Author: Raven R & Laura D
What are Smoke alarms?
A Smoke Alarm is a device that detects smoke and alerts people to the presence of a fire in a building. It can save lives by providing early warning of a fire, allowing people to evacuate the building quickly and safely.
In Australia, Smoke Alarms are a legal requirement in all dwellings. House fires can spread rapidly, and it can be easy for people to be overwhelmed by the toxic smoke and gases produced, leaving little time to escape.
However, with Smoke Alarms installed, you are provided with an early warning to properly execute your evacuation plan before the fire spreads. This extra time saves lives and is a necessary safety step.
Here at Lighting Illusions, we offer a wide range of Smoke Alarms, suited for any home. We’ve detailed some further information below, to assist you in the decision-making process.
Battery vs 240V
Smoke Alarms can be either battery-operated or connected to the 240V mains power. Both types of Smoke Alarms are effective at detecting smoke and providing an early warning of a fire. However, there are some differences between the two types that may affect your choice of which type to use.
Battery-operated Smoke Alarms are easy to install, without the need for wiring. There are multiple options for battery-operated Smoke Alarms that we have available, 1-Year 9V Batteries that are easily user replaceable, and 10V Lithium Batteries that will last longer, but are sealed and non-replaceable. In many states, it is required for Smoke Alarms to be hardwired, or installed with a 10-Year Lithium Battery, ensure you check your state's regulations before installing a 9V Smoke Alarm.
240V Smoke Alarms are hardwired to the home's mains power by your installing electrician. These Smoke Alarms typically have backup batteries, to prevent issues in a power outage. No battery replacements are required, making a 240V Smoke Alarm a great option for long-term usage, or rental properties.
All of the battery-operated and 240V Smoke Alarms available on our website are certified for usage within Australia. Ultimately, the decision between a battery-operated or 240V Smoke alarm will depend on personal preferences and specific circumstances, such as the location of the Smoke Alarm and the availability of power sources. If you have any questions, consult your installing electrician for what would best suit your home, or contact our Customer Service team on 1300 400 112 or [email protected].
Nano Detector Smoke Alarm
The Nano Detector Smoke Alarm offers several benefits over traditional alarms. The world's smallest Smoke Alarm, at only 40mm in diameter allows you to have security against fire risk, without compromising the aesthetic value of your home.
The Nano Detector is inbuilt with a 10-Year Lithium battery, with an inbuilt 30-day low battery alert to keep you on top of maintenance with ease. A product of quality, the Nano Detector is hand constructed and installable easily with the smart-clip mounting kit included.
A reading is made every 8 seconds to ensure your protection, and when it comes time for maintenance the smart-test function will check the audible output, the optical light, and visual indicators to ensure all are functioning as required.
Please note, it is important to ensure that any Smoke Alarm installed in your home meets Australian Standards and regulations, regardless of its size or features. You can find more about your state's regulations below.
Regulations by State
In Australia, the installation and maintenance of Smoke Alarms are regulated by state and territory laws. We’ve provided some brief guidelines below, but it is always recommended to check with local authorities for state-specific regulations.
New South Wales
Smoke Alarms must be installed on every level of your home.
Northern Territory
Smoke Alarms must be powered by a 10-Year Battery or 240V hardwired.
Any new or renovated homes after 2014 must have interconnected Smoke Alarms.
Queensland
Smoke Alarms must be installed in each bedroom, and interconnected throughout the dwelling.
Alarms must be either hardwired or powered by a 10-Year Battery.
South Australia
Buildings constructed, or renovated after 2014 are required to have interconnected Smoke Alarms.
All new homes constructed since 1995 must have 240V mains powered Smoke Alarms.
Tasmania
Smoke Alarms must be installed on every level of the dwelling.
9v Smoke Alarms are not permitted for rental properties.
Victoria
Any homes constructed or majorly renovated after 2014 require interconnected Smoke Alarms.
Houses built after 1997 are required to have 240V Smoke Alarms installed.
9v Smoke Alarms can be installed additionally.
Western Australia
Homes built after 2015 must have interconnected Smoke Alarms.
Smoke Alarms must be powered by 240V mains power.
*Information sourced from https://masterelectricians.com.au/blog/smoke-alarm-requirements.
Other alarms
Thermal Heat Alarms
Thermal heat alarms, are a type of fire alarm that detects the presence of heat rather than smoke. For when a Smoke Alarm is unsuitable (kitchen, laundry, garage) you can still ensure your safety with one of our Thermal Heat Alarms. These alarms monitor ambient room temperature and sound, and will alert when there is a rapid, and consistent temperature increase. This provides further security in previously unmonitored areas of the home.
We would recommend the Thermal Heat Alarm in both the Wireless Family and Nano Detector Ranges.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are designed to detect the presence of carbon monoxide gas in the air. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas that can be produced by faults with fuels such as gas, oil, or wood. CO is poisonous and can be deadly if inhaled in high concentrations, making CO alarms an essential safety device in homes and other buildings that use fuel-burning appliances.
The Carbon Monoxide Alarm Cavius Nano Detector is a great, easy way to protect your home.
Please note, it is important to ensure that any alarm installed in your home meets the standards and regulations of your state. We recommend speaking with your local electrician for further advice.
Alarm Accessories
Alarm accessories such as remotes, wall controls, and RF modules are designed to provide additional functionality and convenience to your alarm systems, specifically Smoke Alarms.
Remote
Smoke Alarm remotes offer greater accessibility, early warning, and peace of mind for people with disabilities or who have hearing difficulties. We highly recommend the Smart Cavius Wireless Family Remote, interconnectable with the Cavius Wireless Family range. This remote allow individuals to test and silence Smoke Alarms with ease, ensuring that Smoke Alarms are functioning properly and providing an early warning in the event of a fire. When the alarm activates, the remote control will vibrate and emit a light to alert those who may be unable to hear the Smoke Alarm.
Wall Control
Are your Smoke Alarms installed in a difficult place? Smoke Alarm wall controls offer convenient testing and silencing of Smoke Alarms from a wall location, aiding in ensuring proper functioning. Regular maintenance with a wall control, alongside replacing batteries and manual testing, maximizes protection against fire.
RF Module
An RF module enables select Smoke Alarms to communicate wirelessly with other devices, useful for larger homes or buildings where alarms may be difficult to hear throughout. In case one alarm detects smoke, it can trigger all others in the building to sound their alarms, giving occupants early warning of the danger. In some states, this can make more Smoke Alarms suited to regulation.
To summerise, fire alarms are required by law in all Australian states as they are the most effective way of alerting occupants to a fire and providing early warning, allowing them to evacuate and emergency services to be alerted.
Benefits of fire alarms include increased safety, protection of property, and peace of mind. Smoke Alarms, thermal heat alarms, and carbon monoxide alarms are different types of fire alarms that provide specific benefits.
Smoke Alarm accessories such as remote controls, wall controls, and RF modules can provide additional convenience and safety.
View our full Smoke Alarm range here for your peace of mind.
If you have any questions, consult your installing electrician for what would best suit your home, or contact our Customer Service team on 1300 400 112 or [email protected].