Mr Smokey 1300 30 69 77

Smoke Alarms.

There are a range of smoke alarms on the market that can help prevent and respond to fires and smoke. Understanding your legal requirements and physical requirements for your property can be a real nightmare. We have placed this information here to assist you in your choices. Your families future safety relies on the choices you make today.

If in doubt, consult a Mr Smokey Technician for information.

Smoke Alarms Minimum Requirements

Minimum Qld Legislation Requirements.

The minimum required is a 9 volt, battery powered smoke alarm, in which the battery requires replacement annually.

There are a number of ways in which smoke alarms can be powered, these include:

9 volt batteries that have at least a one year life and require changing each year
Long-life 9 volt lithium batteries that can be renewable or non-removable that last the life of the alarm, up to 10 years. These avoid the need for the householder to replace the battery annually. In some models the battery cannot be removed due the unit being sealed; and
Mains power supply, with 9 volt battery back-up. Often called hard-wired (240 volt) smoke alarms, these offer the highest level of reliability, but must be installed by a licensed electrician.

Some smoke alarm models can be connected in groups so that if one alarm goes off it will also set off others. This will require the work of an electrician.

Note: All smoke alarms have a limited life and must be replaced usually every 10 Years.

Remember to check your used by date
when servicing or changing batteries in your smoke alarms.

Types of Smoke Alarms

There are two types of smoke alarms - ionisation and photoelectric. Ionisation smoke alarms mainly detect the presence of extremely small particles of smoke, whilst photoelectric mainly detect visible smoke. The type most commonly installed in homes has been the ionisation smoke alarm (because of the price difference and the lack of knowledge about how smoke alarms work. Price before safety?)

Why choose photoelectric (optical) alarms?

Photoelectric smoke alarms are much faster at detecting the majority of dangerous situations than ionisation alarms. Studies have shown that photoelectric alarms typically respond to smouldering fires within three to five minutes, while the level of smoke is still fairly low and escape is relatively easy.

Most ionisation alarms take much longer by which time there is enough smoke to significantly reduce visibility, making escape not impossible but much more difficult.

The fast-flaming, relatively smokeless fires that ionisation alarms detect quickly are not as common in most domestic situations. When such a fire starts, it is usually in the kitchen while someone is there and can do something about it. Even if no one is there, other nearby material usually catches fire quickly giving out smoke.

Information taken from Smoke alarm industry book from emergency services .

The two types of smoke alarms are explained in greater detail at www.fire.qld.gov.au/communitysafety/smokealarms

Protection against fire increases with the quality and type of smoke alarm that is installed. Research indicates that photoelectric smoke alarms are generally more effective than ionisation types across a wider range of fires experienced in homes.

Recommendations Above Minimum Requirements

Your protection against fire increases with the quality and type of smoke alarm that is installed. Research indicates that photoelectric smoke alarms are generally more effective than ionisation types across a wider range of fires experienced in homes. For this reason, QFRS recommends that photoelectric smoke alarms be installed, especially if you are installing only one alarm. If you already have smoke alarms installed, QFRS recommends that you supplement the existing alarms with photoelectric types, especially between sleeping areas and exits from your home (e.g. hallways); and at the end of the service life of existing smoke alarms, replace them with photoelectric types.

For more information phone the information hotline number: 1300 30 69 77 (the cost of a local call) or go to the Queensland Fire & Rescue Service website at www.fire.qld.gov.au

What does all this mean?

Recommended By Emergency Services
and installed in Public Housing by the Government.

10 year Battery Smoke Alarm

is stand alone and operated only by a 9 volt long life lithium battery.
This type of alarm is recommended for all homes.
This basic alarm is available as photoelectric or ionisation.
It is recommended that a photoelectric be installed as this type of alarm is particularly responsive to smouldering fires.

Advantages:

Easy to install

No need to change battery (10 year battery lasts the life of the alarm)

Test button

Available with tamper proof battery (battery cannot be removed)

Considered very reliable

Can be interconnected with other alarms
You do not need a Electrician to replace when required.

Disadvantages:

Nil
Not available at hardware stores.

Contact Mr Smokey and we can guide you as to best suite your needs and budgets.

We can supply and install high quality Photoelectric 10 year lithium battery powered Smoke Alarms (as recommended by Emergency services) to give you extra safety and peace of mind.

9 Volt Photoelectric smoke alarms installed professionally from $44.00 each.

10 Year Lithium Battery Powered Smoke alarms installed professionally from $130.00 each (RRP $135.00 each)

Link to Important information in regards to Smoke Alarms choices and Servicing and Testing.

This is the information every one should be aware of.

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