Central west Smoke Alarms are your local smoke alarm compliance specialists. We can ensure your smoke alarms are well maintained to keep occupants safe as well as be in compliance with all legal requirements to keep your insurer happy.
Help & Advice Where You Need It
Common Issues
Questions and answers to some common technical issues experienced by people with smoke alarms in their homes.
How often should hard-wired smoke detectors be replaced?
We recommend having your hard-wired smoke alarms replaced after 10 years.
How often should smoke alarm batteries be changed?
You should have the batteries replaced at least once every year and with the entire smoke alarm replacement every 10 years.
Why a smoke detector is beeping for no reason?
If a smoke alarm is chirping consistently, one of the following may be the reason: The smoke alarm’s battery may need to be replaced. The smoke alarm may have reached its end of life (sealed battery models only). An alarm will chirp every 30 seconds to indicate it is time to replace the alarm.
Can humidity set off smoke detectors?
High humidity in the air can set off smoke alarms. The density of the moisture particles in the air triggers the alarm. The device has no way of distinguishing between light smoke particles and heavy moisture content.
What does it mean when a smoke detector blinks red?
Smoke alarms will make a ‘beep’ or ‘chirping’ sound when they have a low battery or are faulty. All smoke Alarms also have a red light that flashes momentarily every 40-60 seconds to visually indicate they are operating. This same red light flashes continuously when the Smoke Alarm has been activated.
Does a hard-wired smoke detector need a battery?
Test a smoke detector by simply pushing the test button. But nearly all smoke detectors, including those that run on household current, do contain a battery. Detectors that are hard-wired to the home’s electrical system use this battery to provide backup power in case a fire knocks out the house’s electrical power.
Legal Requirements
Questions and answers to some of the most common questions agents, property managers and landlords have when it comes to maintaining compliance with NSW legislation.
What are the Legal Requirements for Smoke Alarms?
Australian laws require all residential property owners to install at least one smoke alarm on each floor of the property (The exact requirements vary per state). Smoke alarms must meet the fire safety requirements applicable to the year in which the property was built. These requirements are enforced by fire safety authorities and civil penalties are incurred due to non-compliance.
Who Can Install Smoke Detectors?
Licensed electricians with the permission of local authorities may install smoke alarms only. Homeowners are required to follow the same electrical and fire safety as they would for any other electricity-based installation. Under Australian law, it is illegal for homeowners to perform any electrical repairs or installations in their homes. Non-compliance with these laws can result in criminal charges.
Why are Smoke Alarms Important For Residential Property Owners?
Smoke alarms are the property owner’s first line of defence in the event of a fire. They generate a loud alarm if the detector identifies the presence of smoke.
What Type of Smoke Alarms are Required By Law?
All properties that were constructed prior to February 1998 must have a smoke alarm with a replaceable battery. Properties that were built after this time must have one of two installations:
- The owner may choose a 240-volt smoke alarm that is wired to their electrical system or a battery-powered option.
- The battery-powered smoke alarm must have a longevity of ten years and it must also be a permanent installation.
Maintenance and Testing Requirements for Smoke Alarms
All Smoke Alarms require maintenance and testing. The homeowner must perform testing for these fire safety devices at least once every month. They aren’t allowed to perform maintenance for these installations.
If the detector requires repairs or replacement, the homeowner must hire an electrician or Fire Safety technician to conduct these requirements.
Installation Requirements for Fire Safety Devices
All installations for smoke alarms must follow the electrical and fire safety regulations of Australian.
An inspection of the installation is required by an authority in the local region in which the property is located. Additionally, the electrician who installs the device must follow all specifications designated by the manufacturer.
A failure to follow these requirements may void the warranty for the product. This could lead to further expenses for the homeowner.
How Long Do New Homeowners Have to Fulfill These Requirements?
After a transfer of title for the property, the new owner must fulfil these obligations.
They have six months from the date of the property closing to install the appropriate fire safety equipment. If existing detectors exist in the property, they are required to schedule testing and maintenance for these devices.
A licensed electrician is needed to perform the assessment. If the new owner doesn’t comply with these requirements, they are incurred civil penalties for non-compliance.
Australia enforces strict electrical and fire safety laws for residential property owners. These laws require the owner to install Smoke Detectors, according to the year in which the property was constructed. They must hire a licensed electrician or qualified technician to perform wired installations for these devices.
Homeowners who need to install fire safety equipment can contact us today for a free quote on Smoke Detector installation in the Central West.
Need Advice?
Compliance with the legislation is not easy but our professional team of experts is ready to help. For knowledge and support customised for your situation contact us today.