Smoke Detectors

Yes, there are specific regulations and standards in place for the installation of smoke detectors in Grafton and across Australia. The Australian Standard AS 3786-2014 outlines these standards, which require that smoke detectors be interconnected and installed on each storey, in each bedroom and in hallways connected to bedrooms. They must also be hardwired to the electrical system of the building with a battery backup in case of a power outage. Always remember, the installation of smoke detectors must be completed by a licensed electrician to comply with regulations.

For your safety, it’s recommended that you test your smoke detectors every month. This involves pressing the ‘test’ button on your smoke detector to ensure its functioning properly. Apart from monthly testing, it’s a good idea to have your smoke detectors professionally checked by a qualified electrician at least every year. This helps detect any potential issues that may not be obvious during regular testing, such as a problems with the hard wiring or backup battery.

On average, smoke detectors have a lifespan of about 10 years. This is the period during which their sensors remain most effective. After this time, they may not respond to smoke as quickly or might not respond at all, which could potentially be dangerous. Therefore, it’s recommended to replace your smoke detectors every 10 years, even if they seem to be working properly.

In general, it’s best to replace smoke detector batteries once a year. However, if your smoke detector begins to emit a beeping sound at regular intervals, it’s usually an indication that the batteries are running low and need to be replaced immediately. Remember, even hardwired smoke detectors have backup batteries which need replacing regularly to ensure the unit functions during a power outage.