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Smoke Detector Installations

A smoke detector is a device that senses smoke, typically as an indicator of fire. When the smoke detector is activated a local audible alarm is issued. This alarm is the warning to tenants of the property to evacuate.

Smoke detectors save lives. For this reason, by law, all homes and units in Queensland must be fitted with working smoke detectors.

Smoke detectors have main two types, Ionisation and Photoelectric.

  • Ionisation smoke detectors are responsive to fast flaming fires. The smoke generated from the fire activates the alarm. Note: This smoke detector is no longer compliant with Queensland Government regulations.
  • Photoelectric smoke detectors are more responsive to smoldering fires. Photoelectric smoke detectors ‘see’ fires so are safer for smoldering fires and do not require fast flaming fires to activate the alarm. For this reason, the Queensland Government have regulated that all homes must now be installed with Photoelectric smoke detectors.

How are Smoke Detectors installed?

Smoke Detectors are either hard-wired in to the main power supply with a battery backup or are battery only. The battery backup in hard-wired smoke detectors will ensure that it works even when the main power supply is compromised. The location of the smoke detector is also an important consideration. The location of the smoke detector/s needs to be in the right place in your premises so they do not activate unnecessarily and are audible to the tenants of the property.

Queensland Government 2017 Regulations require:

  • Interconnected (hard-wired or wireless)
  • Photoelectric smoke alarms only
  • Powered by a 10-year lithium battery or hard-wired
  • Fitted in all bedrooms
  • Fitted in the hallway between the bedrooms and the rest of the house or if there isn’t a hallway between bedrooms and the rest of the story
  • At least one smoke alarm fitted on each story of the home.

For more details regarding the requirements of the new Queensland smoke alarm legislation please check the following links to Queensland Fire & Emergency Services:

When should I get my smoke detectors tested?

Smoke detectors can only save lives if they operate correctly and are well maintained. To achieve this you must:

  • Read the manufacturer’s instructions
  • Once a month test the operation of the smoke detector by pressing the test button
  • Keep your smoke detector clean. Dust and cobwebs can interfere with their operation so regularly clean your smoke detector by wiping it with a cloth and vacuum over it
  • Replace removable batteries if they have them annually on 1st April
  • If a smoke detectors battery is low, in most cases the smoke detector will beep regularly to alert you that the battery needs to be replaced
  • Never paint over a smoke detector
  • If you do not maintain your smoke detector, this could lead to unwanted activations
  • If cooking activates your smoke alarm, do not disable it. Open windows and/or wave a towel near the alarm until it stops
  • If continual activation occurs because of cooking, your smoke detector may need to be relocated.

When should I replace my smoke detectors?

All smoke detectors have a service life of 10 years under normal conditions. After 10 years, smoke detectors may malfunction due to an accumulation of dust, insects and corrosion.

After 10 years a smoke detector must be replaced. Most smoke detectors will have an expiry date printed on them.

Considering that a smoke detector operates 24 hours a day, a 10 year service life is an acceptable price to pay.

For more information about smoke alarm maintenance and replacement, please check the following Queensland Fire & Emergency Services link:

Why choose Agile?

Our team of experienced electricians are all highly experienced, skilled, licensed and up to date with the latest government regulations. Installation of smoke detectors through Agile will ensure you get a smoke detector that suits your needs, in unobtrusive and all tidy up of materials included.

Agile Electrical and Data are passionate about keeping your family, loved ones and staff safe from fires.