thisplace.com.au - Choosing and Installing Smoke Alarms

Smoke Alarms Protect Your Family!!!
Smoke alarms are as easy as 1, 2, 3.

1. Choosing

There are two main types of smoke alarms:

Battery operated.
Wired into electricity mains (with battery back-up).

The wired in alarm has the advantage of using a battery to provide back up power if the AC power fails. Wired in smoke alarms are considered more reliable in the long term.

Other options include:

Inter connectable models which sound alarms in all connected units.
Special models for kitchens and caravans.
Alarms with emergency lights.
Alarms for the hearing impaired.

How do you choose between brands?

The Queensland Fire Service recommends you buy an alarm which carries the Standards Australia Mark or is Scientific Services Laboratory (SSL) labelled.

2. Installation

If you can handle a screwdriver, you can install a battery operated smoke alarm. They are simply fastened with two small screws. Mains powered smoke alarms must be installed by a licensed electrician.

How many do you need?

A smoke alarm outside each sleeping area with a minimum of one on each level provides a reasonable degree of protection from the threat of fire. A passageway or corridor between the living areas and the bedrooms is an ideal location. Homes with separate sleeping areas need extra alarms. Where occupants tend to sleep with bedroom doors closed, a smoke alarm should be installed in each bedroom, particularly if heaters or electrical appliances are used in those rooms.

Where is the best position?

Smoke alarms should be positioned on flat ceilings away from dead corners, exposed beams or any other fixture which may deflect smoke. If installed on a wall, the top of the smoke alarm should be located 100-300mm from the ceiling.

False Alarms.

To avoid nuisance alarms, standard alarms should not be installed in kitchens or in positions where the normal airflow is through an area where smoke or fumes are generated. Some models allow you to temporarily silence alarms caused by smoke from cooking of smoking. In any case the alarm will stop sounding as soon as the smoke has cleared.

3. Maintenance

Smoke alarms should be tested and cleaned periodically. Smoke alarms have a test button. This should be pressed (using a broom handle or similar rod) at least once every month to prove the alarm will sound. At least once a year the fine nozzle of a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush should be run over the grille area of each smoke alarm. In most models when batteries are low the alarm will regularly sound a short "beep". This is a reminder to replace the batteries. Once a year batteries should be replaced eg. New Year's Day, birthdays etc. (That would be a good time to clean the grille area also).

Smoke alarms must never be painted.

Why everyone should have a smoke alarm.

When there is a fire in a house, the house fills with toxic smoke long before heat and flame can spread.
Most people who die in fires are killed by toxic smoke. Many are never touched by flames.
Most people who die in fires die at night because they are asleep.
A smoke alarm is your safeguard against this danger because it senses the presence of smoke at a very early stage and sounds an alarm.
A smoke alarm gives you time to escape before the smoke has made it too difficult.

Source: Queensland Fire Service, Smoke Alarms brochure.