Fix a noisy Smoke Alarm
Is your smoke alarm “Chirping”? It probably needs a new battery. Try inserting new batteries and this should take care of the problem. If it doesn’t, give Electrical Excellence a call as it may need to be replaced.
About Smoke Alarms
Fact: Most fire fatalities occur in homes because a smoke alarm wasn’t working. It is so important to test and maintain smoke alarms on a regular basis.
There are two different types of smoke alarms; photoelectric and ionization
- A Photoelectric smoke alarm has a special lens which detects light. When the lens is blocked by smoke the alarm is triggered.
- An Ionization smoke alarm works by detecting smoke particles in the air.
Your smoke alarms should be positioned outside bedrooms and in major living areas to comply with Australian Standard 3786. If your house is built before 1 July 1997 you are only required to have a battery operated smoke alarm. After this date, all smoke alarms need to be hard wired. Major upgrades to houses must comply to the new date rules.
Smoke Alarms should be tested monthly to see that they are in good working order. They should also be maintained and batteries replaced once a year. If you are unsure of how to do this please don’t hesitate to call your local Sunshine Coast Electrician, Electrical Excellence.
Electrical Excellence will be more than happy to maintain your smoke alarms and send you a reminder to repeat on an annual basis.
Legislation states that all rental properties must have a smoke alarm compliance certificate within 30 days of a new tenancy agreement. Most landlord insurance companies will void your policy if there isn’t a valid certificate. More information on rental properties.
Also remember to replace your smoke alarms every 8-10 years or in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.