ZEN PHOTOELECTRIC SMOKE ALARMS

The number of interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms required is relative to the floor layout and what state the dwelling is located in. QLD legislation states that a photoelectric smoke alarm must be installed on each storey;

• in each bedroom
• in hallways that connect bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling
• if there is no hallway, between the bedroom and other parts of the storey
• if there are no bedrooms on a storey, at least one smoke alarm must be installed in the most likely path of travel to exit the dwelling.

The example floorplan below was developed by the Queensland Fire Department and depicts required photoelectric smoke alarm locations within a building – use this as a guide for determining your own requirements.

Where practicable smoke alarms must be placed on the ceiling. Smoke alarms must not be placed:

• Within 30cm of a corner of a ceiling and a wall
• Within 30cm of a light fitting
• Within 40cm of an air-conditioning vent or the blades of a ceiling fan

There are special requirements for stairways, sloping ceilings, and ceilings with exposed beams. Specific requirements are further explained in the QLD Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008.

ZEN photoelectric smoke alarms are completely wireless and are powered by a non-removeable 10-year battery (not hardwired to 240V mains power). Wireless 10-year battery powered smoke alarms can be legally DIY installed by anyone and do not require an electrician.

Please note however if you purchase one of our Emerald 240V hardwired smoke alarms then yes it will need to be installed by a licensed electrician.

Yes they can! ZEN Photoelectric Smoke Alarms can be interconnected together in any combination you wish, up to 30 interconnected together, making a larger bundle pack purchase for multiple properties the best value option. Additional alarms and remotes can be purchased individually. It’s fully flexible and up to you to decide.

No. The interconnection is wireless and uses a radio frequency so that the alarms must be uniquely paired to one another. All alarms in one property are paired with a ‘master’ alarm, which is distinct from a ‘master’ alarm on any adjoining property.

A compliance certificate is not needed. The seller of a Queensland property does not need to provide a certificate to confirm ZEN Photoelectric Smoke Alarms are installed and are compliant. The seller only needs to tick yes or no to the relevant box in the Contract of Sale and Form 24.

Please refer to the Real Estate Institute of Queensland’s (REIQ) fact sheet below.

Before selling the property, the seller should ensure the smoke alarms installed are compliant in accordance with their legal obligations under the QLD Fire Services Act 1990 and the QLD Building Fire Safety Regulations 2008.

Our blog post also contains more helpful information about smoke alarm compliance when selling your property in QLD.

Wireless interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms work by communicating with each other using a radio frequency (RF) signal, without the need to physically install hard cabling between each alarm. 

When one alarm detects smoke, it will wirelessly ‘talk’ to all other interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms paired within the same network using the RF signal, so that all activate simultaneously (usually within 10 seconds of the initial detection). This provides a greater early warning and response time for occupants, especially in multi-story dwellings.

ZEN interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms cannot be affected by other household RF devices (i.e. wireless smoke alarms situated in neighbouring properties) as the technology is purposely designed to eliminate any such interference during the unique network pairing process.

TV or A/C remote controls do not interfere with interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms either as they typically use different technology (infrared IR vs radio frequency RF). ZEN interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms do not use internet or home WiFi.

It is often impossible to tell if smoke alarms are interconnected just by looking at them with the naked eye. The best way to determine if your photoelectric smoke alarms are interconnected is by testing them! Fortunately ours come with a dual test / hush button concealed in the centre of the alarm itself to make this easy. 

Simply press and release the centre surface of your ZEN alarm – if all alarms within the same network activate then it means the alarms are successfully interconnected (note it may take up to 10 seconds for all alarms to activate – this is normal). You may also use the optional remote control device to test your interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms.  For further information on interconnecting and/or pairing your smoke alarms please go here setup & install.

Please refer to your state legislation or read one of our helpful blog posts – you will find these in the ‘latest news’ below this FAQ section. QLD legislation states that if an existing 240V hardwired alarm is to be replaced, it must be replaced with another 240V hard wired photoelectric smoke alarm.

The National Construction Code also states that any new dwellings being built or dwellings being substantially renovated must have 240V hardwired photoelectric alarms installed.

Both brands comply to Australian Standard 3786:2014 and both brands are very good!

Emerald smoke alarms also manufacture a 240V hardwired (mains powered) smoke alarm that can be interconnected with the Emerald wireless 10 year battery powered smoke alarm – this is useful for some people who require a combination of both types in their property (QLD legislation says any existing 240v hard wired smoke alarms must be replaced with hardwired).

Emerald smoke alarms are not compatible with ZEN Smoke Alarms, and vice versa (i.e. different brands cannot be interconnected together).

Some insurance providers can decline to quote your property if you don’t fulfil their underwriting criteria when it comes to fire protection. It is always recommended to install interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms and check with your insurance provider or insurance broker to make sure you meet the necessary requirements.