Smoke Alarms Services to Give You Peace of Mind
Smoke alarms are one of the most important safety devices in your home, and it’s essential to have them installed, tested, maintained, and replaced regularly. Tenmen Electrical is a leading provider of smoke alarm services on the Sunshine Coast, and we’re here to help you keep your home and family safe.
We offer a wide range of smoke alarm services, including:
Smoke Alarm Installation
If you’re not sure if your smoke alarms are compliant with the new laws, or if you need new smoke alarms installed, Tenmen Electrical can help. Our qualified electricians will install your smoke alarms correctly and ensure that they are interconnected so that they all sound at the same time if there is a fire.
Smoke Alarm Testing
It’s important to test your smoke alarms regularly to make sure they’re working properly. You should test your smoke alarms at least once a month, and more often if you have young children or pets.
To test your smoke alarm, simply press the test button. The alarm should sound a loud beep. If the alarm doesn’t sound, or if it only beeps weakly, the alarm needs to be replaced.
Smoke Alarm Maintenance
In addition to testing your smoke alarms regularly, it’s also important to maintain them properly. This includes cleaning them regularly and replacing the batteries as needed.
To clean your smoke alarm, simply vacuum it with the soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. You can also wipe it down with a damp cloth. Be sure to avoid using any harsh chemicals or cleaners, as these can damage the alarm.
Smoke Alarm Replacement
Smoke alarms have a lifespan of 10 years, so it’s important to replace them every 10 years, even if they still seem to be working properly. This is because the smoke sensors in smoke alarms can degrade over time, making them less effective at detecting smoke.
What Are the Queensland Smoke Alarm Laws?
So, according to the law, smoke alarms in all dwellings must:
- be photoelectric (AS 3786-2014);
- not also contain an ionisation sensor;
- be hardwired to the mains power supply with a secondary power source (i.e. battery);
- be interconnected with every other smoke alarm in the dwelling so all activate together.
Also, it requires smoke alarms to be installed on each storey:
- in each bedroom; and
- in hallways that connect bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling;
- if there is no hallway, between the bedrooms and other parts of the storey;
- if there are no bedrooms on a storey at least one smoke alarm must be installed in the most likely path of travel to exit the dwelling.
The law has been divided into 3 implementation stages.
In the first stage, all houses and units approved to be built or substantially renovated after 1 January 2017 must comply with the new smoke alarm requirements.
The second stage starts from the 1st of January of 2022 and establishes that all houses or units being sold or leased, or existing leases renewed, need to comply with the new regulation before the next lease that commences.
Finally, the last stage is set for the 1st of January 2027, when all dwellings must comply with the new law.
If your property is not compliant with the new law, you may be subject to loss of tenants and rental income, penalties for non-compliance and even insurance implications.
So, if you haven’t your smoke alarm replaced, serviced or tested recently, give Tenmen a call and we’ll make sure your home is not only compliant but most importantly, is a safe place for you and your family.