Category: Info

Before buying a photoelectric smoke detector you should do your due diligence to ensure it is compliant to Australian Standard 3786:2014. The full name of the standard which encompasses photoelectric smoke alarms in Australia is ‘Australian Standard 3786:2014 Smoke alarms using scattered light, transmitted light or ionization’ (incorporating amendment 1 and 2). The first of this two part series will review Australian Standard 3786:2014 to assist your purchasing decision.

Australian Standard 3786:2014

Standards are documents that set out specifications, procedures and guidelines to ensure products are safe, consistent, and reliable. Australian Standard 3786:2014 is referenced by QLD’s Building Fire Safety Regulations 2008 – when a standard is referenced by state or national legislation, compliance with it becomes mandatory. It is interesting to note that although there is a newer Australian Standard 3786:2023 – it is not yet referenced by legislation – therefore Australian Standard 3786:2014 must still be complied with in the eyes of the law.

Australian Standard 3786:2014 is divided into several key components – the two of interest that will be reviewed in this article are ‘tests’ and ‘general requirements’.

Section 4.17 of the Australian Standard states that; ‘The smoke alarm shall be so designed that a sphere of diameter larger than 1.3 ±0.05 mm cannot pass into the sensor chamber(s)’. This requirement is intended to restrict the access of foreign bodies such as insects into the sensitive parts of the smoke alarm (to prevent nuisance alarms). It is known that this requirement is not sufficient to prevent the access of all insects; however, it is considered that extreme restrictions on the size of the access holes may introduce the danger of clogging by dust, etc.

Photoelectric Smoke Detector Chamber – Insect Screen

How does this requirement translate into the design and manufacture of your photoelectric smoke detector? The image below shows the compliant internal component from a ZEN wireless interconnected photoelectric smoke detector. The polymer mesh screen surrounding the sensitive photoelectric chamber within the alarm contains thousands of tiny holes, each perfectly engineered, no larger than 1.3mm in diameter. The tiny holes prevent most insects from accessing the internal chamber whilst still allowing air (and smoke) to pass through.

ZEN photoelectric smoke detector internal smoke sensing chamber and mesh screen
ZEN photoelectric smoke detector internal smoke sensing chamber and mesh screen

Mesh screen surrounding the photoelectric smoke alarm internal sensor chamber

ZEN photoelectric smoke detector internal mesh screen - close-up image
ZEN photoelectric smoke detector internal mesh screen – close-up image

As per Australian Standard 3786:2014 – holes must be no larger than 1.3mm diameter

In addition to this internal mesh screen around the perimeter of the photoelectric chamber, the wireless interconnected photoelectric smoke detector also has an outer grill which forms part of the housing of the alarm. The external grill also prevents larger foreign bodies from entering the alarm itself. Foreign bodies (i.e., insects) are a common cause of false / nuisance alarms because they can enter the sensitive internal components and disrupt the photoelectric light beam. This external grill ensures enhanced protection, preventing dust, debris, and insects from causing operational issues, ultimately improving the alarm’s reliability and longevity, and reducing the need for frequent maintenance.

We hope you have enjoyed this review of Australian Standard 3786:2014 and how it translates to the design of your photoelectric smoke detector. Whilst many photoelectric smoke detector retailers might profess to be aware of the standard, very few can claim to have read it from cover to cover or have a genuine understanding of what it really means, especially in practical applications. Understanding these details ensures you are choosing the best fire safety solution for your home or business, backed by solid compliance and quality assurance.

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

Nothing is more frustrating than interconnected photoelectric fire detectors going off for no reason (especially at 2am in the morning!). But why is your smoke alarm beeping when there is no smoke? There can be several causes of nuisance alarms. The good news is that you don’t have to go on living this way – our ZEN wireless interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms provide reliable protection for you and your family!

The basic operating principal of an interconnected photoelectric fire detector is that it activates when the light beam inside the smoke alarm chamber is broken or disrupted – typically by tiny smoke particles. However these foreign particles can come from sources other than real smoke too – below are some of the most common examples and how to resolve them.

High Humidity Affecting Your Photoelectric Fire Detector

High humidity may occur naturally as the air carries dense moisture particles that your photoelectric smoke alarm confuses for smoke particles. Although brands can differ, photoelectric smoke alarms should be designed to work up to 93% relative humidity – anything over this range and the air could become dense enough to scatter the light beam of a photelectric sensor. Extreme tropical weather conditions in far north Queensland and the Northern Territory can sometimes produce high humidity above 85% which may begin to affect an alarm.

High humidity may also be created artificially due to steam vapour from a bathroom shower, or a clothes dryer operating in a laundry room for example. If your photoelectric smoke alarm is positioned outside a bathroom entrance or in a laundry consider moving it further away or relocating it completely so that escaping shower steam and dense air vapour doesn’t trigger nuisance alarms and start the smoke alarm beeping unnecessarily.

Insects Inside Your Photoelectric Fire Detector

Section 4.17 of Australian Standard 3786:2014 requires all photoelectric smoke alarms to have protection against foreign bodies, so that a sphere of diameter larger than 1.3mm cannot pass into the sensor chamber – this protection is provided by way of an internal mesh screen. Despite this requirement it is still possible that very tiny insects (smaller than 1.3mm) could enter the smoke alarm and by doing so interfere with the photoelectric sensor. One tip to reduce this likelihood is to wipe the ceiling perimeter around your smoke alarm with surface insect spray (being very careful not to allow the insect spray itself to touch the alarm as this may affect the internal sensors).

Dust Inside Your Photoelectric Fire Detector

A build-up of dust in the air may also affect your photoelectric smoke alarms. If dust particles enter the internal chamber they will interfere with the photoelectric light beam and trigger nuisance alarms. We recommend cleaning your photoelectric smoke alarms regularly by gently vacuuming around them with a soft brush attachment from your vacuum cleaner. Cleaning your photoelectric smoke alarms in this way may remove any cobwebs which could also prevent pests from entering the alarm. Be cognisant of any activities in the home which may create excess dust – for example renovations, or shaking out old dusty blankets or doonas in a room which has a photoelectric smoke alarm installed.

Cooking Smoke Affecting Your Smoke Alarm Sensors

It is true that whilst many house fires start in the kitchen, installing a photoelectric fire detector in the kitchen may also elicit many nuisance alarms and start the smoke alarm beeping unnecessarily. It doesn’t matter what brand of photoelectric fire detector you have, if you install it too close to the kitchen stovetop or oven it will activate when smoke particles are emitted from the cooking food (after all, the photoelectric fire detector is just doing what it is designed to do).

When cooking, be sure to use the oven exhaust fan or rangehood to draw smoky air particles away from the vicinity of your photoelectric fire detector. If the problem persists, consider repositioning the alarm further away from the cooking appliance.

Conclusion

Beeping photoelectric fire detectors without an obvious apparent reason can be both frustrating and stressful. Worse, repeated false alarms may induce a ‘boy who cried wolf’ syndrome and reduce home occupants reaction to a real life fire event.

Fortunately, our ZEN wireless interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms undergo strict quality control measures and are manufactured at an ISO 9001 quality accredited facility, in adherence to Australian Standard 3786:2014, and are independently tested and verified which help reduce the likelihood of nuisance smoke alarms. Using the tips outlined above and below, your photoelectric fire detectors will provide many years of stress free and reliable fire protection.

For more information about why your photoelectric fire detector is going off no reason, please refer to the handy smoke alarms diagnostic checklist below!

Photoelectric fire detector diagnostic checklist
Photoelectric fire detector diagnostic checklist

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

Australians love the great outdoors, from Grey Nomads to the #vanlife movement. With more Aussies hitting the road, safety is key. You’ve planned your trip, packed the essentials, and loaded up your gear—but have you checked if your caravan or campervan is truly safe? Installing photoelectric smoke detectors is crucial for fire protection in small, enclosed spaces. These alarms quickly detect smouldering fires, giving you vital seconds to react. Whether you’re camping off-grid or staying at a caravan park, photoelectric smoke detectors provide peace of mind, ensuring you and your loved ones stay safe on the road.

Fire safety is crucial in a campervan as most usually have only one escape route in the event of a fire. As modern vans and motorhomes are made of lightweight and highly combustible materials you may have only a few seconds to escape a burning caravan. Fires can accelerate rapidly, therefore receiving a warning from photoelectric smoke detectors may mean the difference between life and death.

How Many Photoelectric Smoke Detectors Do I Need?

Where Do I Put Them?


It is recommended that you have working photoelectric smoke detectors inside the van where the bed is, and one also in the annex if you sleep there – the image below provides a handy visual guide. As per Australian Standard 3786:2014, the photoelectric smoke detectors should also have an integrated ‘hush’ button which allows it to be temporarily silenced, should the photoelectric smoke detectors be activated accidentally due to cooking smoke etc.

Where to install photoelectric smoke detectors in your caravan or campervan
Where to install photoelectric smoke detectors in your caravan or campervan

Am I Required To Install Photoelectric Smoke Detectors

In My Campervan, Caravan Or Mobile Home?

You should be aware that there is different smoke alarm legislation in every Australian state. In NSW, Victoria and the Northern Territory, regardless of where your campervan is registered, it must be fitted with a smoke alarm by law. If you are visiting South Australia and you are on-site for 60 days or longer then a smoke alarm is required by law. In July 2024 it became law in QLD that all QLD registered campervans and motorhomes must have at least one Australians Standard compliant photoelectric smoke detector installed on the ceiling.

In all other states fire authorities strongly recommended you install photoelectric smoke detectors, however it is not mandated by legislation. Some states also offer penalties for non-compliance. i.e. in QLD this is an offence with a maximum penalty up to $774. In NSW this may include on the spot fines of $200, and up to $550 if the matter goes to court. Note the definition of ‘campervan’ is quite broad and also includes the following; caravans, on-site vans, park vans, annexes (with rigid sides), mobile homes, and any other type of transportable structure where people sleep.

Recent news has further highlighted the lack of mandated photoelectric smoke detectors in Australian caravans, and fatalities due to caravan fires unfortunately occur annually. Don’t allow yourself to become a statistic – the short video below contains some great caravan fire safety advice from NSW Fire and Rescue.

Photoelectric smoke detectors and caravan fire safety advice

Caravan Fire Safety Tips!

Keep Your Cylinders Outside The Caravan

Ensure that your cylinders in the caravan are safely maintained. Ensure that your gas cylinders are always placed outside the van and switched to the off position when not in use.

To avoid gas leaks and subsequent fire hazards, ensure that your empty cylinders are stored in an open space and locked with a strap or something similarly sturdy. Be sure to check all gas fittings and hose connections prior to each road trip as they may work free due to extended vibration when travelling.

Using Appliances

Ensure that you check the health of all your caravan appliances, particularly high-load equipment by having them certified periodically by an electrician. Do not overload power leads, and protect them from exposure to natural elements such as rain ingress.

Avoid Parking In Grassy Areas

When parking your caravan, avoid camp sites that have tall grass as these can easily catch fire. The same applies to parking spots with spinifex growth as the same is a fire hazard. Search instead for a cleared area.

Safe Cooking

Cooking while moving is prohibited as it is one of the major causes of fire. In addition, never leave the stove unattended when cooking inside the van. Setting up BBQ too close to the campervan itself might scatter embers or increase radiant heat levels, which could cause the awning fabric to catch fire. It is good practice to always maintain a minimum 5m distance from the caravan when cooking outside to prevent caravan fires and potential carbon monoxide poisoning.

Have Fire Extinguishers Handy

Second only to a smoke alarm, the next most important item to prevent fire from spreading is a dry chemical powder (DCP) fire extinguisher. Make sure your extinguisher is effective at all times by ensuring it remains fully charged and is within its use by shelf life. Fire extinguishers should be available at an accessible location, typically adjacent to the exit route of the van.

Fire Blankets

To contain a small campervan fire (i.e. on the stove top), a fire blanket may suffice. ZEN fire blankets are ideal as they are made of fire resistant material that can withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees celcius. Place the fire blanket next to your exit door. As most fire blankets have no date of expiry, they are considered durable by full-time caravanners. Do not wait until a fire occurs before opening the fire blanket for the first time – practice beforehand so you are familiar with it, and learn the correct technique to place it over a small fire without burning yourself in the process.

Caravan fire safety - mother and son - install photoelectric smoke detectors today

Install photoelectric smoke detectors in your campervan – protect loved ones

Complete this fire safety checklist before embarking on your next road trip adventure

  • Does your campervan / caravan have working photoelectric smoke detectors, fire extinguisher and a fire blanket located near the exit?
  • Do you have an escape plan pre-prepared in case of fire? Ensure escape routes remain unobstructed.
  • Check that LPG cylinders are secured correctly to the van and that all fittings and hoses are in good working order with no leaks.
  • Have all electrical appliances been test and tagged by a qualified electrician?
  • Ensure you turn off any pilot lights before towing or when the towing vehicle’s engine is running.
  • Download the free EmergencyPlus app to your mobile phone. The app is available from Google Play (android) or the App Store (Apple). The app uses GPS functionality built into smart phones to help a Triple Zero (000) caller provide critical location details required to mobilise emergency services.

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

What Is A Heat Alarm And What Does It Do?

As the name suggests, heat alarms (also called heat detectors) are designed to emit a visual and audible alarm when a change is detected in the ambient room temperature. Unlike smoke alarms, which detect airborne particles, heat alarms respond to significant temperature increases, making them ideal for areas prone to dust, fumes, or cooking smoke.

Our Emerald heat alarms will activate when the temperature reaches and exceeds 55°C due to a fire, providing an early warning in garages, kitchens, and workshops. This helps prevent fire spread and enhances overall home safety, especially in high-risk areas.

Which Is Better – Smoke Alarm Or Heat Alarm?

We recommend installing heat alarms in your home to complement an existing interconnected photoelectric smoke alarm system (not as a substitute for it). The main benefit of a heat detector is that it is not susceptible to dust, cooking smoke, humidity, or other fumes, which are often the cause of nuisance alarms in conventional photoelectric smoke alarms.

For this reason, it may be beneficial to install a heat detector in kitchens (cooking smoke), garages (car exhaust fumes), laundry rooms (humidity), workshops, or attics (dust), where these external environmental conditions could trigger false alarms. By adding them to these areas, you enhance overall fire safety while maintaining reliable detection without unnecessary disruptions, ensuring a more comprehensive and tailored fire protection system for your home.

Can Heat Alarms Be Interconnected Too?

Yes, our Emerald heat detectors are designed to be interconnected with other Emerald smoke alarms, so if one sensor activates, it will automatically trigger all the other interconnected heat / smoke alarms within the same group. This ensures comprehensive fire protection by providing an early warning throughout the home or property.

The heat alarm that we sell is the fully wireless Emerald model EP-HA-RF-10. This alarm is powered by a 10-year long-life lithium battery, eliminating the need for replacements. It can be interconnected wirelessly with up to 40 Emerald alarm products, offering seamless, reliable fire safety without requiring Wi-Fi or internet connectivity.

Are Your Heat Alarms Suitable For Compliance With The NSW Short Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) Fire Safety Standard?

Yes, our heat alarms (and photoelectric smoke alarms for that matter) are compliant with the NSW Short Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) Fire Safety Standard. This standard applies to holiday rentals, Airbnb and other similar short term accommodation properties in NSW. Section 4.1.2 of the standard states that;

What the above passage means is that if there is a private locked garage on the same premises as the short-term rental accommodation, then a heat detector must be installed in that private garage (even if the garage is not accessible to the guest). This requirement ensures that any fire originating in the garage, such as from a vehicle, electrical fault, or stored flammable materials, will be detected early. The heat alarm in the garage must be interconnected with smoke alarms in the dwelling to provide a synchronized warning system. The interconnection can be either hardwired or wireless, allowing flexibility in installation.

Our Emerald heat alarms are fully compliant with Australian Standard 1603.3:2018 Automatic Fire Detection and Alarm Systems: Heat Alarms, and are suitable for the NSW Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) Fire Safety Standard. These alarms are designed to enhance fire safety by detecting rapid temperature increases, ensuring compliance with regulations while providing reliable protection for both property owners and guests.

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