Whether you live alone or with others, such as a partner or children, the safety of your home is paramount. Having smoke alarms installed on your property is one of the most important elements of home safety. But did you know that having working smoke alarms in Castle Hill is also a legal obligation?
As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your property has enough smoke alarms to meet NSW regulations. If you’re wanting to know how many smoke alarms your home needs and where these need to be placed throughout your property, you’ve come to the right place. Carry on reading to find out more.
According to the latest NSW legislation, all of the residential properties based in the Castle Hill area are required to have a minimum of one working smoke alarm per level. This means that the standard two-story Castle Hill home is expected to have at least two working smoke alarms in total; one on the first floor and one on the second.
If your property is larger with bedrooms at opposite ends of the level, it’s recommended that you install more than one smoke alarm per level near these rooms. This is to increase the response time of the alarms by ensuring that there’s always an alarm close by to detect the presence of smoke.
How often should a smoke alarm be tested?
A smoke alarm should be tested on a regular basis to ensure that it’s working as it should be. NSW guidelines state that smoke alarm testing should occur at least once a month as this means that you can catch any issues as quickly as possible.
When your electrician installs a smoke alarm, they’ll inform you of the ideal testing frequency for that particular system. You’ll also likely be advised on the appropriate aftercare for your smoke alarm, such as how to keep it clean and what the testing protocol is.
What should you look for when testing your smoke alarm?
The main thing that you want to be looking for when you test your smoke alarm is that it produces sound. This sound should be loud, crisp and ring for at least a few seconds when triggered. Depending on the smoke alarm system you have, testing one smoke alarm may trigger all of them. If this is the case, you want to ensure all of the systems respond.
Alongside checking that the sound system of your smoke alarm is working as it should, also do a comprehensive visual inspection of each of the systems. You want to be primarily checking for any signs of visual damage, such as a part of the system hanging loose or missing entirely.
What should you do if your smoke alarm doesn’t work?
If your smoke alarm doesn’t work, don’t leave it to chance. As soon as you notice that your smoke alarm isn’t functioning properly, call a professional to take a closer look at the system. They’ll be able to determine what the best course of action is, whether that’s a simple repair or a complete replacement.
If your smoke alarm systems don’t comply with the necessary codes (Australian Standard AS 3786) then you’re deemed to be guilty of an offence and liable for a fine. The maximum fine you’ll receive is $550. It’s safer and cheaper to regularly check your smoke alarm and, if necessary, pay for repairs.
How do you find a suitable electrician for your smoke alarm installation and maintenance?
In the NSW area, it’s a legal requirement that all electrical work is carried out by a licensed electrician. This means that if you suspect that your wired smoke alarm requires repair or replacement, you can’t attempt to do the work yourself. When finding an electrician to do the work for you, there are some things to keep in mind.
For one, you need to ensure that the electrician you hire is properly licensed and holds all of the relevant certifications in accordance with NSW legislation. Your electrician should also provide you with a Certificate of Compliance following the completion of work.
Do you need interconnected smoke alarms installed at your property in Castle Hill? You can contact us to discuss your needs specifically and to book in your installation with our expert electricians in the region today.
