Smoke alarm installation and maintenance

Oct 27, 2017

Did you know that on average 21 people die every year due to residential fires in New South Wales? (FRNSW Fire Investigation and Research Unit)

What’s more distressing about this fact is that a third of these fatalities may have been prevented with the installation of smoke alarms and the use of a home escape plan. This is why it is essential to follow preventive measures to protect your home and your family. You can start protecting your home by installing a fully functioning smoke alarm in your property.

Smoke alarm installation

Under Clause 146A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, and Division 7A of Part 9 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000, all buildings in NSW where people sleep are required to have at least one working smoke alarm. Also, each of the smoke alarms must meet the requirements of Australian Standard AS 3786.

• If you’re a homeowner, every level of your home must have a working smoke alarm. On the other hand, if you’re a tenant, your landlord is responsible for ensuring that the house or flat you’re staying in has the appropriate number of working smoke alarms. Once you move into the rental property, it’s your responsibility to replace the batteries when needed. If you’re physically unable to do so, you must inform your landlord as soon as possible.
• If you’re a landlord, you must ensure that every rental property you own is fitted with functioning smoke alarms. Also, take note that you’re not allowed to remove or interfere with the operation of a smoke alarm unless you have a reasonable excuse.
• Owners of caravans and motorhomes are also required to have smoke alarms in their vehicles/residence. Caravans and campervans must be fitted with at least one working smoke alarm that features a “hush” button.

According to Fire & Rescue NSW, smoke alarms should be installed in all rooms where people sleep, as well as in hallways leading to sleeping areas. You should also avoid installing these devices in or near your kitchen or bathroom. If you’re using a hard-wired smoke alarm, you must hire a licensed electrician to do the installation for you. But regardless of the type of the smoke alarm you’re using, ensure that you install it according to manufacturer’s instructions. If you have questions, you may contact your local Fire & Rescue NSW station for advice.

Smoke alarm maintenance

Smoke alarms should be maintained on a regular basis to ensure that they are in good condition and working properly. Every month, you should test the batteries of your smoke alarms by pressing and holding the test button for at least five seconds until you hear a beep. Also, you should remove the dust off your alarms every six months to ensure that smoke can easily reach their internal sector.

If the smoke alarm works on lead or alkaline battery, see to it that you replace the batteries every year. Finally, if your smoke alarm is over ten years old, you should replace it with new 10-year lithium powered smoke alarms.

Smoke alarm installation in Nowra

Smoke alarms can help save lives. As such, to protect your family and valuables from fire, you should equip your home with the right number of smoke alarms. Enlist the services of a reliable electrician in Nowra such as Innovate Air + Electrical to ensure that your smoke alarms are installed and functioning properly. We can provide advice on the best smoke alarm brands, as well as tips on smoke alarm maintenance so get in touch today!