How Does A Smoke Detector Work?
Smoke detectors often go unnoticed and are seldom given any attention until the battery runs out. It is your duty and responsibility as a homeowner to ensure that your smoke detectors are in good working order. As a landlord it is a legal requirement that you meet smoke alarm guidelines. Queensland has the most stringent legislation in Australia regarding smoke alarms in rental properties.
When wanting to get smoke detectors in Queensland for your home or work place, it is wise to organise their installation and maintenance with a certified provider who works according to Australia’s smoke detectors regulations and who can advise you on the best type to instal.
The three main types of smoke detectors are:
Ionisation
These contain a very small amount of radioactive material, which reacts to particles emitted in a fire and sets off the alarm. Ionisation alarms are best at detecting fast-flaming fires that don’t emit much visible smoke. But many house fires tend to be smoky and smouldering long before they flare into flame, and ionisation alarms aren’t as quick at detecting these. They can also be prone to nuisance alarms from cooking and steam, so shouldn’t be located near your kitchen or bathroom.
Photoelectric
These contain a photo cell and a light beam shining away from the cell. When smoke enters the test chamber, some of the light is scattered by the smoke particles and hits the cell, triggering the alarm. Photoelectric alarms are best at detecting smoky and smouldering fires, which is a common type of house fire. Dust or insects entering the unit can cause false alarms, so they have to be cleaned occasionally. In 2017 new legislation came into effect in Queensland requiring all smoke alarms in rental properties to be photoelectric by 2022.
Dual sensor
These contain both an ionisation sensor and a photoelectric sensor, and so they get the best and worst features of both types. They can be a good option but as with any ionisation alarm, don’t install them near a kitchen or bathroom.
Whatever smoke detector you get in Queensland, make sure it is installed correctly and that the appropriate fire safety procedures are all met! Speak to us about your smoke detector needs in Queensland. Contact Pacific Smoke Alarms today!