Smoke alarms save lives - so when you require installation, repairs or replacements, you need a licensed and qualified electrician in Sydney.
As you may already know, functional smoke alarms are mandated in all residential and commercial properties across New South Wales. Failing to comply with this rule can invite hefty fines and even jail time, whether you’re the tenant, landlord or property owner. That’s why it’s essential to ensure that the smoke alarms on your property are in working condition to alert the residents of a fire or gas leak and save their lives.
However, there are different types of smoke alarms, and not everyone may know how to use them. Likewise, some smoke alarms may have a separate battery system or be wired into your home’s circuitry to provide backup if the battery fails.
You can ensure your smoke detectors are installed and working correctly by speaking with your Sydney smoke alarm technicians. For more information or to book an appointment, call us on (02) 9167 9488 today!
What Is The NSW Law On Smoke Alarms?
Fire and Rescue NSW states that smoke alarms must comply with Australian Standard AS 3786.
Homeowners
For homeowners, it is required by law that they have a smoke alarm installed on every level of their home. This includes:
- Owner-occupied
- Relocatable homes
- Caravans
- Rentals
- Any residential property where people sleep
Tenants
A landlord must ensure that every property floor has a smoke alarm installed. A tenant must notify the landlord when a smoke alarm requires a replacement battery.
Landlords
If the smoke alarm is not working, landlords and agents must have the alarm repaired within two business days (including replacing the battery). A qualified technician should also inspect all smoke alarms on an annual basis. It is the landlord’s and agent’s responsibility to ensure the following:
- A smoke alarm should be replaced within ten years of manufacture or earlier if the manufacturer specifies
- Each year (or in the case of lithium batteries, whenever the manufacturer specifies), batteries are installed or replaced.
- Landlords and agents should give at least two business days’ notice and one hour’s notice to inspect or assess smoke alarms for repair or replacement.
What Causes Smoke Alarms To Malfunction?
Some smoke alarms may reach the end of their time, meaning no amount of servicing can revive them. This is when you’d want to replace it with a similar or better model. Most smoke alarms last an average of 10 years, so we recommend changing them every decade.
Aside from that, technical faults in the smoke alarms will cause them to malfunction. Anything from dead batteries to dirt and moisture build-up or internal parts faults can prevent them from beeping or trigger false alarms. In resolving the more serious issues, the DIY way can invite more troubles if you aren’t aware of the know-how.
You can usually replace the batteries when required and wipe off dirt or moisture outside. However, the best way to keep them optimally functional for prolonged periods is to opt for regular professional maintenance.
How Do We Help With Installing, Replacing And Maintaining Smoke Alarms?
When installing or replacing a smoke alarm, our electricians in Sydney have all the tools to ensure quick and correct installations. You may also contact our electricians to seek assistance in choosing suitable smoke alarms for your needs and budget. We will also inform you about basic DIY maintenance techniques.
Whenever an alarm is faulty, our electricians check it thoroughly to find the cause. Depending on the situation, you may be advised to replace it. Likewise, the maintenance service involves intense cleaning of the units, battery checks, and replacements (if required).
Alternatively, we can help you upgrade your old smoke alarms to a new interconnected system so that all your detectors sound when one smoke alarm is activated. After every service our technicians perform, they will check the alarms to ensure they work correctly.
