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Looking After Your Smoke Alarms

Smoke Alarm Care Tips

Welcome to our easy-to-follow guide! Here, we’ll show you how to take great care of your Smoke Alarms so they can keep protecting you for a full 10 years. Learn the best ways to clean them, how to keep dust from sneaking in, and, super importantly, where to avoid placing them.

Taking Great Care of Your Smoke Alarms

Let’s make sure your smoke alarms are always ready to keep you safe. Here are some super important tips:

Where Not to Put Them:

  • Place smoke alarms away from places with a lot of moisture or smoke. This means not too close to your showers or where cooking occurs.
  • Keep them safe from paint, water, and don’t spray things like air fresheners, aerosols, or use solvents or cleaners near them.
where not to place alarms

No Tampering, Please:

  • It’s really important not to open or mess with your alarm. It may impact the functionality and void the warranty.
  • Smoke alarms must never be painted

Dust-Free Zone:

  • If you’re doing something like dusting or sanding, make sure your smoke alarm doesn’t get all dusty. If it does, it might cause problems down the track and think there’s a fire when there isn’t. We would suggest protecting the smoke alarm in this situation by relocating it until the activity in the area settles down.
  • If you have to take it down for a bit while completing tasks in the area, remember to put it back up as soon as you’re done. And if it’s off, you’ll need a temporary safety plan.

Battery Info:

  • Good news! You don’t need to change the batteries in our smoke alarms. They come with 10-year lithium batteries.
  • Keeping an eye on false alarms, early identification, troubleshooting and correcting the issue helps the battery last its full 10 years.

Ensuring your smoke alarms are up to the task:

Testing your alarm

Test your smoke alarms at least every month. Here’s how:

  • Look for a blinking light on the alarm. It should blink every 60 seconds. This process is best carried out at night where the light can be easily seen.
  • Press the ‘test’ button on your remote or on the alarm itself (centre button), then let go. You should hear all your alarms beep. Walk around to make sure all alarms are making a noise.
Testing smoke alarms

Listen for Little Sounds:

  • Keep an ear out for any unusual beeps or sounds from your alarm. This could mean it’s not working right or the battery might be low.

Turn the smoke alarm off:

Here’s how to turn the smoke alarms off:
Value Range
Use the switch on the bottom of the smoke alarm, and switch it to the off position.

Connecting Smoke Alarms - value range off position

Premium Slimline:
Hold the centre button (test/hush) for 10 – 13 seconds until you hear 2 beeps, the smoke alarm will then turn off.

Turning a slimline smoke alarm off

If a slimline smoke alarm is silenced the smoke alarm will not turn off and holding the center button won’t stop or have any effect on the smoke alarm. You would need to wait until the silence period ends, then turn the smoke alarm off. A slimline smoke alarm can be turned off while in its normal state, or while alarming.

Following these tips will help keep your smoke alarms in top shape, so they can look after you and your home!

Cleaning Your Smoke Alarms

A clean smoke alarm is a happy (and effective) smoke alarm. Cleaning them once a month is not only a great habit, but necessary as it helps prevent those annoying false alarms caused by dust, pollens, and pet hairs for example.

It’s a good idea to clean your alarms before testing them. This way, you keep a regular clean-and-test schedule.

Wipe smoke alarm
Inspecting smoke alarm for dust
Vaacuum clean smoke alarm

Cleaning Steps:

  1. Inspect for Dust:
    • Check the vents and inlets for dust build-up. If one alarm has more dust than others, it might be in a high-dust area. You might need to figure out why there’s so much dust there or clean it more often.
  2. Vacuum Time:
    • Use the brush nozzle attachment on your vacuum cleaner and carefully vacuum around the vents of the smoke alarm.
  3. Wipe The Cover
    • Clean the cover with a damp cloth, then dry it with a lint-free cloth.
  4. Test it:
    • Now, test it to make sure it’s working correctly.

By following these steps, your smoke alarms will be dust-free and ready to alert you when needed. Remember, a little care goes a long way in keeping your home safe and preventing those false alarms!

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Hard Wired Smoke Alarms – Expert Answers to the Top 10 Questions

hard wired smoke alarms

Each brings its pros and cons. We will focus on Hard Wired Smoke Alarms today and answer some of the most commonly asked questions and hopefully help you decide what you require, and what fits in with your budget.

Do hard wired smoke alarms need to be replaced?

Yes, Hard Wired Smoke Alarms must be replaced every 10 years, calculated from the manufacturing date noted on the back of the alarm. Therefore, when investing in Hard Wired Smoke Alarms, it’s crucial to opt for those with the most recent manufacturing dates to ensure a full decade of efficient and compliant operation.

In the debate between 10-year battery-operated alarms vs 240v Hard Wired Smoke Alarms, many mistakenly believe that hardwired versions need less frequent replacement. In fact, you will need to consider if you will still be able to use the same base plate (if applicable), or have an electrician replace the hard wired smoke alarm and/or base plate each time.

Other reasons to consider updating your Hard Wired Smoke Alarms include test failures, internal backup battery low, internal dust or insect build-up, and potential damage from falls or bumps.

Do hard wired smoke alarms still have batteries?

The hard wired smoke alarms that have a 9-volt backup battery will need to be replaced every year, or when the smoke alarm indicates that it needs replacing, this is usually a specific type of beep or light flickering pattern.

Before purchasing a Hard Wired Smoke Alarm, it’s advisable to review the product details to understand the specifics of battery replacement requirements to ensure they will meet your needs.

Some smoke alarms solely rely on batteries, and these are designed with a non-removable lithium battery that powers the smoke alarm for 10 years. If eligible, is a much more affordable option.

Are hard wired smoke alarms better?

Hard Wired Smoke Alarms harness the power of 240V mains electricity and come with a supplementary 9V or 10-year lithium battery backup.

This dual power source ensures reliability, particularly during power disruptions, giving them an edge over solely battery-operated alarms. However, it’s essential to note that the 9V battery in these Hard Wired Smoke Alarms (If using this option) should be replaced annually.

Keep in mind when comparing your options of Hard Wired vs 10 Year Lithium Battery alarms that power outages are not a consideration when looking at battery power.

Battery vs hard wired smoke alarms

Why does my hard wired smoke alarm keep beeping?

When it comes to Hard Wired Smoke Alarms, a recurring beeping sound often leaves homeowners annoyed and confused.

A common reason for the beeping is a low internal backup battery level, sometimes after an event of a mains power outage. It may be equipped with a 9-volt replaceable battery or a sealed 10-year lithium battery.

For the smoke detectors with a 9-volt battery, a battery replacement will be sufficient. However, if your Hard Wired Smoke Alarm uses a non-removable lithium battery, the entire detector would need a replacement. It’s critical for safety reasons that homeowners address the beeping issues early.

What are the pros and cons of hard wired smoke alarms?

the pros and cons of hard wired smoke alarms

Hard Wired Smoke Alarms (Mains 240v):

Pros:

  1. A dual power source ensures reliability.
  2. Offers a backup power source, adding an extra layer of security.
  3. Primarily operates on consistent mains 240v power.
  4. Optional connectivity – Interconnection via WIFI modules or via a coms wire

Cons:

  1. Installation demands a qualified electrician, which can add to the costs.
  2. Hard Wired Smoke Alarms come with a higher price tag per alarm.
  3. In older properties, once fitted with a hard wired smoke alarm, the location within the house can no longer use a battery-powered smoke alarm.
  4. Despite being mains-powered, an internal battery replacement is occasionally necessary depending on the model.
  5. Technical issues need to be investigated on-site. Call-out fees range from $150 to $250 and are not refundable if there is no manufacturer fault found on the alarm. Possibly subject to call-out fee and alarm replacement.

10-Year Lithium Battery Smoke Alarms:

Pros:

  1. Maintenance and replacement do not require trade qualifications, making the process straightforward.
  2. They are more affordable, making them a cost-effective choice for many households.
  3. In the event of a fault, replacement is easy and affordable. For example, You could purchase 5 smoke alarms for the cost of a 240v smoke alarm call-out fee.

Cons:

  1. Absence of a backup power source.

Making an informed decision is key to ensuring your home’s safety. Remember, no matter the type of alarm, regular maintenance, and checks are crucial to keep them functioning safely.

How many years does a hard wired smoke detector last?

Hard Wired Smoke Detectors, like other smoke alarms, have a lifespan to ensure their effectiveness and safety. All Smoke Alarms are designed to be replaced after 10 years.

This duration starts from the manufacturing date, which can be found on the back of the unit. When purchasing Hard Wired Smoke Alarms, it’s essential to check this date. Lower-priced alarms may be old stock and several years old. We recommend asking the retailer for the manufacture date of the alarm you are purchasing.

Choosing a recently manufactured alarm ensures that you can rely on its efficiency and compliance for a full decade. Regular maintenance and checks are still crucial throughout these 10 years to guarantee optimal operation.

Why does my hard wired smoke alarm go off at night in Australia?

This concern is common among homeowners, and it’s essential to understand that it isn’t exclusive to Hard Wired Smoke Alarms; it applies to all types of smoke alarms. The primary culprits behind such late-night false alarms usually boil down to two factors: a decrease in room temperature and environmental triggers like high humidity, steam, or even tiny smoke particles in the atmosphere.

Steam and humidity from evening activities like showering can be the culprit, especially if a smoke alarm is placed near a bathroom. The moisture in the air from a hot shower can easily trigger an alarm. Given that many Australians take showers at night, this could explain the frequent nighttime false alarms.

Cooking is another potential reason. Installing Smoke Alarms near cooking appliances might not be ideal. Evening meals mean that stoves and ovens are often in use, releasing smoke particles that could activate an alarm.

False alarm from hard wired smoke alarms

A small guide to prevent and help troubleshoot Smoke Alarms from going off at night:

  1. Regularly test the smoke detectors and replace them as needed.
  2. Correct placement is vital. Keep Smoke Alarms away from areas prone to steam, humidity, or smoke.
  3. Always stay informed about the latest compliance standards and ensure your home meets all legislative requirements.

How do you replace the battery in a Hard Wired Smoke Alarm?

The process largely depends on the type of backup battery your alarm uses. For Hard Wired Smoke Alarms equipped with a 10-year lithium battery, the entire unit will likely need replacing since these batteries are typically non-removable.

However, if your alarm uses a 9-volt battery as a backup, you should exercise caution. Given that Hard Wired Smoke Alarms operate on 240v mains power, it’s essential to refer to the specific user manual for your smoke alarm model to ensure the process is completed correctly.

Each model might have slightly different battery replacement steps. Alternatively, we highly recommend contacting a local electrician to handle the replacement for you.

Replacing batteries in hard wired smoke alarms

How do you turn off a hard wired smoke alarm?

The process can vary based on the specific model of your Hard Wired Alarm. Given your dealing with 240v mains powered alarms, always reference the manufacturer’s manual for guidance.

Some Hard Wired Smoke Alarms come equipped with an on-off switch that can be used for deactivation. If you are aiming to silence or disable an alarm that’s malfunctioning, it might be possible to detach the alarm from its mounting plate and remove the internal battery if the backup is a 9v power source.

However, always proceed with caution and consult the provided instructions for your specific Hard Wired Smoke Alarm model

Do I need to install hard wired smoke alarms?

Deciding on the type of smoke alarm you need to install on your property depends on several factors.

  1. If you’re replacing pre-existing 240v mains connected hard wired smoke alarms, it must be replaced with a hard wired smoke alarm.
  2. Any new construction mandates the installation of hard wired smoke alarms, a regulation in place since 1997.
  3. For major renovations, hard wired smoke alarms are required; consult with your draftsman for specifics.

Although there are a lot of houses built that require hard wired smoke alarms, there are just as many that have the option to use lithium battery powered smoke alarms.

As a general guideline, and considering the above criteria are not met. If your property doesn’t currently have hard wired smoke alarms installed, you can use wireless smoke alarms that are powered by a 10-year life lithium battery.

If there are some existing hard wired smoke detectors, a combination of both hard wired and wireless can be installed to meet compliance while offering a more affordable DIY approach.

Conclusion

It’s evident that while hard wired alarms offer reliability through dual power sources, they come with an added financial burden due to installation costs and the need for qualified electricians.

On the flip side, the 10-year lithium battery alarms emerge as a compelling alternative, especially when one’s home is eligible for their use. We currently offer a slimline and value range photoelectric smoke alarm in our online store. Both meet compliance standards while offering a Do It Yourself affordable option.

They provide a balance of longevity, affordability, and maintenance without the strings of additional expenses. Ultimately, when considering both safety and budget, the 10-year lithium battery alarms stand out as a worthy choice for many homeowners.

I hope we have been able to answer some of the questions you have had ensuring you can make an informed decision and prioritise both safety and savings.

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Expert Advice On Smoke Alarm Compliance: How To Overcome Penalties!

House for sale achieving smoke alarm compliance

Are you considering selling a property in Queensland? You need to know about smoke alarm compliance and avoid the risk of being penalised when completing the Contract of Sale.

Effective from 1st January 2022, Queensland implemented new laws under the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990, which place additional responsibilities on property sellers. Here’s what you should know:

Smoke Alarm Disclosure Requirements

QLD residential property sellers are required by law to disclose information relating to smoke alarms before signing the sale contract.

The REIQ sale contract in QLD requires the seller to certify that the property contains smoke alarms that meet regulatory standards.

Any failure to install compliant smoke alarms may be an offence under QLD law, and fines may apply for non-compliance. The sale contract also specifies that the seller cannot waive this obligation.

If compliant smoke alarms are not installed, the purchaser may be entitled to an adjustment of 0.15% on the agreed purchase price in their favour.

Also, when a property is sold, the seller needs to lodge a Form 24 with Titles Queensland. That form includes a section in which the seller must certify if compliant smoke alarms have been installed, and if this has been disclosed to the buyer.

How to comply – Do I need a smoke alarm compliance certificate?

There is some useful information on the REIQ Website to help you understand the requirements, including the below fact sheet:

The seller does not need to provide a certificate to confirm the smoke alarms are compliant. The seller only needs to tick yes or no to the relevant box in the schedule of the contract.

If you have any questions about smoke alarm compliance when selling your home, please get in touch on Facebook or our contact us form.

We have a range of compliant smoke alarms and would be pleased to assist you finding an affordable solution to your smoke alarm needs.

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Do It Yourself – Save Money – Queensland Smoke Alarm Installation

REIQ pdf question 18

We often get questions about the DIY – Compliant Smoke Alarm Installation for a home owner, landlord and sellers in Queensland. It can get very expensive, very quickly if you are paying for the alarms and an installation service. We aim to solve this problem, and reduce your cost.

Save up to $485 off

If you don’t DIY, Prices range from $90 to $150 per alarm for supply and installation. For example, a three bedroom house could cost anywhere between $450 – $750 to get your household compliant.

If you DIY, and purchase from FireSafeOnline, you would only spend $259 if you purchase our popular 5 pack value range Or our premium slimline range.

Can I install Fire Safe Online alarms in my Queensland property?

Yes you can! All the smoke alarms we sell are compliant in Queensland, and including all of Australia. Our DIY smoke alarm installation only applies to the wireless interconnected smoke alarms with a 10 year lithium battery.

If a 240v alarm is required for your installation, you will need to have a electrical contractor wire them up to mains power.

How do I get a compliance certificate if I install Fire Safe Online alarms?

Good news! A compliance certificate is not needed. The seller of a Queensland property does not need to provide a certificate to to confirm the smoke alarms are installed and are compliant.

The seller only needs to tick yes or no to the relevant box in the schedule of the contract.

Before selling the property, the seller should ensure the smoke alarms installed are compliant in accordance with its
legal obligations under the Fire and Emergency Services Act.

Information sourced from Real Estate Institute of Queensland, REIQ is the peak body representing real estate professionals across Queensland. Please see the REIQ fact sheet, specifically the smoke alarm section.

Do I need a contractor or electrician to install my alarms?

240V smoke alarms will require a contractor for installation. All our wireless smoke alarms that run on a 10 year lithium battery can be installed by anyone. This means you can install them battery models yourself. The pairing and installation is a simple 5 minute process.

More questions?

Please head over to our contact page and send us a message, we will get back to you as soon as possible. Alternatively you can send us an email at [email protected]

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Interconnected Smoke Alarms QLD

Did you know that all properties that are leased and sold in Queensland from January the 1st 2022 must contain smoke alarms that meet the new guidelines as per Interconnected Smoke Alarms QLD legislation?

How does this effect you?

Neil Reid from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services delivers an important message to every Queensland property manager and landlord.

What are the requirements to ensure Interconnected Smoke Alarms QLD compliance?

  • Smoke alarms must be photoelectric.
  • Alarms must be interconnected, when one alarm goes off they all should giving everyone in the dwelling plenty of time to react.
  • The alarm must be hard wired or contain a non removable 10 year lithium battery, a combination of both may be allowed.
  • Smoke alarms must not also contain an ionisation sensor.
  • Comply with Australian Standard (AS) 3786:2014.
  • Be less than 10 years old, Wired or wireless require replacement 10 years from, the manufactures date (displayed on alarm).

Click here to shop our range of guideline compliant Interconnected Smoke Alarms QLD

Where do they need to be installed?

  • In every bedroom.
  • In hallways which connect bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling; or
  • If there is no hallway, between the bedrooms and other parts of the story.
  • If there are no bedrooms on a story at least one smoke alarm must be installed in the most likely path of travel to exit the dwelling.

What if I am not selling or leasing my property?

From the 1st of January 2027 existing dwellings for owners / occupiers must meet the above requirements. Smoke alarm prices are expected to rise as the demand increases as the 2027 deadline gets closer.

Following the current guidelines listed above for January 1 2022 will provide a safer dwelling for everyone residing at the property.

Where to buy compliant Interconnected Smoke Alarms QLD?

Fire safe online specialises in selling Australian compliant wireless interconnected smoke alarms that can be installed by anyone (DIY), no electrician required.

Products are compliant with current, and upcoming legislation laws. The smoke alarms are powered by a 3v lithium battery with a 10 year life span.

FAQ

In Queensland, the smoke alarms must meet the following requirements:
  • Smoke alarms must be photoelectric.
  • Alarms must be interconnected, when one alarm goes off they all should giving everyone in the dwelling plenty of time to react.
  • The alarm must be hard wired or contain a non removable 10 year lithium battery, a combination of both may be allowed.
  • Smoke alarms must not also contain an ionisation sensor.
  • Comply with Australian Standard (AS) 3786:2014.
  • Be less than 10 years old, Wired or wireless require replacement 10 years from, the manufactures date (displayed on alarm).
  • In every bedroom.
  • In hallways which connect bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling; or
  • If there is no hallway, between the bedrooms and other parts of the story.
  • If there are no bedrooms on a story at least one smoke alarm must be installed in the most likely path of travel to exit the dwelling.

Fire Safe Online does not currently install smoke alarms. We offer a affordable DIY solution.

The smoke alarms are delivered to your door,  you can follow our DIY instructional video to bind the alarms and remotes together.  Alarms can then be installed using the screw mounting kit that comes with all the alarms, or using one of our mounting kits if you are looking for a simple solution.

We are working with local electricians and installers to help provide the best possible price. Please contact us and tell us your location so we can check with our partners to see if it is possible to provide the service

Yes you can!

The alarms can be connected together in any combination you wish, up to 20 interconnected together, making a larger kit purchase for multiple properties the best value option. Additional remotes can also be purchased to bind with each group if you wish.
All our smoke alarms comes with the required components to mount you alarm. Each box comes with a mounting base plate, a screw mount kit and a free adhesive pad giving you different installation options. If you wish to install the alarm with a magnet, this will need to ba an additional purchase available from the accessories shop

Please refer to your state regulation for up to date information relevant to your location. In Queensland, a mains wired alarm must be replaced with another wired alarm.

If you wish to purchase 240v, or a combination of 240v and Battery smoke alarms, please visit the following link: 240v Smoke Alarms. Please note 240v alarms need to be installed by an electrician

Yes you can, all our smoke alarms meet Australian Standards and comply with Queensland legislation
Good news! A compliance certificate is not needed. The seller of a Queensland property does not need to provide a certificate to to confirm the smoke alarms are installed and are compliant.The seller only needs to tick yes or no to the relevant box in the schedule of the contract.REIQ Question fact sheetBefore selling the property, the seller should ensure the smoke alarms installed are compliant in accordance with its legal obligations under the Fire and Emergency Services Act.

Please visit our blog for more information QLD property sellers, what you need to know

Information sourced from Real Estate Institute of Queensland, REIQ is the peak body representing real estate professionals across Queensland. Please see the REIQ fact sheet, specifically the smoke alarm section.

Only for the 240v wired alarms.

Our 10 year lithium battery alarms can installed by anyone. The pairing and installation is a simple 5 minute process.

Please note: The pairing of the 240v alarms can be completed before installation, prventing the time needed for a contractor to install them.