Some alarms act as guards for sensing fire or smoke. Their warning sounds are loud and hard to ignore.
Fires in our homes and businesses not only destroy property but may lead to fatalities. Therefore, it is vital to have smoke alarms installed on all your properties. They are a lifesaver.
When you fall asleep, your sense of smell weakens. You may fail to smell smoke when a fire occurs or if it is in a distant room. Smoke alarms give you the advantage of escaping the fire before it is too late. They are a legal requirement for all homes and commercial buildings.
Deaf and hard-of-hearing people have smoke alarms to suit their needs as well. They include vibration pads in your pillow or bed or sober lights that will wake you up. Professionals will give you the best advice on what to choose.
There are two types of smoke alarms in the market. The first one is the Ionizing smoke alarm which is triggered better by flames. The second is a photoelectric smoke alarm which responds better to smoke. Having a combination of both in your home gives you the best protection.
What You Need to Know When Installing Smoke Alarms
- You need to have 240 volts of mains-powered smoke alarms installed in your home if it was built after 1st August 1997 in Victoria.
- According to the laws in Victoria, landlords, property management companies, and real estate agents should take full responsibility for ensuring their premises are installed with functioning smoke alarms.
- Smoke alarms should not be further than 1 meter from all bedrooms. Have them installed in every level of the building, including the basement. The sound emitted by the siren should be loud enough so that you will be able to hear it anywhere in your house.
- Place them at least 3 meters away from cooking appliances to avoid false alarms when cooking.
- To be efficient, replace them with new ones every ten years. Their batteries should also be replaced at least once a year.
- For each new tenancy, the landlord is supposed to install new batteries, and it is not a tenant’s responsibility to do this.
- Tenants and landlords should not do anything that will hinder smoke alarm warning sounds. Removal or replacing should only be done by a professional installing or maintaining them.
- Smoke alarms should always have working batteries. When replacing them, follow the manufacturer’s list of compatible batteries to avoid dormant alarms.
- Avoid painting over smoke alarms or putting any stickers on them as they may fail to go off when needed.
- They should not be installed near doors, windows or ducts because drafts from these places may interfere with their performance.
Testing Smoke Alarms
- Smoke alarms come with a test button. Press it to see if they are working at least once a month.
- Everybody in your home or workplace should understand how smoke alarms sound and what to do once they come on.
Reasons Why You Should Hire a Professional
Only qualified contractors know the best systems for you and are conversant with smoke alarm regulations. Other reasons include:
- They offer repair services. Smoke alarms, just like other electrical systems, are bound to fail at some point. A professional will do the repairs accordingly and in good time.
- Their services are reliable since they are qualified and experienced in handling smoke alarms.
- A professional will not damage your property as they install or repair smoke alarms. They will also ensure the smoke alarms work, protecting people and property from fire damages.
Consider Fisher Brothers Electrical in Melbourne
Our contractors at Fisher Brothers Electrical are experienced and fully licensed in property management.
Not all Real-estate agents, landlords, and handypersons are authorized to install or replace 240-volt smoke detectors especially if they are not qualified to do so.
Our other services include installing, maintaining, and repairing all electrical equipment and systems for your home or business, no matter the size.
If you are a homeowner or property manager in Melbourne, you are assured of proper installation, maintenance, and the right protection by our contractors at Fisher Brothers Electrical.
Contact us on 03 9532 0681 or visit our website https://fisherbros.com.au/ for more information about us.
When the smoke alarm comes on, get out and stay out!