Category: Info

Thinking about wireless smoke alarms on your new years resolutions list? As the new year dawns, it’s the perfect time to embrace fresh starts, set inspiring goals, and tackle those long-overdue home improvement projects. While most people are busy scribbling down resolutions like “exercise more” or “eat healthier,” why not add a truly life-changing goal to your list? This year, make your home safer and smarter by installing ZEN wireless smoke alarms. Trust us, it’s the easy DIY glow-up your home deserves for 2025.

Photoelectric smoke alarms New Years 2025

Why is January is the ideal month to make this upgrade? The new year is all about turning over a new leaf, and what better way to do that than by safeguarding your family’s safety? With ZEN’s wireless smoke alarms, you’re not just checking a box—you’re making a bold statement that safety comes first in your household. Plus, starting the year with such a proactive move sets the tone for an organized, responsible year ahead. Cue the applause!

ZEN Wireless Smoke Alarms To The Rescue!

Now, let’s get into the benefits. First off, ZEN wireless smoke alarms don’t just sit there looking stylish (though they do that, too). They’re workhorses that detect smoldering fires early—the kind that traditional ionization alarms might miss. And because they’re interconnected, if one photoelectric smoke alarm goes off, all alarms sound, ensuring you and your family have precious extra seconds to act. It’s like having a team of vigilant guardians keeping watch over your home, 24/7.

Did we mention the added value to your property? Savvy homeowners know that an interconnected photoelectric smoke alarm system isn’t just a safety feature; it’s an investment. If you ever decide to sell, prospective buyers will appreciate this forward-thinking upgrade, especially as Queensland’s new 2027 smoke alarm compliance law deadline looms. You’re not just protecting lives; you’re also protecting your bottom line. Cha-ching!

ZEN wireless smoke alarms in a white lounge room background

Wireless smoke alarms such as ZEN can add value to your home

Why Wireless Smoke Alarms Are The Smart Choice

When it comes to home upgrades, convenience and affordability are key. ZEN wireless smoke alarms tick all the boxes:

  • Wireless technology: No need for messy wiring—just mount and go!
  • Interconnected system: When one alarm sounds, they all do, ensuring maximum safety.
  • 10-year sealed battery: No changing batteries every year—just reliable, long-term protection.
  • Certified to Australian Standard 3786:2014: Certified and suitable for use in Queensland.

Wireless Smoke Alarms Can Be legally DIY Installed

Wireless smoke alarms such as ZEN have a non-removable 10-year battery and can be legally DIY installed by anyone—no special license required! Since there’s no electrical wiring involved, you can install them yourself without the need for an electrician. This means huge savings on installation costs while ensuring your home meets the latest safety standards.

Keep in mind, however, that 240V hardwired smoke alarms must be used in newly constructed homes, substantial renovations, or when replacing an existing hardwired smoke alarm in QLD.

How to Install ZEN Wireless Smoke Alarms in Minutes

DIY installing ZEN wireless smoke alarms is quick and hassle-free. With the included screws and mounting bracket, you can securely install each alarm in just minutes—no electrician needed! Simply follow these steps:

  1. Choose the optimal location (bedrooms, hallways, and every level of your home).
  2. Secure the mounting bracket to the ceiling using the provided screws.
  3. Attach the alarm to the bracket and test it using the included remote control.

Enjoy fast, reliable protection with our wireless interconnected smoke alarms, designed for easy setup and maximum fire safety in your home.

Bonus Perks: FREE Fire Blanket and Remote Control!

At ZEN Smoke Alarms, we believe that safety should come with a side of perks. That’s why every ZEN wireless smoke alarm bundle pack includes:

  • A bonus remote control: Easily test and silence alarms without climbing ladders.
  • A FREE fire blanket: Extra protection for your kitchen or any fire-prone area.

It’s our way of saying thanks for being proactive about your family’s safety!

FREE ZEN fire blanket with every ZEN smoke alarm bundle pack

A Smarter Resolution for 2025

This year, skip the expensive gym memberships you’ll abandon by February and make a resolution that truly matters. Installing ZEN wireless smoke alarms is the smartest, safest, and most rewarding way to kick off the year.

✅ Protect your home ✅ Safeguard your loved ones ✅ Enjoy lasting peace of mind

Go ahead, take the leap—your future self will thank you!

Want to know more? Watch our ZEN Smoke Alarm YouTube channel or call us on 0478 596 402 today

We love talking smoke alarms!

ZEN Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

New Farm, QLD, 4005

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

Photoelectric interconnected smoke alarms such as ZEN are a must-have for every Queensland home. Unlike standalone alarms, interconnected photoelectric 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 photoelectric interconnected smoke alarms. By upgrading now, you’re not only complying with the law but also safeguarding your loved ones.

RF interconnected smoke alarms
RF interconnected smoke alarms

Interconnected Smoke Alarm Summer Fire Safety Tips


1 Test Your Photoelectric Interconnected Smoke Alarms

  • Press the test button on each smoke alarm monthly to ensure all alarms activate properly and the interconnected smoke alarm system is functioning correctly. Regular testing helps identify any issues early, ensuring your home remains protected.
  • Vacuum around the interconnected smoke alarms and gently wipe them with a dry cloth to remove dust, cobwebs, or debris that might affect their performance. Keeping them clean prevents false alarms and ensures they detect smoke effectively, giving you the earliest possible warning in an emergency. Consider setting a reminder to perform these maintenance tasks regularly for optimal fire safety.

2 Upgrade to Photoelectric Interconnected Smoke Alarms

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

3 Have a Fire Escape Plan

  • Practice evacuating your home regularly with all household members and establish a clear, safe meeting point outside—such as the letterbox or a designated tree—so everyone knows where to go in an emergency. Conduct both daytime and nighttime drills to ensure preparedness in different scenarios.
  • Keep a spare set of house keys in an easily accessible location, such as near an exit or with a trusted neighbor, to facilitate a quick and safe escape if needed.
  • Interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms provide an early warning by triggering all alarms simultaneously, giving you valuable extra time to act, wake up sleeping family members, and exit safely.

4 Be BBQ Safe During Summer

  • 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 Summer 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 Photoelectric Smoke Alarms: Your Partner in Summer Safety

Protecting your home has never been easier with ZEN Smoke Alarms. Our photoelectric interconnected smoke alarm bundle packs (5, 7, 10-pack bundles) include state-of-the-art photoelectric interconnected 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 photoelectric 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 Smoke Alarm YouTube channel 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 photoelectric fire alarm, particularly those with interconnection technology. These alarms are specifically designed to detect the early signs of a fire, particularly smouldering fires, which are the most common type in residential areas.

The interconnection feature allows all alarms in your home to activate simultaneously when one detects smoke, ensuring everyone is alerted, no matter where they are. 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? This certification ensures that your alarm meets strict safety standards, guaranteeing its reliability and effectiveness in protecting your home and loved ones. Read on to find out more about why photoelectric fire alarms are a must-have for every household, and the surprising facts behind Australian Standard certification!

What Is An Interconnected Photoelectric Fire Alarm?

An interconnected photoelectric fire 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 an interconnected photoelectric fire alarm offers an added layer of protection, ensuring no part of the home is left vulnerable.

Why Photoelectric Fire Alarm Technology Matters

Photoelectric fire 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 an active flame state is achieved, a fire can engulf a modern home in a matter of minutes.

Unlike older ionisation alarms, new photoelectric fire alarm models are highly sensitive to smoke from smouldering materials such as furniture or electrical wiring, which can often smoulder for hours without visible flames. This early warning capability provides crucial seconds to evacuate and take action, greatly improving the chances of escape and fire containment. By opting for photoelectric fire alarms, you’re investing in life-saving technology that’s proven to detect fires more efficiently, keeping your home and family safer.

Australian Standard Red ‘5-Ticks’ Certification

Beware – not all photoelectric fire alarms are created equal. Did you know that smoke alarm manufacturers have a choice of certification agencies to verify their product? Some certification agencies, such as Intertek SAI Global, are well-known and established – you’ll often 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 provides a significant level of assurance that the photoelectric fire alarm has been rigorously assessed to meet Australian Standard AS 3786:2014. As part of the process, Intertek SAI Global sends an independent audit team to the smoke alarm manufacturing facility every year to inspect and verify the manufacturing and testing procedures. A report is produced, and any non-conformances are immediately identified and rectified, ensuring that the alarm meets all necessary safety standards. This ongoing auditing process ensures safety and quality standards are maintained continuously, providing you with reliable protection for years to come.

ZEN photoelectric fire alarm - Australian Standard license number SMK41401

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! By verifying the license number, you can confirm the manufacturer’s authenticity and ensure that the product you are purchasing is genuinely certified to meet Australian safety standards.

photoelectric fire alarm Intertek SAI Global database
photoelectric fire alarm Intertek SAI Global database

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! Instead, the cheaper certification agency will perform a one-time desk review of paperwork, such as a smoke alarm test report, and confirm the product is Australian Standard certified based solely on this evidence. This process lacks the ongoing oversight that helps maintain product safety and quality.

Note that while these cheaper certification agencies may claim the product is Australian Standard certified and produce their own ‘certificate,’ they do not have permission to use the Australian Standard red ‘5-ticks logo.’ Always look for the genuine red ‘5-ticks logo’ as it signifies a trusted symbol of quality and ongoing testing. By choosing a photoelectric fire alarm with the Australian Standard red ‘5-ticks logo,’ like those from ZEN Smoke Alarms, you’re investing in a product rigorously tested for quality, reliability, durability, and overall performance year after year—ensuring your home is safeguarded by the highest standards.

Invest In ZEN Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

For Trusted Total Protection

When it comes to safeguarding your home, interconnected photoelectric fire alarms offer unparalleled safety by ensuring that every corner of your house is covered. Unlike traditional alarms, interconnected systems allow each alarm to communicate with others, so when one detects smoke, all alarms in the home will sound, providing early warning no matter where you are. Choose ZEN Smoke Alarms for certified quality and the peace of mind that comes with the trusted Australian Standard red ‘5-ticks logo’. This certification guarantees that the alarms meet stringent safety standards, offering reliable protection.

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 Smoke Alarm YouTube channel or call us on 0478 596 402 today

We love talking smoke alarms!

ZEN Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

New Farm, QLD, 4005

Wireless interconnected smoke detectors 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 photoelectric smoke alarms so you can protect your home and loved ones more effectively.

wireless interconnected smoke detectors - myth vs reality?

MYTH 1: Wireless Interconnected Smoke Detectors

Are Not Necessary

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

MYTH 2: Wireless Interconnected Smoke Detectors

Don’t Need Maintenance Or Cleaning

REALITY: Maintenance is crucial for all smoke alarms to function properly and wireless interconnected smoke detectors are no exception. wireless interconnected smoke detectors should be tested monthly. Additionally, wireless interconnected smoke detectors 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 Wireless Interconnected Smoke Detectors

Are The Same

REALITY: There are two primary types of smoke alarms: ionization and photoelectric. Photoelectric smoke alarms are better at detecting smouldering 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 interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms such as ZEN are the preferred type by all fire authorities in Australia.

ZEN wireless interconnected smoke detectors - myth vs fact (1)

MYTH 4: Wireless Interconnected Smoke Detectors

Can Be Installed Anywhere

REALITY: Proper placement is key for effective smoke detection. ZEN wireless interconnected smoke detectors should be installed on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and the hallway outside sleeping areas. Avoid placing wireless interconnected smoke detectors near kitchens or bathrooms where steam and cooking fumes could cause false alarms. Avoid placing wireless interconnected smoke detectors 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 thick, toxic smoke in just minutes, making escape difficult. Did you know that whilst asleep, your sense of smell ceases to function? This means you won’t smell the smoke, leaving you vulnerable to the dangers of fire. A wireless interconnected smoke detector system can alert you in time by sounding all alarms in the house when one is triggered, ensuring everyone has the precious seconds needed to wake up, react, and escape safely.

MYTH 6: Wireless Interconnected Smoke Detectors

Are Too Expensive

REALITY: Some homeowners believe that installing a wireless interconnected smoke detector system is too costly. However, the price of these life-saving devices is small compared to the potential loss caused by a house fire. Additionally, ZEN wireless interconnected smoke alarms offer easy DIY installation, eliminating the need for an electrician and saving on installation costs. Investing in high-quality interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms provides priceless peace of mind and ensures your family’s safety.

MYTH 7: Wireless Interconnected Smoke Detectors

Will Always False Alarm

REALITY: While some people worry that wireless interconnected smoke detectors will frequently trigger false alarms, modern photoelectric smoke alarms are specifically designed to reduce nuisance alarms. Unlike older ionization models, which can be sensitive to cooking fumes and steam, ZEN photoelectric smoke detectors are far more reliable, making them ideal for home use. Proper placement and occasional cleaning further help minimize false alarms while ensuring maximum protection.

ZEN wireless interconnected smoke detectors - myth vs fact (2)

MYTH 8: One Smoke Detector Is Enough for My Whole House

REALITY: A single smoke alarm cannot provide adequate protection, especially in multi-room or multi-level homes. Fire can spread quickly, and if a fire starts in a distant part of the house, a single detector may not alert everyone in time. Wireless interconnected smoke detectors ensure that when one alarm is triggered, all alarms sound, giving every occupant in the home the best possible chance to wake up and escape safely.

MYTH 9: Smoke Detectors Don’t Need to Be Replaced

If They Still Work

REALITY: Even if a smoke alarm appears to function, it should still be replaced every 10 years. Over time, smoke detectors can lose sensitivity, reducing their ability to detect fires effectively. ZEN wireless interconnected smoke detectors come with a built-in 10-year non-removable battery, meaning no battery replacements are ever needed. However, after a decade, the entire unit should be replaced to maintain optimal performance and compliance with safety regulations.

MYTH 10: I Have a Fire Extinguisher,

So I Don’t Need Smoke Detectors

REALITY: Fire extinguishers are useful for controlling small fires, but they don’t provide an early warning when a fire starts. If a fire breaks out while you’re asleep, a fire extinguisher won’t help if you aren’t aware of the danger. Wireless interconnected smoke detectors provide crucial early warning, giving you and your family time to escape before a fire becomes uncontrollable. A fire extinguisher is a great addition to your fire safety plan, but it should never replace properly installed and maintained smoke alarms.

ZEN wireless interconnected smoke detectors - myth vs fact (3)

We hope you have enjoyed this second and final part of our knowledge series article. By debunking common wireless interconnected smoke detector myths and recognizing the strengths of different types of alarms, you can make informed decisions that enhance your household’s fire readiness and overall safety. Understanding how these alarms work, their benefits, and proper placement can significantly improve your home’s protection. Stay tuned for more expert insights, practical fire safety tips, and essential information to help you safeguard your family, reduce risks, and stay prepared for any fire emergency.

Want to know more? Watch our ZEN Smoke Alarm YouTube channel or call us on 0478 596 402 today

We love talking smoke alarms!

ZEN Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

New Farm, QLD, 4005