Quality smoke alarms that adhere to Australian standards are a must-have in your household. If you are not sure which ones you should buy, how to position them or how to do smoke alarm maintenance Perth-wide, read these tips to find out everything you need to know.
Which Smoke Alarms to Buy?
You’ll find many different types of smoke detectors and alarms on the market including ionization, photoelectric and dual sensor systems. However, photoelectric smoke alarms are the only ones you’ll need for your home because they comply with the Australian Standard 3786-2014. They can successfully detect all types of fire that can occur in homes.
Where to Install Smoke Alarms?
Smoke alarms are essential for your safety because they will notify you if there is suspicious smoke in the house. In order to be fully protected, you need to install alarms on every storey, between living and sleeping areas, and in the kitchen. Smoke alarms are required by law to be hard-wired.
What About Smoke Alarm Maintenance?
Throughout Perth, smoke alarm maintenance is a routine procedure. It is essential to have them checked on a regular basis to ensure they work properly. You should schedule maintenance every six months. The procedure entails testing the alarms and cleaning them to remove dust and particles. To prevent pests from crawling inside, you can use an insect spray and apply it around the smoke alarms (never spray directly).
How to Prevent False Alarms?
Insects, steam and extremely humid air can start the alarm even though there is no smoke or fire in sight. Many smoke alarms already come with shields that are protecting them from insects, but you can also occasionally vacuum them and apply pest spray around the outer surface. Opening windows can help clear up the steam from the shower faster, while extractor fans can also lower the humidity levels. If you hear the alarm going off in intervals, this means it is faulty and will need to be checked or replaced.
When to Replace Your Smoke Alarms?
Not sure when is the right time for smoke alarm replacement? Perth specialists say that most smoke alarms used for residential properties last between 5 and 10 years. They actually come with an expiration date, so make sure to replace them before that. They can also get broken or faulty but quality maintenance can help you extend their lifespan. Make sure you test them, clean them and repair them regularly, but don’t hesitate to replace them on time.
Who Should Install, Maintain and Repair Your Smoke Alarms?
The installation of smoke alarms around your house is a job that requires expertise. You should entrust this task to a licenced electrical contractor to ensure that safety procedures are respected and that industry standards are fully met. Maintenance doesn’t have to be performed by professional electricians, even though it is highly recommended to have a licenced contractor test your alarms every 6-12 months.
