Category: Info

As summer arrives, Queenslanders embrace outdoor barbecues, festive gatherings, and long, sunny days. However, the warmer months also bring increased risks of fires from cooking, electrical overloads, and bushfires. Ensuring your home is fire-ready starts with understanding the importance of interconnected smoke alarms.

Why Interconnected Smoke Alarms Are Essential

Interconnected smoke alarms such as ZEN are a must-have for every Queensland home. Unlike standalone alarms, interconnected systems link all your smoke alarms, so when one detects smoke, they all sound the alarm. This gives you and your family precious extra time to escape, especially in larger homes or properties with multiple levels.

In fact, Queensland’s smoke alarm legislation for 2027 requires ALL homes to have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms. By upgrading now, you’re not only complying with the law but also safeguarding your loved ones.

Summer Fire Safety Tips


1 Test Your Interconnected Smoke Alarms

  • Press the test button monthly to ensure all alarms activate.
  • Vacuum around the alarms to remove dust that might affect their performance.

2 Upgrade to Photoelectric Alarms

  • ZEN photoelectric smoke alarms are better at detecting smouldering fires, which are common in home environments.
  • Pairing photoelectric technology with an interconnected system is the ultimate fire safety solution.

3 Have a Fire Escape Plan

  • Practice evacuating your home and establish a safe meeting point outside.
  • Keep a spare set of house keys in an easily accessible location to facilitate a speedy escape.
  • Interconnected smoke alarms give you extra time to put your plan into action.

4 Be BBQ Safe

  • Unattended cooking is a leading cause of house fires – never leave the grill unattended.
  • Keep a fire blanket or extinguisher within easy reach.
  • Position your barbecue away from combustible materials, such as curtains, plants, or outdoor furniture. A safe distance can help prevent fire accidents.
  • Always turn off the gas or unplug the electric BBQ when you’re finished.

5 Prepare for QLD Bushfires

  • Clear gutters, trim trees, and have an emergency plan ready if you live near bushfire-prone areas.
  • Know your Fire Danger Rating (FDR) – an FDR describes the potential level of danger should a bushfire start.
  • Ensure vehicles have sufficient fuel and move them to a safe location.
  • Wet down the sides of buildings, decks and plants close to your home in the likely path of the bushfire.

ZEN Interconnected Smoke Alarms: Your Partner in Summer Safety

Protecting your home has never been easier with ZEN Smoke Alarms. Our interconnected smoke alarm bundle packs (5, 7, 10-pack bundles) include state-of-the-art interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms that meet Queensland’s 2027 requirements. Plus, every ZEN bundle pack comes with a bonus remote control for effortless testing and a free fire blanket for added home protection and peace of mind.

Make this summer a safe and enjoyable season by ensuring your home is equipped with interconnected smoke alarms. Upgrade today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your family is protected. Stay safe, Queensland!

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

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