Being caught in a sudden house fire can be dangerous and life-threatening. Such residential fires cause physical injuries to individuals than any other natural hazards combined. To ensure overall safety against potential fire, it is imperative to have a fire device in place that can alert you and provide early warnings. One of the best ways to ensure fire protection is by installing smoke alarms.

Smoke alarms are an essential component to fire safety and can help you prevent potential fire incidents. Without a smoke alarm, you are likely to experience almost 60% property damage. A smoke alarm installation in Brisbane can prove beneficial to you and your family in case of fire. Most homeowners often contemplate choosing the best smoke alarm for their home. But don’t worry! We are here to help you through the buying decision.

In this article, we have explained all the details of smoke alarms – types, features, and more – to help you safeguard your family against potential fire.

Types of Smoke Alarms

Residential homeowners can consider installing these two types of smoke alarms for their homes – Ionisation and Photoelectric alarms.

1. Ionisation Smoke Alarms

Ionisation smoke alarms are perfect for detecting fast-flaming fires with even less emitting smoke. Such a type of smoke alarm has a small amount of radioactive material that identifies the particles emitted by fire and immediately sets off the alarm system. Although this smoke alarm works great for detecting the fast spread of fires, they aren’t quick enough with identifying smoky and smouldering fires. Ionisation smoke alarms are highly sensitive. Therefore, they shouldn’t be installed near your kitchen or bathroom.

2. Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

Photoelectric smoke alarms have a photocell and a light beam situated near the cell. The smoke particles scatter the light beams and hit the photocell, which triggers the alarm system immediately. Such smoke alarms can easily detect smoky and smouldering fires in homes. Often dust or insects inside the system can trigger false alarms. Hence, photoelectric smoke alarms require occasional and timely cleaning.

Call 07 3390 6055 for smoke alarm services in Brisbane.

3. Dual Sensor Alarms

Dual sensor alarms are a combination of ionisation and photoelectric sensor, meaning you can obtain the feature of both types – whether the best or worst. Homeowners can consider installing this alarm system. Make sure you avoid installing them near your kitchen or bathroom.

Things to Look for in a Smoke Alarm

1. Standards Australia Certification 

Before buying and installing a smoke alarm in your home, make sure you check the certification. Consider checking the certification to ensure the smoke alarm complies with the Australian Standard for smoke alarms – AS 3786, as required by law. However, note that the standards may vary from one jurisdiction to another. Therefore, always check your state smoke alarm standard requirements.

2. 10-year Battery 

Always choose a smoke alarm with 10 years of battery life. Some alarms are available with a pre-installed non-removable 10-year lithium battery, which can last for years. However, it is imperative to keep changing the battery every year for safety reasons. Some battery-powered models can also warn you in case of battery replacement.

3. Test and Hush Button

The test button allows you to check the functionality of the alarm, and they are in working condition. The hush button allows you to silence the nuisance alarms for a minute in case of false detection.

4. Interconnection 

Some battery-powered alarms and main power systems can be easily connected with each other. Hence, it allows all the alarms to trigger and send an alert immediately.

Other few things to look out for:

• Escape light
• Insect screen
• Features for those with hearing problems

At M.F.E. Services, We offer high-quality, advanced fire equipment and fire protection services in Brisbane to protect you and your loved ones from potential fires. If you need any assistance with fire services in Brisbane, contact us on 07 3390 6055.