replaced as Needed: If the alarm is faulty, replace it promptly. This ensures the alarm will work in an emergency.

It is also recommended that homeowners check and maintain smoke alarms annually. You should:

• Press the Test Button: Press the alarm monthly by pressing the test button to ensure it works.

• Replace Batteries: Replace the batteries every year or if the alarm emits a warning sound (a high-pitched beep every 30 seconds).

• Replace the Entire Unit: Smoke alarms generally must be replaced every 10 years.

How to Care for Your Smoke Alarms

Maintaining your smoke alarms is key to ensuring they are effective when needed. Here are some tips for proper care:

• Monthly Testing: Press the test button every month to ensure the system sounds.

• Battery Replacement: Replace the batteries at least once a year or when the alarm beeps every 30 seconds.

• Regular Cleaning: Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust from the smoke alarm’s vents, which can affect its performance.

• Replace Every 10 Years: Most alarms need to be replaced after 10 years, even if they’re still working.

Need Installation, Replacement, or Repair?

At TNG Electrical, we can help you with smoke alarm installation, replacement, and repairs. We ensure your alarms meet Victorian Law and Australian fire safety standards and provide all the necessary paperwork to confirm compliance.

Call us at 0405 524 788, email tim@tngelectrical.com.au, or click below to book your service and ensure your property is protected.