Queensland mandates the use of photoelectric smoke alarms, which detect smouldering fires more quickly than other types for all homes sold or leased after Jan 2022. Alarms must be installed on every level of the home, inside each bedroom, and along main escape routes. They must also all be interconnected by wiring or wireless, so that when one activates, they all do.
Owner occupiers don’t need to meet this until 2027, but we and many other members in the community recommended getting this upgrade.
This is because, this is about more than complying with legislative requirements. This is about making use of the latest recommendations from experts and stakeholders in the community to safeguard your home and protect your loved ones.
It’s about safety.
LEARN ABOUT PHOTOELECTRIC ALARMS
Photoelectric smoke alarms operate using a photo-optical sensing chamber. Inside, a light source beams away from a sensor in a straight path. When smoke enters this chamber, it scatters the light, redirecting it towards the sensor, which then triggers the alarm.
Ionisation smoke alarms contain a small amount of radioactive material positioned between two electrically charged plates, ionising the air and creating a current between the plates. When smoke enters the chamber, it disrupts this current by attaching to the ions, reducing the flow and activating the alarm.
In the event of a fire, the response time of your smoke alarm can be critical. The difference can be pivotal
in ensuring you and your family have enough time to safely evacuate in case of a fire.
Photoelectric alarms are particularly responsive to smouldering fires, which produce a lot of smoke, typically triggering the alarm within 3-5 minutes.
Ionisation alarms excel in detecting fast-flaming fires but may take up to 20 minutes to respond to smouldering fires.
Highly effective at detecting slow-burning, smouldering fires, which are more common in residential settings. They are also less likely to cause false alarms from cooking smoke or steam.
They can be more sensitive to dust and small insects, which might cause false alarms.
Best suited for detecting rapidly spreading flames, making them ideal in certain environments like kitchens.
More prone to false alarms from cooking fumes and may not respond as quickly to smouldering fires.
Interconnected smoke alarms are a safety feature that enhances fire protection in homes, which is becoming a new requirement for all homeowners in 2027. When one alarm detects smoke and goes off, all the connected alarms in the home go off at the same time. This is very important because it quickly warns everyone in the house, no matter where they are. Giving everyone their best chance to get out safely.
Interconnection will soon act as a safeguarding beacon for every Queensland home.
OTHER SMOKE ALARM SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Proper installation and maintenance of smoke alarms enhance safety and comply with Queensland regulations, which is crucial for protecting your home and family.
Visit the QFES Smoke Alarm Safety website for comprehensive information on smoke alarm safety and legal requirements in Queensland.
You can also contact us, your local smoke alarm experts in Queensland, to provide you with advice.
