House fires can cause, devastation so early warning is key to ensuring you, your family and your home are as protected as possible.
A smoke alarm is a fantastic line of defence against a house fire, but with so many options available, how do you choose the right alarm for your home in Bendigo? Read on to learn more about your options to help you make a decision.
Ionisation Alarms
Ionisation alarms contain a small number of radioactive substances, which are sensitive to any fire beginning in your home and will trigger an alarm. These alarms easily detect fires that spread quickly and don’t put out much smoke, such as a cooking fire.
As many house fires smoke before flames emerge, ionisation alarms can’t detect them as quickly, taking even 20 minutes or more to respond and putting your safety at significant risk. They’re also more likely to be triggered by heat or steam.
Basic ionisation alarms can cost as little as $10, while more advanced models can sit closer to $50.
Photoelectric Alarms
Photocentric alarms consist of a photocell and a light beam. When a fire erupts and smoke fills the alarm, particles cause the light to spread and hit the cell, which then triggers a sound. These alarms quickly detect smoke and slowly-burning fires, which make up many types of house fires.
Photoelectric alarms usually detect a smoky fire within three to five minutes, alerting you to danger even before it takes off. As the alarm can be triggered by dust or insects, it needs to be cleaned out from time to time. You can find a photoelectric alarm for under $20, but they can reach as high as $100 for more advanced models.
Dual Sensor Alarms
The features of ionisation and photoelectric alarms come together in this option. You’re going to get the benefits of both kinds of systems.
Carbon Monoxide And Heat Alarms
These are specialised alarms which can be a useful accompaniment to your standard smoke alarm.
A carbon monoxide alarm usually helps to maintain the safety of your central heating system. They can alert you to any faults or increased carbon monoxide levels.
A heat alarm is a great option for your kitchen. As they’re triggered by heat, your burnt toast or cooking fumes won’t set them off.
What To Look For When Purchasing An Alarm
When you’re purchasing and installing an alarm, there are particular things you should look out for.
- Standards Australia certification or ActivFire registration: Alarm compliance with the Australian Standard is necessary by law.
- 10-year battery: Some alarms will be fitted with a permanent 10-year battery which will cover the life of your alarm.
- Test button: This is a handy way of ensuring your alarm works. You can now test some alarms by shining a light on them or using a remote control, meaning there’s no longer the need to use a ladder or a broom to test the alarm’s function.
- Hush button: Quieten false alarms temporarily and allow smoke to clear with this helpful button. Remote controls can even be used to silence some alarms.
- Battery test: Alarms powered by battery should alert you when the battery needs to be replaced.
- Escape light: Some alarms emit a light when they are triggered. This is especially helpful if the power in your home goes out during a fire.
- Interconnection: Most alarms can be linked with one another, meaning that if one is triggered the others are too.
- Accessibility: There are products available to help people hard of hearing, including high-volume alarms, strobe lights, and vibrating pads to use in bed.
- Insect screen: These days, alarms carry insect screens to prevent nuisance alarms, but it’s still a good idea to clean them out from time to time.
Protect Your Home And Family With O'Brien Electrical And Air Conditioning Bendigo
Are you looking to install a new smoke alarm or replace your existing models?
Look to our experts at O'Brien Electrical and Air Conditioning Bendigo for quality smoke alarm products, fitting, and maintenance.
We’re a team of fully-qualified, licensed technicians committed to delivering reliable and outstanding electrical and air conditioning services to our valued Bendigo clients.
We offer our quality services at competitive rates, so if you need a local, professional team of electricians in Bendigo you can contact us at (03) 5442 1455 to speak to our team about your specific needs and make a booking.