Smoke Alarm Installation Specialists In Paddington

Smoke alarms are an essential safety feature for any Windsor dwelling or workplace. They provide early warning of fires – a very real risk in Australia – giving you crucial extra time to escape or take action to extinguish the fire.

There are two main types of smoke alarms; however, one type has recently been outlawed in Queensland. Here’s how to find out if your smoke alarm is illegal – and how to prepare your home for more legal changes to come.

The two types of smoke alarms

There are two main types of smoke alarm: ionisation and photoelectric.

• Ionisation smoke alarms detect small smoke particles: these detectors can be set off by nuisance smoke (such as when you burn the toast!).
• Photoelectric smoke alarms, meanwhile, are activated when particles enter a light chamber. Photoelectric smoke alarms not only provide better protection, they also don’t go off by mistake (if they’re properly installed).

Changes to Queensland law in 2017 requires all smoke alarms more than ten years old (usually ionisation alarms) to be replaced with new photoelectric alarms. And, from 1 January 2027, the law will change further. All existing private homes, townhouses and units will need to have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms installed on each storey, in each bedroom, and in each hallway or egress path linking bedrooms to the other parts of a house.

How do I check if my alarms are compliant?

Checking your smoke alarms for compliance is simple.

• Check the date of the smoke alarm: The smoke alarm should have either a manufactured date or an expiry date located on the back of the alarm or on the side of the alarm. If your smoke alarm is over ten years old or does not have any date on it at all, you will have to get the alarm replaced immediately.
• Check the type of smoke alarm: On the back of the alarm, it will state whether the smoke alarm is either photoelectric or ionisation.

If you’re unsure how to check your system, or have any concerns, Just-In Time Electrical is here to help.

Just-in Time Electrical: Paddington’s first choice for smoke alarms

These legal changes are the biggest-ever change to smoke alarm legislation. It’s important that you get it right before 2027 – not only so that your system is compliant but also to ensure your home and family has the highest level of protection.

With more than 40 years of combined experience and in-depth knowledge of the regulatory changes, Just-In Time Electrical can ensure your system provides the best protection possible. Whether you’re installing smoke alarms for the first time or upgrading to a new system, we ensure your entire home is fully protected.

Get in touch with Just-In Time Electrical on 0488 825 123 or send us a message today – we’ll ensure you have the best possible protection against fire ASAP.