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When it comes to protecting your home and family, choosing the right smoke alarm is key. One of the most effective solutions on the market today is the interconnected smoke alarm, particularly those with photoelectric technology. But why is this type of smoke alarm so important, and how can correct Australian Standard Certification (the red ‘5-ticks’ logo) give you the confidence you need in your purchase? Read on to find out!

What Is An Interconnected Smoke Alarm?

An interconnected smoke alarm is designed to link multiple alarms throughout your home. When one alarm detects smoke, it automatically triggers all the alarms in the network using a radio frequency (RF) signal. This means that whether you’re asleep in the bedroom upstairs or watching TV in the living room downstairs, you’ll be alerted to danger, no matter where the fire starts. For families with large homes or multi-level houses (or with teenagers with headphones on), having interconnected smoke alarms offers an added layer of protection, ensuring no part of the home is left vulnerable.

Why Photoelectric Smoke Alarm Technology Matters

Photoelectric smoke alarms are renowned for their ability to detect slow, smouldering fires—common in home settings. These fires often produce significant amounts of smoke before erupting into visible flames, making early detection critical – once active flame state is achieved, a fire can engulf a modern home in a matter of minutes. Unlike older ionisation alarms, photoelectric models are highly sensitive to smoke from smouldering materials such as furniture or electrical wiring.

Australian Standard Red ‘5-Ticks’ Certification

Beware – not all interconnected smoke alarms are created equal. Did you know that smoke alarm manufacturers have a choice of certification agencies to certify their smoke alarm? Some certification agencies such as Intertek SAI Global are well known and established – you will see their red Australian Standard logo (commonly known as the ‘StandardsMark’ or red ‘5-ticks logo’) not only on smoke alarms, but on a variety of Australian certified products. This certification is your assurance that the smoke alarm has been rigorously assessed to meet Australian Standard AS 3786:2014. As part of the assurance process, Intertek SAI Global send an independent audit team to the smoke alarm manufacturing facility every year to inspect and verify the manufacturing and testing process. A report is produced and any non-conformances are immediately identified and rectified – this ongoing process ensures safety and quality standards are maintained indefinitely.

How do you know if the smoke alarm manufacturer is genuine and legally authorised to use the red logo above? Simple – look them up! You can see the license number above ‘SMK41401’. This license number is unique to the manufacturer’s certificate and can be searched on the Intertek SAI Global database. Check it out here. The database applies not only to smoke alarms, but to any Australian Standard Certified product!

However, another choice for smoke alarm manufacturers is to certify their product using an offshore certification agency which is cheaper and less well known. Surprisingly, the Australian Standard verification process for these cheaper certification agencies does not require visiting and auditing the manufacturing facility at all! Rather, the cheaper certification agency will perform a once-only desk top review of paperwork such as a smoke alarm test report, and then confirm the product is Australian Standard certified based on this evidence alone. Note that whilst these cheaper certification agencies may say the product is Australian Standard certified and produce their own ‘certificate’ to attest to this, they do not have permission to use the Australian Standard red ‘5-ticks logo’ of which we are all familiar – always look for the Australian Standard red ‘5-ticks logo’ as this is your genuine symbol of quality, and trust.

By choosing an interconnected smoke alarm with the Australian Standard red ‘5-ticks logo’, like those from ZEN Smoke Alarms, you’re investing in a product that’s been tested for quality, reliability, durability, and overall performance year after year.

Invest In ZEN Interconnected Smoke Alarms

For Trusted Total Protection

When it comes to safeguarding your home, an interconnected smoke alarm offers unparalleled safety by ensuring that every corner of your house is covered. Choose ZEN Smoke Alarms for certified quality and the peace of mind that comes with the trusted Australian Standard red ‘5-ticks logo’.

Protect your home and family with a system that’s proven to work – when you need it most.

Want to know more? Watch our ZEN quick start video or call us on 0478 596 402 today

We love talking smoke alarms!

ZEN Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

New Farm, QLD, 4005

Interconnected smoke alarms are essential safety devices, but misinformation often keeps people from making the best choices. In this second part of our knowledge series we’ll bust another five myths about smoke alarms so you can protect your home and loved ones more effectively.

MYTH 1: Interconnected Smoke Alarms Are Not Necessary

REALITY: Some people believe that interconnected smoke alarms are an unnecessary luxury. However, interconnected smoke alarms significantly improve safety. When one alarm detects smoke, it triggers all interconnected fire alarms in the house, ensuring that everyone is alerted, regardless of where the fire starts. Interconnected smoke alarms are recommended by every Australian state fire department and will become mandatory by law for every Queensland home in 2027.

MYTH 2: Interconnected Smoke Alarms

Don’t Need Maintenance Or Cleaning

REALITY: Maintenance is crucial for all smoke alarms to function properly and interconnected smoke alarms are no exception. Interconnected smoke alarms should be tested monthly. Additionally, interconnected smoke alarms should be cleaned periodically to remove dust and debris that could impair their sensitivity. Neglecting these tasks can lead to false alarms or, worse, a failure to alert you in the event of a fire.

MYTH 3: All Interconnected Smoke Alarms Are The Same

REALITY: There are two primary types of smoke alarms: ionization and photoelectric. Photoelectric smoke alarms are better at detecting smoldering fires, which are more common in home environments. They are less prone to false alarms from cooking or steam, making them more reliable in daily use. Additionally, photoelectric smoke detectors provide quicker warnings for slow-burning fires, offering more time to escape safely. It is for this reason that photoelectric interconnected smoke alarms such as ZEN are the preferred type by all fire authorities in Australia.

MYTH 4: Smoke Alarms Can Be Installed Anywhere

REALITY: Proper placement is key for effective smoke detection. ZEN interconnected smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and the hallway outside sleeping areas. Avoid placing interconnected smoke alarms near kitchens or bathrooms where steam and cooking fumes could cause false alarms. Avoid placing interconnected smoke alarms in areas prone to excessive dust or in semi-enclosed areas.

MYTH 5: I’ll Hear The alarm And Have Plenty Of Time To Act

REALITY: Many people believe that the smell of smoke will wake them up, or that heat from a fire will give enough warning to respond calmly. However, fires can spread rapidly, often filling a home with smoke in minutes. Did you know that whilst asleep your sense of smell ceases to function? – you won’t smell the smoke. An interconnected smoke alarm system can alert you in time by sounding all alarms in the house when one is triggered, giving you the precious seconds needed to escape.

We hope you have enjoyed this second part of our knowledge series article. By debunking common smoke alarm myths and recognizing the strengths of different types of alarms, you can make informed decisions that enhance your household’s fire readiness.

Want to know more? Watch our ZEN quick start video or call us on 0478 596 402 today

We love talking smoke alarms!

ZEN Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

New Farm, QLD, 4005

Interconnected smoke alarms are essential for home safety, but how much of what you know about them is actually true? In this first knowledge series article, we’re separating fact from fiction as we debunk the top myths surrounding interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms. From misconceptions about placement to myths about maintenance, we’ll dispel the rumors and urban myths to help you protect your home and loved ones more effectively. Get ready to discover the surprising truth behind interconnected smoke alarms – no fake news here!

MYTH 1: Interconnected Smoke Alarms Need The Internet

REALITY: ZEN interconnected smoke alarms do not require internet, they are not a wifi fire detector nor are they bluetooth smoke detectors. Our interconnected smoke alarms connection and pairing process is achieved using wireless radio frequency (RF) transmissions and a tiny yet effective RF transmitter inbuilt into each fire alarm. No internet? No worries. It’s not required for your interconnected smoke alarms as they are not a wifi smoke alarm.

MYTH 2: Interconnected Smoke Alarms Are

Unsuitable For Large Multi-Story Dwellings

REALITY: ZEN interconnected smoke alarms can be separated by a distance of 25-30m between each fire alarm, and still function within a large 100m free field range without being compromised. ZEN interconnected smoke alarms can be installed upstairs / downstairs / in-between solid concrete walls and floors – that is what they are designed to do! Photoelectric Interconnected smoke alarms are actually very suitable for large multi-story dwellings.

MYTH 3: Interconnected Smoke Alarms Last Forever

REALITY: All smoke alarms have a finite lifespan. Irrespective of what brand you own, after 10 years, the sensors can wear down or become coated in dust, making them less reliable. Check the manufacture date printed on the back of your interconnected smoke alarms and replace them when they reach that 10-year mark.

MYTH 4: Interconnected Smoke Alarms Will Trigger

The Alarms In My Neighbour’s Property, And Vice Versa?

REALITY: This is not possible. Even though most fire alarms communicate on the same radio frequency (433.92 MHz) they are uniquely ‘coded’ to each other via a master fire alarm within each network, and it is this unique code which prevents interconnected smoke alarms in one property from accidentally activating smoke detectors in any adjoining property

MYTH 5: Interconnected Smoke Alarms Are Too Expensive

REALITY: All new technologies become cheaper over time and photoelectric interconnected smoke alarms are no exception. ZEN interconnected smoke alarms are high quality and very affordable, especially considering the life saving benefits they deliver. ZEN interconnected smoke alarms bundle packs offer great savings via free delivery, a free smoke alarm remote control and a free fire blanket too! The 10-year sealed lithium battery also eliminates the annual cost of smoke alarm battery replacement.

We hope you have enjoyed part one of our two part knowledge series article. By debunking common smoke alarm myths we’re helping you to make informed smoke alarm purchasing decisions – for others it may simply help keep their interconnected smoke alarms in tip-top shape!

Want to know more? Watch our ZEN quick start video or call us on 0478 596 402 today

We love talking smoke alarms!

ZEN Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

New Farm, QLD, 4005

Interconnected smoke alarms are a critical safety feature in any home, designed to alert occupants to the presence of smoke or fire, providing valuable time to evacuate. ZEN Interconnected smoke alarms, in particular, offer an enhanced level of safety by ensuring that when one fire alarm detects smoke, all interconnected smoke alarms in the group sound off. A key component that ensures interconnected smoke alarms function reliably is the internal lithium battery.

Why Lithium Batteries In Interconnected Smoke Alarms?

Lithium batteries are increasingly used in interconnected smoke alarms due to numerous advantages over traditional alkaline batteries. Conventional 9v alkaline smoke alarm batteries deplete rapidly and have to be replaced every year. The depleted alkaline battery causes the smoke alarm to emit what is known as the infamous low battery ‘chirp’. In an effort to silence the repetitive and annoying low battery chirp people removed the 9v smoke alarm battery, forgetting to replace it with a new one, often with disastrous consequences – smoke alarms can only detect smoke if they have power.

Lithium batteries have a significantly longer lifespan, designed to last for 10 years, which aligns with the recommended replacement interval for interconnected smoke alarms themselves. This longevity reduces the need for frequent battery changes, minimizing the risk of having interconnected smoke alarms with a dead battery (or no battery), which could be life-threatening in a fire emergency.

Interconnected Smoke Alarms

Battery Reliability And Performance

Lithium batteries inside interconnected smoke alarms are also known for their stable voltage output. Unlike 9V alkaline batteries, which tend to lose power gradually, 3V lithium batteries maintain a consistent voltage until they are almost depleted. This stability is crucial in interconnected smoke alarms, where consistent power is needed to ensure reliable operation. Additionally, lithium batteries perform well in a wide range of temperatures, making them ideal for use in various parts of the home across different states and regions of Australia. The 10-year long life batteries sealed inside ZEN interconnected smoke alarms are non-removeable and non-replaceable. After 10 years the fire alarms (including the batteries sealed inside them) are simply swapped out for new fire alarms.

ZEN interconnected smoke alarms are powered by two small 3V lithium CR14505 batteries shown above

Are The Lithium Batteries Inside My

Interconnected Smoke Alarms A Fire Hazard?

No they aren’t. There are several reasons why we don’t hear news stories of lithium batteries spontaneously combusting inside interconnected smoke alarms. The 10-year long life lithium batteries in interconnected smoke alarms differ in design from lithium-ion batteries used in e-scooters, e-bikes etc. – it is these mobility devices which have seen a massive surge in the frequency of lithium battery fires as reported in the media. Interconnected smoke alarms contain two small 3V, single-use, lithium batteries sealed within the fire alarm itself. These batteries are non-replaceable and are designed to deplete slowly and steadily over a 10-year lifespan. At the end of this period, the interconnected smoke alarms are disposed of in their entirety (including the batteries sealed inside), and new interconnected smoke alarms are installed in-situ. The same fire and thermal runaway risks associated with continuous and repeated recharging of large, high energy lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes, e-scooters and other mobility devices are not present with the two small non-rechargeable lithium batteries inside interconnected smoke alarms.

Furthermore, large high energy lithium batteries used in mobility transportation devices are often physically damaged due to bumps or knocks (riding an e-bike or e-scooter over the curbside or on an uneven concrete footpath etc.) which may contribute to thermal battery runway and pose a significant overheating / fire hazard. The same risk exposure for causing lithium battery damage is not present with interconnected smoke alarms attached to a ceiling – once installed they do not move or get subjected to damaging dynamic forces.

Safety Benefits of Interconnected Smoke Alarms

Interconnected smoke alarms provide a network of protection throughout the home. If one alarm detects smoke or fire, all connected alarms will sound, alerting occupants even if they are in a different part of the house. This is particularly important in larger homes or homes with multiple levels, where a fire might go unnoticed if alarms were not interconnected. The lithium battery’s long life and reliability enhance this system, ensuring that all the interconnected smoke alarms are functional and ready to alert occupants in case of an emergency.

When purchasing interconnected smoke alarms, it is essential to choose fire alarms that comply with Australian Standard 3786:2014, as indicated by the official Australian Standard red ‘5-tick’s mark on the packaging and the product itself. Product testing required of this standard helps ensure that the smoke alarm poses no electrical danger during normal use. Additionally, interconnected smoke alarms should carry the electrical Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM), affirming compliance with Australian electrical safety regulations outlined in Australian Standard 3820:2020. Avoiding cheap imported knock-offs without the RCM mark is crucial for battery safety – have a look at the rear of your interconnected smoke alarms today – do they have the Regulatory Compliance Mark?

ZEN Smoke Alarms are Australian Standard Certified and contain the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM)

Interconnected Smoke Alarms

Battery Environmental Considerations

The lithium batteries inside interconnected smoke alarms are also more environmentally friendly compared to their alkaline counterparts. Fewer replacements mean less waste, which is a positive step towards reducing the environmental impact. Additionally, many lithium batteries are recyclable, which further minimizes their footprint. Lithium-ion batteries are a source of many valuable materials. If recycled, potentially 95% of battery components can be recovered for alternative use or may even be turned into new batteries. B-cycle is Australia’s national battery recycling scheme, supporting a collection network for used batteries.

Interconnected Smoke Alarms Battery – Conclusion

The lithium battery in interconnected smoke detectors plays a key role in modern home safety. Its long life, safe and reliable performance, and environmental benefits make it an ideal choice for ensuring that ZEN interconnected smoke alarms are always ready to protect. As technology continues to advance, we can expect further improvements in battery technology, making our homes even safer. Regularly testing your interconnected smoke alarms and replacing them every 10 years, as recommended, ensures that these devices will continue to provide reliable service, powered by the longevity and consistency of secure lithium batteries.

Want to know more? Watch our ZEN quick start video or call us on 0478 596 402 today

We love talking smoke alarms!

ZEN Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

New Farm, QLD, 4005