Smoke Alarms

Smoke Detector Installation and Safety

When it comes to saving your home – and your loved ones – from potential fire damage, smoke inhalation or serious injury, the smoke alarm or smoke detector is the front-and-centre defender. Not only can they help to save residential properties, but they can also save lives.

All Australian homes are required by law to have at least one working smoke alarm. In all homes built or renovated since 1997, that smoke alarm must be hardwired. A faulty alarm is likely to put your home and your loved ones at significant risk in the event of a house fire or even if it begins to fill with smoke.

We at Metropolitan Electrical Contractors are very serious when it comes to fire safety. We take the time and care to guarantee your home complies with strict state and national building regulations throughout. Our trusted and experienced electrical contractors will never compromise on safety.

You can call us for professional installation services and fault detection. We will check your wiring and provide high-quality working smoke alarms, that meet all Australian standards.

Metropolitan Electrical – Your Smoke Alarm Repair Experts

For trusted and reliable smoke alarm repair, replacement and installation services, you can count on Metropolitan Electrical Contractors to deliver. We can provide you with:

Electrical contractors who are fully licensed and qualified, and who undergo regular training and development to maintain their skills and knowledge
A 12-month workmanship warranty (also covering parts and materials)
Full public liability insurance
24/7 availability with an aim to be at your door within one hour* of your call
Upfront fixed-price quotes
Interest free** payment options
Same rates all day, regardless of whether you’re calling out of business hours, on the weekend or on a public holiday
A Certificate of Compliance, as per Australian Government regulations, that shows the work was completed by a licensed smoke alarm installation and maintenance service specialist

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Types of Smoke Alarms

Before you have a smoke alarm installed it’s crucial you know what’s available. You should also seek advice on local regulations and maintenance requirements.

For example, if your device has a battery backup the battery should be replaced every 12 months. Meanwhile, the actual smoke alarm batteries should be replaced at least every 10 years.

In terms of protection, there are two main detectors for home use. They are:

Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

Photoelectric smoke alarms are often the favoured choice for installation in homes across Australia. They feature a photocell and a light beam that shines away from the cell, which enables the alarm to detect smoke before it has the opportunity to erupt into flames – something that can happen often in residential house fires.

Photoelectric smoke alarms are well regarded for their fast and reliable response times. They can be hardwired to the ceiling or wall, and have the ability to run on lithium battery backup power in the event of a blackout.

Ionisation Smoke Detectors

These smoke detectors feature a tiny amount of radioactive material, and are capable of basically ‘smelling’ any smoke particles from a fire. Ionisation smoke alarms are highly adept at detecting flames that form fast and don’t produce a lot in the way of visible smoke.

It is recommended that an ionisation smoke alarm not be installed near your kitchen or bathroom as they can often sound when you’re cooking or when a lot of steam forms in the bathroom or kitchen. The last thing you want to be dealing with is false alarms while you’re getting dinner ready!

Australian Working Smoke Alarm Regulations

While most Australian states and territories have similar guidelines, there are some slight differences in the smoke alarm laws around the country.

It can get confusing at times. Recommendations include one smoke alarm on each floor of a house, and in some cases in each individual bedroom. You might even wonder if your home currently meets government expectations.

Don’t worry. When you call Metropolitan, we will make sure your home is safe and secure with compliant smoke alarms where they need to be in your home. Meanwhile, the following is a brief outline of what you should adhere to:

ACT: Homes built or renovated since 1997 must have at least one hardwired alarm. Photoelectric preferred.
NSW: At least one alarm is required per house or floor level. Mains powered smoke alarms and interconnected smoke alarms are recommended.
VIC: At least one alarm per home. Photoelectric recommended.
QLD: Mains powered or interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms. A 10-year battery is also acceptable (as of 2017). Current alarms that are less than 10 years old must be replaced when they expire.
SA: At least one alarm that is mains powered or has a 10-year battery. New builds and extensions require that you install interconnected smoke alarms.
TAS: At least one per home. Hardwired or 10-year battery operated.
WA: Minimum of one alarm that is hardwired. Battery powered alarms are only allowed when mains power is not possible.
NT: At least one hardwired photoelectric alarm, or an alarm with a 10-year battery.
And remember, across Australia, all homes that have been built or even renovated since 1997 require hardwired smoke detectors.

Metropolitan is here to install smoke alarms and provide trusted advice. Contact us today for more information.

Interest Free** Smoke Alarm Options

As a homeowner, you are obligated to uphold your smoke alarm maintenance with routine checks and 10-yearly replacements.

For added peace of mind, our services come with a range of interest free** payment options for eligible customers. This means you won’t have to put off smoke detector installation any longer – you can enjoy one-hour* attendance from Metropolitan.

Just choose a payment plan with one of our providers – Zip or Humm. You have the flexibility of weekly, fortnightly or monthly instalments. Some plans even accept a $0 deposit, so you pay nothing upfront.

Your electrician can take you through the easy application process on site and approval usually takes only a few minutes. We also accept payment by cash, cheque and credit card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express).

It’s important that you have an alarm hardwired for unbeatable confidence that your home and family are safe. We can determine the best locations for installation of your smoke alarms, and take care of all the hard work.

Don’t delay any longer. If it’s time for an update or smoke alarm test and you’re searching for “smoke alarm technician near me”, call Metropolitan Electrical Contractors and we can be at your door as soon as possible.

FAQ – Everything You Need to Know About Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are one of those everyday items that are worth knowing a little more about.

Are smoke detectors required in Australia?

Yes. The Building Code of Australia requires every home and business to have a smoke alarm. Every house built since 1997 must have one hardwired to the mains power supply. It is also required for all the alarms to be replaced every 10 years.

Each state and territory may have slightly different rules. However, the recommendation also extends to a central location for smoke detectors in a hallway near bedrooms or living area, and on every floor of a multi-storey house. This could mean you need one per house, or even three or more smoke alarms.

How does a smoke detector work?

Smoke detectors come in two different types; ionisation and photoelectric. Both ionisation and photoelectric alarms work in different ways.

Ionisation contains a very small amount of radioactive material. Ionised air flows in a current between two electronically charged plates, where smoke will disrupt the airflow, activating the alarm.

Photoelectric uses light aimed into a sensing chamber and angled away from the sensor. As smoke enters, the light reflects onto the sensor triggering the alarm.

Can a smoke alarm detect carbon monoxide?

No, smoke alarms cannot detect carbon monoxide. And vice versa, carbon monoxide detectors do not react to smoke. However, our Metropolitan Electrical Contractors can supply and install combined carbon monoxide and smoke alarms for the best safety measures.

Can a smoke detector detect vape?

No, it’s very unlikely that vape will trigger an alarm as the vapour particles are not thick like smoke is. With a rise in e-cigarettes and vape pens, there has been an increased concern in setting off smoke detectors.

Although it’s not likely to trigger an alarm, we’d recommend not to vape near one just in case.

Why is my smoke alarm chirping?

Smoke alarm sounds like chirping and beeping are caused by either a low battery, battery looseness or is not installed properly. Assuming there is no fire, it needs a new 9V battery. Batteries should be replaced every year to make sure they’re working effectively in case of an emergency.

For hardwired alarms which use long-term lithium batteries, a chirping noise certainly indicates a fault. You should contact our electricians in this instance.

Why is my smoke alarm flashing?

A red, flashing light is actually a good sign. It indicates your alarm is working correctly. The flashes should be a consistent and bright flash. In the case of the flashing showing signs of abnormality, it’s best to contact the manufacturer or supplier for details, or get in touch with us today!

How long do smoke detectors last?

As specified and regulated by Australian Standard 3786, standard smoke alarms last up to 10 years. After a decade, smoke alarms must be replaced to comply with industry recommendations.

If you’re unsure of the age just check the unit for a date of manufacture or expiry date. You can also contact the manufacturer or supplier for details, providing the batch or serial number located on the unit.