Which smoke alarms are the best?

Smoke is a silent killer. Protect your family with smoke alarms. House fires are common in Australia, needless to say, a functional smoke alarm can alert you in a timely way and help you and your family members escape.

Not just that, it is also mandatory as per law. From 1st January 2022, all rental dwellings need to have interconnected smoke alarms in bedrooms, hallways, living areas, hallways and stairways. Stay on top of your legal obligations and ensure your safety.

Types of Smoke Alarms

Ionisation Alarms

Ionisation alarms consist of radioactive materials between two electrically charged plates. When they detect smoke, the alarm is set off. They are said to smell smoke. Ideal to detect fast-flaming fires, ionisation alarms respond quickly to such fires. Fast-flaming fires produce large flames, ignite really quickly but do not produce thick smoke.

The most common causes of flaming fires are due to items that burn rapidly like gasoline, flammable liquids, cooking grease or cleaning products.

Photoelectric Alarms

Photoelectric alarms can see smoke. They contain photo cells and a light beam that shines away from the cell. In case of a fire, the smoke particles will scatter the light beam triggering the smoke alarm. Photoelectric alarms are sensitive to large particles and are used for the early detection of smouldering or smoky fires.

Smouldering fires are common in houses and can start due to unattended cigarettes or electric shorts. These fires produce thick smoke and release harmful gases like carbon monoxide and cyanide.

Specialised alarms

• Carbon monoxide alarms - they are used to detect gas leaks
• Heat alarms - they are used to detect heat rather than smoke and can be used in kitchens

What Type of Smoke Alarm should be used?

Smoke alarms are mandatory to be installed in all households. It is recommended to install photoelectric alarms in all the living rooms, bedrooms, stairways, hallways, kitchen and garage.

Should you Choose a Hard-Wired or Battery Operated alarm?

A hard-wired smoke alarm is connected to your home’s electrical system and also has a battery-backup power supply.

Most authorities recommend homeowners install hard-wired and interconnected smoke alarms. In case a hard-wired alarm cannot be installed, choose a battery-operated smoke alarm. A battery-operated alarm comes with a 10-year lithium battery.

What to Look Out for When Buying a Smoke Alarm?

• Battery - A smoke alarm should come with a 10-year lithium battery
• Hush button - the button allows you to silence a false alarm. Some alarms also come with a remote control so you can silence the alarm without having to climb the ladder to turn off the alarm
• Test button - The test button allows you to test the functioning of the alarm
• Interconnection - Mains-powered and battery-powered alarms can be connected to each other so if one alarm goes off, so do the rest. It ensures everyone in the home is alerted as soon as possible

Smoke Alarm Installation, Repairs and Upgrades

Looking for a local electrician near you for smoke alarm services? Our team of licenced electricians will ensure your home or business adheres to Queensland's smoke alarm legislation with expert installation, testing, and maintenance of both hardwired 240-volt and long lasting battery powered smoke alarms. Contact Pugin Power for all your smoke alarm testing, installation, and maintenance services on 1300 029 795 or complete our smoke alarm service booking request today.