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Smoke alarms - what to ask before you buy

If you want information about smoke alarms, but you're not sure what to ask before you buy, here are some things to think about. Getting the answers to these questions will help you determine which smoke alarm is right for you.

Click on a question below for more information.

1. Need: Who needs smoke alarms?
2. Battery or wired: BATTERY OR WIRED: Should I get a battery or wired smoke alarm?
3. Function: Should I get an Ionisation or photo-electric smoke alarm?
   
4. Volume: How loud is the smoke alarm?
5. Renting: Can I install a smoke alarm if I'm renting?
6. Landlord: Do I have to install a smoke alarm if I'm a landlord?
7. Number: How many smoke alarms must be installed?

1. Who needs smoke alarms?

Smoke alarms are compulsory in Australia for all accommodation where people sleep, including housese and apartments; boarding houses and hostels; motels and hotels; hospitals and nursing homes; and manufactured and relocatable homes.

2. Should I get a battery or wired smoke alarm?

A smoke alarm that is wired into the electrical system must be installed by a licensed electrician.  For battery powered smoke alarms can be easily screwed or glued in place - always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Battery powered (and battery back-up wired alarms) should be checked at least annually to ensure the battery is working.

3. Should I get an ionisation or photo-electric smoke alarm?

Ionisation alarms sound quickly in a fast moving fire, while photo-electric alarms react faster to smoky fires. It is possible to get smoke alarms that incorporate both types.

4. How loud is the smoke alarm?

Check the sound is loud enough to wake you up. If you or someone in the residence has a hearing impairment, you can buy alarms that flash or vibrate as well as sounding an alarm.

5. Can I install a smoke alarm if I'm renting?

Once you have rented accommodation, you are responsible for replacement of the smoke alarm battery if required. The landlord should install the smoke alarms..

6. Do I have to install smoke alarms if I'm a landlord?

The landlord must install smoke alarms in rented premises.

7. How many smoke alarms must be installed?

Check the latest recommendations on the Fire Brigade website for your state for the number of smoke alarms to be installed. As a general guide, a home smoke alarm should be installed on the ceiling in a hallway or area between the sleeping area and the living area. A smoke alarm must also be installed on other storeys of the same building, whetehr or not they contain bedrooms.

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