Tag: interconnected smoke alarm

With the onset of Australia’s winter season, the drop in temperature naturally means we turn to heaters, fireplaces, electric blankets and other devices to keep warm. Believe it or not Queensland can experience some chilly winter nights, and certain parts of the state also receive snowfall. Whilst heating devices provide much-needed comfort, they also increase the risk of household fires. Fire services right across Australia report a significant uptick in house fire call-outs during the colder months. If our risk exposure to household fires increases during winter then it makes sense that smoke alarms should form an essential part of home safety. Ensuring your photoelectric smoke alarms are interconnected, functional and properly maintained can make all the difference in preventing fire-related tragedies this winter. This article will explore home fire safety tips and hacks to keep you and your loved ones safe during winter time.

Interconnected Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

Why Smoke Alarms Matter In Winter

Interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms are your first line of defense in detecting fires early. When a fire breaks out, every second counts. Winter is Australia’s peak house fire risk period – a working smoke alarm provides the crucial warning needed to escape safely. According to Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES), having a working interconnected photoelectric smoke alarm doubles your chances of surviving a house fire in winter.

Where Do I Install Photoelectric Smoke Alarms?

Ensure you have smoke alarms installed inside every bedroom, in the hallways outside sleeping areas, and on every level of your home. The smoke alarms should be interconnected so if one alarm activates, they all do. Even though ZEN smoke alarms are suitable for both wall and ceiling mounting, it is preferable to install smoke alarms on the ceiling, as smoke rises. If installing on a wall, position them high, but at least 30 cm away from corners to avoid dead air spaces. Avoid installing smoke alarms near open windows, doors, or ducted air vents where drafts might interfere with their operation.

Clean And Test Your Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

At The Onset Of Winter

You want your smoke alarms to work when you need them most. Throughout the year, dust, cobwebs and other foreign particles can accumulate in and around your smoke alarms, reducing their effectiveness. Give them a clean at the start of winter time – gently vacuum the exterior of the alarm with a soft brush attachment from a vacuum cleaner, removing any dust or debris as you do so.

Test your photoelectric smoke alarms monthly to ensure they are a) functioning and b) interconnected.

ALL alarms should activate their audible and visual indicator (red LED) within 10 seconds of the first one being pressed. ZEN smoke alarms can be tested by pressing the centre surface once on any alarm, or by simply pressing the test button once on the optional remote control. ZEN smoke alarms test mode will silence automatically after approximately 10 seconds.

Heating Equipment – Winter Safety

One of the primary causes of household winter fires is the misuse of heating equipment. Whether you use space heaters, fireplaces, or electric blankets, it’s important to follow basic safety guidelines (often forgotten). Space heaters should be kept at least one meter away from flammable materials such as curtains, bedding, and furniture. Do not place clothing on or near the heater as this creates a fire risk. Ensure the heater is on a stable surface and never leave it unattended, especially while sleeping.

Winter heating item causes major house fire

Fireplaces In Winter

Fireplaces should be inspected at the start of winter and cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of creosote, a highly flammable byproduct of burning wood. Use a fire screen to catch sparks and embers, and always extinguish the fire completely before going to bed or leaving the house.

Electric Blankets

Electric blankets and heating pads should be checked for frayed cords or damage before use, and never folded or left on for extended periods. To test an electric blanket lay it flat on top of the bed, then switch it on for five minutes before putting it on the bed for use to confirm it is okay.

How to inspect an electric blanket

Winter Wheat Bags

Wheat bags are designed as therapeutic aids to be placed on the body and are not designed as a heating replacement for water bottles in the bed. Be very careful not overheat the wheat bag in the microwave – constant re-use can result in the reduction of the moisture content of the wheat, causing it to overheat resulting in fires or burns. Leave wheat bags to cool on a non-combustible surface (such as the kitchen sink) and don’t reheat the bag until it has completely cooled. Check the life of the wheat bag according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Safe Use Of Electrical Appliances In Winter

Winter often sees an increased use of electrical appliances, which can overload circuits and cause fires. Avoid using multiple high-wattage devices on the same outlet, and never use extension cords for long-term appliance connections. Check all cords for wear and tear, and replace any damaged ones immediately. Choose electrical power boards which contain inbuilt overload protection.

Kitchen Safety During Wintertime

Winter brings an inclination for hearty meals and more cooking. Ensure that your kitchen is a fire-safe zone by never leaving cooking unattended and keeping flammable items (tea towels etc.) away from the stove. It’s always wise to have a ZEN fire blanket easily accessible in the kitchen and to know how to use it effectively.

Create And Practice A Home Fire Escape Plan

A smoke alarm is most effective when paired with a well-rehearsed home fire escape plan. Make sure everyone in your household knows the sound of the smoke alarm and understands what to do when it goes off. Plan two ways out of each room and designate a meeting place outside your home. Practice your fire escape plan twice a year (including at the start of winter) to ensure everyone is prepared.

Conclusion – Winter Fire Safety And Your Smoke Alarms

Winter is a great season to enjoy the warmth and comfort of home (and also the reduced humidity in QLD!), but it is also a time to be vigilant due to the increased risk of household fires. By taking the time to properly install and maintain interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms, sensibly using heating equipment and electrical appliances, and by creating a solid fire escape plan, you can keep your loved ones safe and sound. Stay warm, stay safe, and ensure your photoelectric smoke alarms are ready to protect you from winter’s hidden dangers!

Want to know more? Watch our ZEN quick start video or call us on 0478 596 402 today

We love talking smoke alarms!

ZEN Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

New Farm, QLD, 4005

Ever wondered how to physically attach our ZEN smoke alarms onto your ceiling? You won’t believe how easy it is! A major benefit of ZEN wireless 10-year battery powered smoke alarms is that there is no electrical wiring involved – this means they can be installed without an electrician. ZEN smoke alarm bundle packs will even arrive to you already interconnected together as a group – no need to pair them up as we’ve done it for you!

Checklist:

  • ZEN wireless smoke alarm and its accompanying mounting bracket
  • Screws and anchor plugs (included with our ZEN smoke alarms)
  • Screwdriver or a cordless drill with 5mm drill bit
  • Pencil

STEP 1: Twist the mounting bracket to remove it from the rear of the ZEN smoke alarm.

STEP 2: Use a pencil to mark the location of the two mounting bracket slots on the ceiling position.

STEP 3: Use a 5mm drill bit to drill a pilot hole at each pencil location marked on the ceiling. Now insert an anchor plug into each pilot hole and use the two screws to affix the mounting bracket to the chosen position.

STEP 4: Press the ZEN smoke alarm to the mounting bracket and firmly rotate clockwise to lock it in place onto the bracket.

STEP 5: Push the surface of the ZEN smoke alarm (test button) to ensure it is working properly. If you have more than one interconnected smoke detector, then the others in the same group will also activate within approximately 10 seconds (this is normal). Allow all the interconnected smoke alarms to finish their full test cycle without pressing any other buttons – they will all stop automatically after approximately 10 seconds.

Where Should I Install

Wireless Interconnected Smoke Alarms?

Queensland smoke alarms should be placed inside every bedroom and the interconnecting hallway outside the bedrooms – if there is no common hallway outside the bedrooms then install a smoke alarm on the nearest route of exit or travel path from the dwelling. If it is a multi-story dwelling then there must be at least one smoke alarm installed on every level of the property.

Additionally, smoke detectors should not be installed within 30cm from the edge of a wall, within 30cm from a light fixture, 40cm from an air con vent and also within 40cm from a ceiling fan blade. It is preferable to install smoke detectors on the ceiling, as opposed to the wall.

Don’t forget – refer to your state legislation. Queensland smoke alarms laws state if an existing 240V hardwired smoke alarm is to be replaced, then it must be replaced with another 240V hardwired smoke alarm (requires an electrician).

WARNING – Do Not Use These Products

When Installing Your Smoke Alarms!

Be extremely wary using adhesive mounting kits or drill-free magnet mounting kits with your smoke alarms – we do not recommend using these products as they do NOT last. Whilst Australian Standard 3786:2014 doesn’t specify how smoke alarms should be attached to the ceiling, if you use the aforementioned products your smoke alarm will fall from the ceiling after a period of days, weeks or months, and it will become damaged when it smashes onto the floor.

How do we know this? – we stopped selling the adhesive kits / magnetic mounts several years ago. Consumer feedback indicated the products were unreliable, and in good conscience we could not continue selling them – we’d rather have happy satisfied customers at the expense of profits. Spend a few extra minutes and use the included screws to affix your smoke alarm to the ceiling – this is definetely the best way to install your wireless smoke alarms.

Want to know more? Watch our ZEN quick start video or call us on 0478 596 402 today.

We love talking smoke alarms!

ZEN Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

New Farm, QLD, 4005

Queensland is undergoing a phased roll-out of new smoke alarm legislation, culminating in 2027. It is unsurprising then that there is misinformation regarding smoke alarm requirements – particularly surrounding the installation of 10-year battery powered smoke alarms vs 240V hardwired smoke alarms.

Can I Install 10-year Battery Powered Smoke Alarms In QLD?

YES! you can. It is legal and perfectly acceptable to install 10-year battery powered smoke alarms in your Queensland home, provided you are not performing any of the 3 activities below;

  1. Constructing a new home
  2. Performing a substantial renovation
  3. Replacing an existing 240V hardwired smoke alarm

Prior to installing any smoke alarm it is important to understand their differences and when each type is permissible. Information contained in this article is sourced directly from the QLD Government. We encourage you to view and read the legislation for yourself too – direct links to all official government sources are included at the bottom of this article.

Queensland’s Building Fire Safety (Domestic Smoke Alarms) Legislation Amendment Regulation 2016 prescribes the legal ways of powering smoke alarms for domestic dwellings. It states that both 240V hardwired smoke alarms and 10-year battery powered smoke alarms are allowed. See the excerpt below;

Queensland’s Fire Department website states that 10-year battery powered smoke alarms are acceptable, provided the three scenarios previously mentioned above are not being performed.

Advantages Of 10-year Battery Powered Smoke Alarms

  • Wireless smoke alarms powered by a 10-year non-removeable battery can be easily DIY installed and don’t require the expense of an electrician.
  • As the battery is sealed inside the smoke alarm (non-removeable) it lasts for the entire 10-year lifespan of the alarm and never needs to be replaced – no more annoying low battery chirp. After 10 years the whole alarm is simply swapped out for a new one.
  • Added versatility through wireless RF interconnection. In some situations it is physically impossible to install 240V hardwired alarms – i.e. where there are solid concrete ceilings or no roof cavity.

Do QLD Smoke Alarms Need To Be Hardwired By 2027?

The short answer to this question is NO, they don’t. Although there are a lot of houses built in Queensland that require hardwired smoke alarms, there are just as many that have the option to use wireless 10-year battery powered smoke alarms and still be 100% compliant.

When Must I Install a 240V Hardwired Smoke Alarm In QLD?

There are 3 situations in Queensland where it is a statutory requirement for 240V hardwired smoke alarms to be installed in a domestic dwelling (and 10-year battery powered smoke alarms may not be used). Outside of these 3 scenarios it is acceptable to install 10-year battery powered smoke alarms in your home.

1) If You Are Constructing A New Home

If you are constructing a new home in QLD then hardwired smoke alarms are required as part of the building approval process. Queensland’s Building Regulation 2021 states that when constructing a new home, the smoke alarms must be hardwired to the domestic dwelling’s electricity supply.

2) If You Are Performing A Substantial Renovation

The Queensland Fire Services Act 1990 states that hardwired smoke alarms must be installed when a substantial renovation is being performed to a domestic dwelling.

3) If You Are Replacing An Existing Hardwired Smoke Alarm

The Queensland Fire Services Act 1990 also states that if a pre-existing smoke alarm being replaced was hardwired to the domestic dwelling’s electricity supply, then the replacement smoke alarm must be hardwired to the dwelling’s electricity supply.

Outside of the 3 scenarios described above, it is legal and perfectly acceptable in QLD to install wireless interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms which are

powered by a non-removeable 10-year battery.

Want to do some further reading? Links to all official sources in this article are provided below

QLD Building Fire Safety (Domestic Smoke Alarms) Legislation Amendment Regulation 2016

States that both 240V hardwired smoke alarms and 10-year battery powered smoke alarms are allowed in domestic QLD dwellings.

QLD Building Regulation 2021

States that when constructing a new home in QLD, the smoke alarms must be hardwired to the domestic dwelling’s electricity supply.

QLD Fire and Services Act 1990 (formerly known as the QLD Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990)

States hardwired smoke alarms must be installed when performing a substantial renovation or replacing an existing hardwired smoke alarm.

QLD Fire Department website – 2027 Smoke Alarm Legislation Fact Sheet

States that smoke alarms must be either hardwired or powered by a non-removable 10 year battery, or a combination of both may be allowed.

States that existing hardwired smoke alarms that need replacement must be replaced with a hardwired smoke alarm.

Want to know more? Watch our ZEN quick start video or call us on 0478 596 402 today

We love talking smoke alarms!

ZEN Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

New Farm, QLD, 4005

Interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms are a crucial safety component of any home – they provide early warning of smoke and fire, giving occupants valuable time to escape. It is important to periodically test and clean all smoke alarms (irrespective of brand), to ensure they function correctly over their full 10-year lifetime. Just as a car is serviced to keep it running smoothly, photoelectric smoke alarms occasionally need some TLC too!

Here are some recommendations on how to test and clean your interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms.

Testing Your Interconnected Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

It is recommended to test ZEN smoke alarms monthly to ensure they are functioning correctly (of course there is nothing stopping you from testing the smoke alarms more frequently if you wish to do so). To avoid surprising the neighbours it is a good idea to notify people in the vicinity that you will be testing the alarms. Once started, the smoke alarm test sequence should take no more than 10-15 seconds and will silence automatically.

To test your smoke alarm(s), follow these simple steps:

  1. Press the test button once on the optional remote control device or on the smoke alarm itself – the smoke alarm should sound almost immediately. The test button on the ZEN smoke alarm is concealed beneath the surface of the alarm (to give it a slim and stylish appearance). Simply push down once in the centre surface of the alarm to press the test button.
  2. When the alarm sounds loud and clear and is accompanied by a red flashing light it means your smoke alarm is working correctly and the test is successful.
  3. If the alarm sounds weak, does not sound at all, or the red light does not flash, you may need to replace the entire smoke alarm. Note the smoke alarm 10-year battery is sealed inside the unit and cannot be replaced as it is non-removable (this is a requirement of Australian Standard 3786:2014). The battery inside the optional remote control device is removeable and replaceable.
  4. If your ZEN smoke alarm is interconnected with others in a group, ensure they all sound and activate their red flashing light too. Depending how many alarms are in the interconnected group, they should all start within 10 seconds of the first alarm. This is normal.
  5. Allow the smoke alarms to finish their full test sequence without pressing any other buttons – all the smoke alarms will silence automatically within 10-15 seconds.

It is not recommended to use real smoke, or any other means to test your alarms – doing so can degrade the internal photoelectric sensors, which may induce random nuisance alarming or could even reduce the smoke alarm’s overall life expectancy.

How to clean your ZEN smoke alarms

Cleaning Your Interconnected Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

In addition to testing your smoke alarms periodically, it is also important to clean them every 6 months. Here are some tips on how to clean and maintain your ZEN smoke alarms:

  1. Over time, dust and debris can accumulate on the sensors of your smoke alarm, reducing its effectiveness. Clean the smoke alarm every 6 months by gently vacuuming around it with the soft brush attachment from a vacuum cleaner, or dusting it with a soft brush. Do not apply solvents or other chemical cleaning agents on or near the smoke alarm itself, as this may confuse the sensor and induce nuisance alarms. Be sure to remove cobwebs or any other interference material from the ceiling area around your smoke alarms.
  2. All smoke alarms can be affected by extreme humidity and temperature changes. Avoid installing smoke alarms in areas such as kitchens, bathrooms or laundry rooms, where very high humidity or temperature changes can affect their performance. For example, a clothes dryer running in the laundry may increase the humidity in this room, and subsequently trigger a false alarm.
  3. Do not install smoke alarms outdoors, in partially enclosed areas, or in rooms subject to excess dust i.e. garages or workshops. Heat alarms (complimenting an existing smoke alarm system) may be more suitable for such locations.
  4. Smoke alarms have a finite lifespan and should be replaced ten years from manufacture date. The low battery beep occurs once every 60 seconds and means it is time to replace the alarm.

Correct Photoelectric Smoke Alarm Placement

It is important that your interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms are installed in the correct locations within your home. It is preferable that smoke alarms are installed on the ceiling – the ‘recommended placement’ section on our website homepage provides further guidance on exactly where smoke alarms should / should not be installed (avoiding ‘dead air’ spaces etc). Smoke alarms that are not installed correctly may be prone to nuisance alarming and/or inhibited performance.

Read the instruction manual and watch the ZEN quick-start video! – the user manual contains helpful troubleshooting tips, outlines best practice for maintaining the alarms, and should definitely be read from cover to cover!

Summary

Interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms are a crucial safety component in any home, providing early warning of smoke and fire. To ensure they function correctly over their full 10-year life cycle, it is important to test and clean them periodically. By following the tips outlined in this article, you will keep your loved ones and household possessions safe and secure from the dangers of smoke and fire. Remember, ZEN interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms are lifesaving appliances – look after them and they will look after you!

Want to know more? Watch our ZEN quick start video or call us on 0478 596 402 today

We love talking smoke alarms!

ZEN Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

New Farm, QLD, 4005