O’Brien Electrical Camberwell provides a complete smoke detector and fire alarm installation service for homes and businesses in Camberwell and the surrounding areas. Our service includes the design, installation, and testing of all types of fire alarms and detectors.
So if you’re looking to replace an existing fire alarm system or need your smoke detectors tested, get in touch with O’Brien Electrical Camberwell today to arrange a FREE quotation.
Our electricians are fully insured and licensed to carry out electrical installation and repair work in the state of Victoria.
You can complete the enquiry form here or give us a call at 1300 799 761 to discuss your specific needs.
Smoke detector rules in Victoria
The State of Victoria has strict rules about the installation of smoke detectors in both residential and commercial buildings. The following rules apply:
Homes built after August 1st 1997 – Any private house, townhouse, flat or unit built after this date must have at least one 240-volt mains connected smoke alarm with battery backup installed.
Homes built before August 1st 1997 – Any private property built before this date must have a 9-volt battery-powered smoke detector installed as a minimum, but a mains powered smoke detector is recommended.
Rooming homes – A rooming home is any house or flat where one or more rooms are available to rent. Rooming homes must have a hard-wired 240-volt smoke detector installed regardless of when the property was built.
Rented homes – After March 2021, any home available for rent must ensure that a hard-wired smoke detector is installed and in working order. The system must also be tested in line with the manufacturer’s instructions at least every 12 months.
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Types of smoke detector
There are two main types of smoke detectors available. You should ensure the right type of detector is installed in your home to provide adequate protection for you and your family.
Ionisation
Ionisation detectors monitor air quality for signs of smoke particles. This type of detector can be powered by 9v batteries or connected to a 240v mains supply. Ionisation detectors can easily detect flaming fires that emit a lot of smoke, but they are less effective at detecting smouldering fires that generate a lot of heat but less smoke.
Photoelectric
Photoelectric smoke detectors reflect light into a chamber. When the chamber fills with smoke, the light is deflected and the alarm is triggered. Photoelectric detectors can be powered by 9v batteries or a 240v mains supply. This type of detector is better at detecting smouldering fires which generate a lot of heat but not much smoke.
Multi-sensor
Dual sensor smoke detectors contain both photoelectric and ionisation sensors. They can be powered by 9v batteries or a 240v mains supply. This type of detector gives you the best of both worlds but they are considerably larger than single sensor type detectors. They may also generate false alarms in kitchens and bathrooms.
Smoke detector installation Camberwell
Do your smoke detectors need testing or replacing? Get in touch with the experts at O’Brien Electrical Camberwell today. Our team of electricians are licensed to test and install fire alarms and smoke detectors in the state of Victoria.
Complete our form online here or give us a call at 1300 799 761 to arrange a quote.
Call us 1300 799 761
Smoke detector FAQs
How long do smoke alarm batteries last?
How long the batteries last will depend on the type, age and condition of your detector. Smoke detectors powered by 9v batteries should have their batteries replaced every 12 months. They should also be tested every 6-months by pressing the red button.
Mains connected smoke alarms with a battery backup should have their batteries replaced in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations. The smoke alarms we install at O’Brien Electrical Camberwell come with a 10-year guarantee.
Where should smoke detectors be placed?
This will depend on the layout of your home or office, but generally speaking, you should have a minimum of one smoke detector per floor. We recommend one in the downstairs hallway or kitchen and one on the upstairs landing. You should always consult with an expert before deciding where to install a smoke detector.
My smoke alarm keeps beeping, is there something wrong with it?
No, a beeping smoke alarm is telling you the battery needs replacing. Replace the battery and the beeping should stop. If the beeping continues after the battery has been replaced, the detector may be faulty and you should get it tested as soon as possible.
The smoke alarm in my kitchen keeps going off when I’m cooking. Can I turn down the sensitivity of it?
No, there is no way to adjust the sensitivity of a smoke alarm as this would reduce its effectiveness in a real fire. If the alarm goes off while you are cooking you can mute this with the hush button.
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