Articles / Electrical

Smoke Alarms

19 September 2019

Smoke Alarms

As daylight savings is fast approaching, it’s time to change those batteries in 9v battery-powered smoke alarms.

Here is a helpful fact sheet on Smoke Alarms

  • Early warning of a fire in your home gives occupants the best chance to escape. When you are asleep you lose your sense of smell, that is why it is so important that you have a working smoke alarm to alert you of the presence of smoke.
  • In Australia, it is a law that you must have a working smoke alarm on every level of your residential home. This law has been in place since August 1997 and all smoke alarms must comply with Australian Standards AS 3786.
  • This also extends to rental properties
  • There are two types of smoke alarms:
    1. Regular smoke alarm with 9v battery (either stand-alone or mains powered)
    2. 10-year tamper-proof alarm with 10-year battery (either stand-alone or mains powered)

    Note: mains powered smoke alarms have either a 9v battery or 10-year lifespan battery)

  • 240-volt main powered smoke alarms must be installed by a licensed electrician.
  • The MFB recommends 10-year long-life lithium battery smoke alarms with a tamper-proof chamber (either stand-alone or connected to mains power). The lifespan of these batteries is 10 years, and there is no need to replace batteries for the lifespan of these type of smoke alarms. You simply replace the entire smoke alarm unit every 10 years.
  • Only purchase smoke alarms that comply with Australian Standards AS 3786, indicated by the Standards Australia ‘five ticks’ symbols on the smoke alarm or packaging.
  • Smoke alarms can be purchased from most hardware stores, electrical retailers, fire protection companies, department stores and major supermarkets.
  • Smoke alarms must be installed outside each bedroom area and throughout the rest of the house. In a two-storey home, a smoke alarm must be installed on every level. If a level does not contain a bedroom, it must be located in the path people are likely to take to evacuate.
  • Specialized smoke alarms are available for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
  • Regular testing of your smoke alarm is suggested every month to test the battery. This is done by holding the test button until the alarm beeps three times.

Just remember – Only working smoke alarms save lives!

and

Don’t forget to adjust your clock for daylight savings.

 

Loading...
O'Brien
Damage

Do you have broken glass?
Call us now on 1800 059 829

For emergency glass repair or replacement in your home or business, speak to one of our experts. We'll discuss options, costs and appointment times.

We'd love to help you, but unfortunately cannot assist with:

  • Cook tops or oven doors
  • Refrigerator glass
  • Light and lamp shades
  • Spectacle repairs
  • Phone or tablet screens
  • Curved glass or tanks
Damage

Is your plumbing job an emergency?
Call us now on 03-94645591

Your message may not be seen until the next business day, so if this an emergency job please call us directly now on 03-94645591 and we can get to you as soon as possible
Damage

Is your electrical job an emergency?
Call us now on 03-94645591

Your message may not be seen until the next business day, so if this an emergency job please call us directly now on 03-94645591 and we can get to you as soon as possible
Your details
Get expert help

Are you sure you want to leave?

Exiting this page will clear your answers.

Thank you for your enquiry with O'Brien.

Sorry, there was an issue saving your booking.

Please try again later.

We are sorry, but that service isn't currently available in your local area.

Not available

To find out if there is an alternative O'Brien® AutoGlass Branch or O'Brien® Authorised Dealer within reasonable travelling distance, please go to our O'Brien® Locations page and enter your suburb to check.

Close

Thank you. You will be notified when we are able to service your request.

Close
Thank you for choosing O'Brien Electrical & Air Conditioning Thomastown!
Finished

You’ll hear from us shortly about your task, and we’re looking forward to getting you booked in with one of our experts as soon as we can.

If your task is an emergency, we recommend you call us on 03-94645591.

Return to website

Thank you for registering your details with O'Brien.

Finished

We will be in touch when we have availability in your area. Thank you.

Return to website

Where do you need the work done?

How soon do you need the work done?

Damage

Is your plumbing job an emergency?
Call us now on 03-94645591

Your message may not be seen until the next business day, so if this an emergency job please call us directly now on 03-94645591 and we can get to you as soon as possible
Damage

Is your electrical job an emergency?
Call us now on 03-94645591

Your message may not be seen until the next business day, so if this an emergency job please call us directly now on 03-94645591 and we can get to you as soon as possible

Would you like mobile or branch service?

Street address

First name

Last name

Mobile number

Email address

Vehicle registration

Vehicle registration state

Type of damage

Preferred payment method

Is there anything further you'd like to tell us about your task? (optional)

By clicking submit you confirm that you have read and accept the O'Brien® Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.