Tag: interconnected smoke detector

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

There are several important differences between ZEN wireless interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms and conventional smoke alarms.

ZEN Smoke Alarms Are Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

1) Our smoke alarms are photoelectric (not ionisation). Older conventional smoke alarms use radioactive ionisation as the process by which they detect smoke particles in the air. Ionisation smoke alarms are good at detecting smoke from fast flaming fires, but are less adept at detecting smoke from smouldering flames which is common of most house fires. Ionisation alarms have also been known to cause frustrating nuisance alarms, which might condition people to switch them off, putting themselves at risk. For these reasons the older style ionisation smoke alarms are being phased out both in Australia and internationally. All ZEN Smoke Alarms are the photoelectric type and do not also contain an ionisation sensor.

ZEN Are Wirelessly Interconnected Smoke Alarms

2) ZEN Smoke Alarms are wirelessly interconnected smoke alarms (no wifi or internet required). Older smoke alarms typically operated as stand-alone units. If a smoke alarm sensed smoke on the ground floor of a building – yes it may activate, but any other smoke alarms on the upper floors would not activate until smoke had entered the same air space – by this time it could be too late to initiate an effective response (or escape).

Our ZEN Smoke Alarm bundle packs (5, 7 or 10-packs) arrive to you already wirelessly ‘interconnected’ together – there is no complicated pairing process as we’ve done it for you! If one ZEN interconnected smoke alarm detects smoke anywhere within a building, then all interconnected smoke alarms paired within the same network will simultaneously initiate their alarm. This can provide increased early warning and response time for residents.

ZEN Smoke Alarms Have A 10-Year Long Life Battery

3) Our interconnected smoke alarms have a sealed (non-removeable) 10-year long life 3v lithium battery. Conventional smoke alarms are usually powered by a 9v replaceable battery. When the battery life becomes drained over time the smoke alarm begins to emit a loud intermittent ‘chirp’ noise. The chirp serves as a noisy (and annoying) reminder to replace the battery, and continues until the battery is replaced. As seen in past events, residents can remove the battery, disabling the chirping noise and the alarm itself, often with tragic consequences.

Because our smoke alarms are powered by a long life 10-year lithium  battery which is sealed inside the unit, the battery cannot be deliberately removed. At the end of the 10-year battery life span, the entire smoke alarm unit is simply replaced with a new one!

ZEN Smoke Alarms Can Be Easily DIY Installed

4) As there is no electrical wiring required, ZEN wireless interconnected smoke alarms can be easily DIY installed using the included screws and mounting bracket. A compliance certificate showing that the smoke alarms are Australian Standard 3786:2014 compliant is also included in the box with every ZEN Smoke Alarm.

ZEN Smoke Alarms Free Shipping And Same Day Dispatch

5) ZEN Smoke Alarms offer FREE Australia Post shipping for all ZEN Smoke Alarm bundle packs, and same day dispatch if placed before 1:30pm business days – how good is that! Customers tell us they love our super-fast Australia wide delivery. Note we are not an offshore drop shipper. All our Aussie stock is kept locally at warehouses in Brisbane, QLD.

ZEN Smoke Alarms Are Remote Control Compatible

6) ZEN Smoke Alarm bundle packs include a free remote control device (can also be purchased separately). Whilst the alarms will work perfectly fine without it, the ZEN remote control provides added convenience in that it allows you to periodically test the alarms, without having to reach up to the ceiling to press the alarm itself.

Probably the best feature of the ZEN remote control though, is the silence (hush) button. The silence button eliminates rushing around in a mad panic when you burn the toast in the kitchen. It also allows you to quickly and easily identify the location of the source alarm or problem area.

ZEN Smoke Alarm Bundle Packs Include A FREE Fire Blanket!

7) All ZEN Smoke Alarm bundle packs (5, 7, 10 pack) also receive a FREE fire blanket! (in addition to the free bonus remote). The ZEN fire blanket provides an easy and effective way to quickly extinguish small fires, which can prevent them from spreading and causing more serious damage. Measuring 1m x 1m in size, the ZEN fire blanket perfectly complements the ZEN photoelectric smoke range and is ideal for your home kitchen, BBQ area, garage, caravan, car or boat.

Australian Standard Certification Included In the Box

ZEN Smoke Alarms are manufactured, tested and certified to Australian Standard 3786:2014. A copy of the certificate is included in the box with every alarm. Always look for the bright red Australian Standard Certified logo on our products and packaging – this is your genuine symbol of quality.

ZEN Smoke Alarms Offer Amazing After-Sales Support

And Excellent Customer Service

8) Shop with confidence knowing you are buying from a well established, knowledgeable, and trustworthy company – upholding good business ethics is important to us. Got a question or problem? – call Christian anytime on 0478 596 402 – he loves to help!

9) We are also members of professional industry associations such as the Fire Protection Association Australia (FPAA) – this is your symbol of trust. But don’t just take our word for it, see what others are saying with over 150+ Google 5-star reviews! – ZEN Photoelectric Smoke Alarms located in New Farm, QLD.

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

As the winter chill gradually gives way to the warmth of a Queensland spring, we find ourselves emerging from the cozy hibernation of the colder months. Spring cleaning, gardening and home maintenance tasks become top priorities, and one crucial activity that should not be overlooked is checking your interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms. Whilst this may not seem like the most glamorous of springtime duties, it is undeniably one of the most important ones. The primary purpose of a smoke alarm is to protect you and your loved ones in the event of a fire. By checking them in the spring, you ensure that they are in good working condition and ready to alert you in case of an emergency.

Here’s how you should make checking your interconnected smoke alarms a regular springtime ritual.

Photoelectric Smoke Alarm Spring Cleaning

Did you know that the changing of the seasons can have an impact on your photoelectric smoke alarms? Over time, dust and debris can accumulate inside them, reducing their efficiency and increasing the possibility for nuisance alarms. Whilst you’re already in spring cleaning mode, why not take a few extra minutes to ensure your alarms are fully clean and operational? Gently vacuum around the exterior shell of your interconnected smoke detectors with the soft brush attachment from a vacuum cleaner to remove any cobwebs, dust build-up etc. which may have occurred over the winter months. Outside of this spring time activity it is recommended to clean your ZEN smoke alarms every 6 months.

Smoke Alarm Battery Check

Smoke alarms often rely on batteries for power, and these batteries can weaken or die over time. Fortunately most modern smoke detectors are now equipped with 10-year long life lithium batteries which are sealed inside the smoke alarm itself (after 10 years the entire smoke alarm is simply swapped out for a new one). However, if you still have an older style battery fire alarm which uses 9V replaceable batteries then spring is a great time to either replace the old batteries with fresh ones, or our recommendation is to upgrade to new battery fire alarms with 10-year long life batteries. So, go ahead, replace those dusty old 9V replaceable battery smoke alarms in springtime with the newest photoelectric smoke alarms equipped with 10-year long life batteries, and ensure your interconnected smoke alarms are always ready to do their job.

Photoelectric Smoke Alarm Testing

Testing your interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms is a relatively quick and straightforward task. You don’t need any special tools or expertise. Interconnected smoke alarms have a ‘test’ button that you can press to ensure they are working correctly. It’s a small effort for a significant safety boost. In QLD the smoke alarms must be interconnected (so if one smoke alarm activates, they all do). When testing your smoke alarms be sure to check that all the smoke alarms are interconnected and activate together, usually within about 10 seconds of the test button being pressed on the first interconnected fire alarm. If not, it’s time for some troubleshooting or possibly a replacement. Outside of this spring time activity it is also recommended to test your ZEN smoke alarms monthly.

Smoke Alarm Expiry Date

Smoke alarms don’t last forever and should be replaced 10 years from the date of manufacture. According to Australian Standard 3786:2014, the smoke alarm date of manufacture should be printed on the rear of the smoke alarm – go on, have a look. If they’re older than 10 years then they should be replaced with newer models. Why? Photoelectric sensors and other internal components can degrade over time, leading to a less effective smoke alarm.

Photoelectric Smoke Alarm Location

Whilst you’re at it, double-check the placement of your interconnected smoke alarms. Are they strategically positioned throughout your home as per Queensland smoke alarm laws? In Queensland there should be one interconnected smoke detector inside each bedroom, the interconnecting hallway outside the bedrooms, and at least one on each level of your home. If there is no interconnecting hallway outside the bedrooms then a smoke alarm must be installed outside the bedroom and other parts of the storey. Proper placement can make all the difference in early detection.

Photoelectric Smoke Alarm Placement Recommendations

Teach Your Family About Smoke Alarms

Checking your interconnected smoke alarms in the spring also presents an opportunity to educate your family about fire safety (especially children). Show them how to test the alarms and what to do and who to call in case they hear one go off. Surprisingly, young children may not automatically associate the sound of a smoke alarm with danger. This knowledge can be invaluable in an emergency situation. Phone 000 (triple zero) for the Queensland Fire Brigade in a real life fire emergency situation. If you do not already have one, spring time is a great opportunity to develop a home fire escape plan and rehearse it with your family.

Conclusion

So there you have it, as you embark on your spring cleaning rituals and home maintenance tasks, don’t forget to check your interconnected smoke alarms. It’s a simple yet essential step to ensure the safety of your home and loved ones. With working interconnected smoke alarms in place, you can enjoy the beauty and rejuvenation of a QLD spring with the peace of mind that you are well-prepared for any potential fire-related emergencies. So, make it a springtime tradition to give your ZEN smoke alarms the attention they deserve – because the safety of your loved ones always comes first.

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