We usually take electricity for granted – it’s so easy to plug in our appliances and leave them to run. Most of us don’t put much thought into other safety systems that can alert us to electrical problems like short circuits and wire insulation failure.
The result can be electrical fires that initially go unnoticed until too late.
A smoke detector provides early warning of such issues, giving you the time to leave the premises for your safety and call a professional electrician to fix the problem.
So how do you ensure electrical safety and find the right smoke alarm solutions for your home?
The Benefits of Regular Smoke Alarm Checks
Australia uses two main types of smoke alarms in domestic settings. These are ionisation alarms and photoelectric alarms. Both have their specific uses, with their strengths and drawbacks.
Difference between photoelectric and ionisation smoke alarms
- Ionisation smoke alarm
This type of smoke alarm uses tiny amounts of (perfectly safe) radioactive material to detect fires, setting off an alarm when disturbances in the ionisation field occur due to heating. - Photoelectric smoke alarm
A photoelectric smoke alarm contains photocells that emit a beam of light, which is used to detect the presence of smoke. The smoke disperses in the morning, and the alarm is triggered when any light reflects and hits the cell.
Supplemental smoke alarm options
You can also get smoke alarms designed for specific purposes. Remember that these are not intended to replace your central smoke alarms. They should be used in conjunction with photoelectric or ionisation alarm systems.
- Heat alarms
These are useful in kitchens, as they don’t give off false alarms due to mistaking cooking fumes for smoke.
- Carbon monoxide alarms
As their name suggests, these alarms detect the presence of carbon monoxide in the air before they reach dangerous levels. They’re ideal when using natural gas appliances that release carbon monoxide.
What to Look for During an Electrical Safety Check
Due to the way they work, ionisation and photoelectric smoke alarms are used for different purposes.
Ionisation alarms detect heat rather than smoke. They’re mainly designed to identify fast-developing fires that don’t put out much visible smoke. This can warn you earlier of a fire you don’t necessarily see, allowing you to take pre-emptive action before smoke starts to appear.
Conversely, the drawback of ionisation alarms is that they may not be triggered by smoky fires that have yet to reach their heat threshold. Due to the heat signature, they can also react to “normal” circumstances and trigger false warnings, such as interpreting steam from a pot as a fire.
Photoelectric alarms, on the other hand, react to smoke. This makes them very good at detecting the most common domestic fires, which start smouldering before bursting into flames later.
Their disadvantage is that if there isn’t enough smoke to trigger their sensors, they can’t detect heat differences like ionisation alarms, so that they won’t go in the event of a hot yet relatively smokeless fire.
Smoke alarm checks
Like any safety system, smoke alarms must be regularly checked and tested to ensure they’re in proper working order. Otherwise, you’ll be living with a false sense of security when in reality, your system could fail when it’s most needed.
You should have your smoke alarms checked about once a month. Also note that if you’re a landlord, electrical safety and smoke alarm checks for rentals are mandatory in Victoria according to AS 3786 safety code and are your responsibility.
Changes to the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic) increased the mandatory safety obligations on electrical safety checks from 29 March 2021. Every two years, an electrical safety check must be carried out by a licensed electrician and must meet the requirements outlined in the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021 (“Regulations”).
FAQs for smoke alarm checks
What does an ionisation smoke alarm detect?
An ionisation alarm detects the presence of abnormal levels of heat, with or without visible smoke. It’s perfect at quickly alerting you to the presence of fire you can’t see.
Why do you need to clean your smoke detector?
The proper functioning of your smoke detector relies on its ability to detect disturbances in its environment. This makes it susceptible to dust or pollen, which can stop it from performing correctly or give off annoying false alarms. We recommend cleaning your smoke detector units at least every six months.
Why is my smoke alarm beeping?
Your smoke alarm beeps beside the presence of fire or smoke. First, foreign debris may be set off by disturbing the ionisation or photoelectric fields. Second, if you have an ionisation alarm, you should consult a professional to check it.
What does smoke alarm testing cost?
Professionals charge different rates, but generally, you can have your smoke alarm tested in the Melbourne area for around $100.
How Often Should You Have Your Smoke Alarms Checked?
Choose a service provider carefully to ensure you comply with all the safety requirements for smoke detector testing. A trustworthy company will have the following three features to give you peace of mind that they will follow all safety requirements:
- Practical ability
Your supplier should have all the necessary skills required for proper testing and be fully aware of all the components and issues that must be checked. - Industry knowledge
Your provider must be well-versed in the legal requirements and various codes that apply where you live and must make sure that they comply with everything. - Proven experience
Smoke detector testing can be tricky, given the number of details and components that need to be checked. It’s always best to go with someone who has been doing it for many years, as they’ll have come across most of the scenarios one can expect and will know how to deal with them.
Contact Us for Electrical Safety and Smoke Alarm Checks
Look no further than us when you need a smoke alarm inspection in Melbourne. We have decades of experience installing, maintaining and testing ionisation and photoelectric smoke alarms. Our staff has the industry knowledge and practical skills to ensure that your system is fully functional to give you the protection you need.
Changes to the Residential Tenancies Act
Changes to the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic) increased the mandatory safety obligations on electrical safety checks from 29 March 2021. Every two years, an electrical safety check must be carried out by a licensed electrician and must meet the requirements outlined in the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021 (“Regulations”).
What does Changes to the Residential Tenancies Act mean to me?
- Amendments to the Act: The Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic) underwent changes.
- Date of Change: These changes came into effect from 29 March 2021.
- Mandatory Safety Obligations: The changes emphasize increased safety obligations, particularly concerning electrical safety checks.
- Frequency of Checks: Every two years, property owners or landlords are required to have an electrical safety check done on their properties.
- Who Conducts the Check: This electrical safety check must be performed by a licensed electrician. This ensures that the person checking is qualified and knowledgeable about electrical systems.
- Regulatory Standards: The electrical safety check must adhere to specific standards or criteria. These standards are detailed in the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021, referred to as the “Regulations” in the text.
In simpler terms, if you’re a landlord or property owner in Victoria, you’re now required by law to have a licensed electrician check the electrical safety of your property every two years, and this check must meet the standards set in the 2021 Regulations. This is to ensure the safety of tenants and the property.