Essential Guide to Smoke Alarms

As a Canberra electrician, I can’t stress enough the importance of having working smoke alarms in your home. It’s a crucial step in ensuring the safety of your family and property in the event of a house fire. Let’s dive into why smoke alarms are vital, how to maintain them, and how KSR Electrical Services can help.

Why Do You Need a Smoke Alarm?

In the ACT, working smoke alarms are compulsory. These lifesaving devices beep loudly when there’s a fire, alerting residents and providing precious moments to escape and call ACT Fire & Rescue. Did you know that when we sleep, we can lose our sense of smell, making it difficult to detect smoke? That’s why having a reliable smoke alarm is essential.

Where Should Smoke Alarms Be Fitted?

According to the National Construction Code and manufacturer’s instructions, smoke alarms should be installed on or near the ceiling in bedrooms and in the corridors that lead to bedrooms. For multi-level homes, it's mandatory to have smoke alarms on each level, and it’s best to ensure they are interconnected.

Interconnected smoke alarms are a game changer. When one alarm sounds, they all do, enhancing the chances of everyone getting out safely. If you need help with installation, a local electrician like KSR Electrical Services can guide you through the process.

How Do I Know if My Smoke Alarm Is Working?

Regular testing is key! As a rule of thumb, smoke alarms should be tested monthly. If your smoke alarm runs on lead or alkaline batteries, make sure to replace them annually — the end of daylight savings makes for a great reminder.

If you have an ionisation smoke alarm that is nearing its expiry—usually around 10 years—or has become faulty, consider replacing it with a photoelectric smoke alarm. Here at KSR Electrical Services, we recommend hard-wired and interconnected smoke alarms for added safety in your Canberra home.

Which Smoke Alarm Should I Have?

For homes built after November 1, 1994, hard-wired smoke alarms are legally required. These connected to your home’s electrical system come with battery backup, ensuring they function even during power outages. For older homes, battery-operated smoke alarms with 10-year lithium batteries are incredibly reliable, as they last as long as the alarm itself.

It’s also important to note that all rental properties must comply with the Australian Standard for smoke alarms. If you’re a landlord in Canberra or the surrounds (Queanbeyan, Murrumbateman, Gundaroo, Gunning, Jerrabomberra, Googong, Sutton, Bungendore, etc) it’s time to ensure your properties are compliant.

Do I Need to Maintain My Smoke Alarm?

Definitely! Here’s a quick maintenance checklist from KSR Electrical Services:

- Once a Month: Test your smoke alarms by pressing the test button for at least five seconds until you hear beeps.

- Every 6 Months: Vacuum dust off your smoke alarms to avoid false alarms and let smoke reach the sensors easily.

- Every Year: Replace lead or alkaline batteries annually.

- Every 10 Years: Replace smoke alarms with new 10-year lithium-powered models. Remember that a hard-wired alarm must be replaced with another hard-wired alarm.

Get Professional Help - Contact KSR Electrical Services - Your local Canberra Electrician

If you’re looking for an electrician Canberra, look no further than KSR Electrical Services. We’re here to assist you with smoke alarm installation, maintenance, and more to ensure your home is safe and compliant. Don't take chances with safety—reach out to KSR Electrical Services for your electrical needs today! We offer 24-hour emergency repairs and service.

Stay safe, Canberra! Contact us today for all your smoke alarm needs!

Images and information credited to: https://esa.act.gov.au/be-emergency-ready/smoke-alarms