In Western Australia, every home is required to have at least one smoke detector connected to mains electricity wiring, or a stand-alone detector that has a 10-year battery.
This seems barely adequate and to maximise safety, every level and all rooms in a home including outside living areas such as verandas, sleep-outs and patios should each have a smoke detector installed. Ideally, they should be placed in the centre of the ceiling. Or they can be placed on a wall near ceiling height.
Smoke detectors can be powered by:
- House wiring;
- House wiring with battery back-up;
- Replaceable batteries; and
- Sealed long-life batteries.
Replacing old smoke detectors
Smoke detectors should be tested twice yearly and disposed of after 10 years. Is your system aged and due for renewal? If so, call the team at NexGen Tradies in Perth, for an inspection and a quote to replace it with current technology.
If your home does not have a smoke detector alarm, buy one now and install it as a short-term safety measure. The next step is to contact the team at NexGen Tradies to discuss installation of interconnected smoke detectors in your home.
Interconnected smoke detectors
A system of interconnected hard-wired smoke detectors as seen in newer homes may offer quicker escape time and better audibility than individual units. In older homes where hard-wiring may not be possible, a series of individual smoke detectors can be interconnected.
The safety benefits of an interconnected smoke detector system are significant. In the event of a fire starting, the smoke detector alarm that goes off first triggers the chain of connected alarms. Whether the residents in the home are near the starting point of the fire, or are at a distance, the alarms near them will go off. On hearing an alarm, they must immediately leave the home. Once outside the home, they must not go back into it, for any reason.
Ideally, they would have been taught a fire drill for exiting the home, part of which would be to muster at a designated meeting spot outside the home. This allows residents to do a head count and be reassured everyone is safe.
Invest in your family’s safety
Fire drills should be practiced twice a year. The escape route should offer two ways to get out of a room and the drill should be practiced in every room. A good escape plan saves lives.
Employing NexGen Tradies to install a total smoke detector system is an investment in your family’s safety.
NexGen Tradies quotes are free and obligation free for all your in-home electrical requirements including a smoke detector system. All work is carried out by qualified and experienced electricians.
NexGen Tradies will provide you with a combination of smoke detectors that are best suited to your home. All you will need to do is test each unit regularly and clean them every couple of months.
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