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
With the onset of Australia’s winter season, the drop in temperature naturally means we turn to heaters, fireplaces, electric blankets and other devices to keep warm. Believe it or not Queensland can experience some chilly winter nights, and certain parts of the state also receive snowfall. Whilst heating devices provide much-needed comfort, they also increase the risk of household fires. Fire services right across Australia report a significant uptick in house fire call-outs during the colder months. If our risk exposure to household fires increases during winter then it makes sense that smoke alarms should form an essential part of home safety. Ensuring your photoelectric smoke alarms are interconnected, functional and properly maintained can make all the difference in preventing fire-related tragedies this winter. This article will explore home fire safety tips and hacks to keep you and your loved ones safe during winter time.
Interconnected Photoelectric Smoke Alarms
Why Interconnected Smoke Alarms Matter In Winter
Interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms are your first line of defense in detecting fires early. When a fire breaks out, every second counts. Winter is Australia’s peak house fire risk period – a working interconnected fire alarm provides the crucial warning needed to escape safely. According to Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES), having a working interconnected photoelectric smoke alarm doubles your chances of surviving a house fire in winter.
Where Do I Install Photoelectric Smoke Alarms?
Ensure you have smoke alarms installed inside every bedroom, in the hallways outside sleeping areas, and on every level of your home. The smoke alarms should be interconnected so if one alarm activates, they all do. Even though ZEN Smoke Alarms are suitable for both wall and ceiling mounting, it is preferable to install smoke alarms on the ceiling, as smoke rises. If installing on a wall, position them high, but at least 30 cm away from corners to avoid dead air spaces. Avoid installing smoke alarms near open windows, doors, or ducted air vents where drafts might interfere with their operation.
Clean And Test Your Photoelectric Smoke Alarms
At The Onset Of Winter
You want your interconnected smoke alarms to work when you need them most. Throughout the year, dust, cobwebs and other foreign particles can accumulate in and around your smoke alarms, reducing their effectiveness. Give them a clean at the start of winter time – gently vacuum the exterior of the fire alarm with a soft brush attachment from a vacuum cleaner, removing any dust or debris as you do so.
Test your photoelectric smoke alarms monthly to ensure they are a) functioning and b) interconnected.
ALL alarms should activate their audible and visual indicator (red LED) within 10 seconds of the first one being pressed. ZEN photoelectric smoke alarms can be tested by pressing the centre surface once on any alarm, or by simply pressing the test button once on the optional remote control. ZEN Smoke Alarms test mode will silence automatically after approximately 10 seconds.
Heating Equipment – Winter Safety
One of the primary causes of household winter fires is the misuse of heating equipment. Whether you use space heaters, fireplaces, or electric blankets, it’s important to follow basic safety guidelines (often forgotten). Space heaters should be kept at least one meter away from flammable materials such as curtains, bedding, and furniture. Do not place clothing on or near the heater as this creates a fire risk. Ensure the heater is on a stable surface and never leave it unattended, especially while sleeping.
Winter heating item causes major house fire
Fireplaces In Winter
Fireplaces should be inspected at the start of winter and cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of creosote, a highly flammable byproduct of burning wood. Use a fire screen to catch sparks and embers, and always extinguish the fire completely before going to bed or leaving the house.
Electric Blankets
Electric blankets and heating pads should be checked for frayed cords or damage before use, and never folded or left on for extended periods. To test an electric blanket lay it flat on top of the bed, then switch it on for five minutes before putting it on the bed for use to confirm it is okay.
How to inspect an electric blanket
Winter Wheat Bags
Wheat bags are designed as therapeutic aids to be placed on the body and are not designed as a heating replacement for water bottles in the bed. Be very careful not overheat the wheat bag in the microwave – constant re-use can result in the reduction of the moisture content of the wheat, causing it to overheat resulting in fires or burns. Leave wheat bags to cool on a non-combustible surface (such as the kitchen sink) and don’t reheat the bag until it has completely cooled. Check the life of the wheat bag according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Safe Use Of Electrical Appliances In Winter
Winter often sees an increased use of electrical appliances, which can overload circuits and cause fires. Avoid using multiple high-wattage devices on the same outlet, and never use extension cords for long-term appliance connections. Check all cords for wear and tear, and replace any damaged ones immediately. Choose electrical power boards which contain inbuilt overload protection.
Kitchen Safety During Wintertime
Winter brings an inclination for hearty meals and more cooking. Ensure that your kitchen is a fire-safe zone by never leaving cooking unattended and keeping flammable items (tea towels etc.) away from the stove. It’s always wise to have a ZEN fire blanket easily accessible in the kitchen and to know how to use it effectively.
Create And Practice A Home Fire Escape Plan
A smoke alarm is most effective when paired with a well-rehearsed home fire escape plan. Make sure everyone in your household knows the sound of the smoke alarm and understands what to do when it goes off. Plan two ways out of each room and designate a meeting place outside your home. Practice your fire escape plan twice a year (including at the start of winter) to ensure everyone is prepared.
Conclusion – Winter Fire Safety And Your Smoke Alarms
Winter is a great season to enjoy the warmth and comfort of home (and also the reduced humidity in QLD!), but it is also a time to be vigilant due to the increased risk of household fires. By taking the time to properly install and maintain interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms, sensibly using heating equipment and electrical appliances, and by creating a solid fire escape plan, you can keep your loved ones safe and sound. Stay warm, stay safe, and ensure your photoelectric smoke alarms are ready to protect you from winter’s hidden dangers!
Want to know more? Watch our ZEN quick start video or call us on 0478 596 402 today
Queensland is undergoing a phased roll-out of new smoke alarm legislation, culminating in 2027. It is unsurprising then that there is misinformation regarding smoke alarm requirements – particularly surrounding the installation of wireless 10-year battery powered smoke alarms vs 240V hardwired smoke alarms.
Can I Install Wireless 10-year Battery Powered
Smoke Alarms In QLD?
YES!you can. It is legal and perfectly acceptable to install wireless 10-year battery powered smoke alarms in your Queensland home, provided you are not performing any of the 3 activities below;
Constructing a new home
Performing a substantial renovation
Replacing an existing 240V hardwired smoke alarm
Prior to installing any smoke alarm it is important to understand their differences and when each type is permissible. Information contained in this article is sourced directly from the QLD Government. We encourage you to view and read the legislation for yourself too – direct links to all official government sources are included at the bottom of this article.
Queensland’s Building Fire Safety (Domestic Smoke Alarms) Legislation Amendment Regulation 2016 prescribes the legal ways of powering smoke alarms for domestic dwellings. It states that both 240V hardwired smoke alarms and 10-year battery powered smoke alarms are allowed. See the excerpt below;
Queensland’s Fire Department website states that 10-year battery powered smoke alarms are acceptable, provided the three scenarios previously mentioned above are not being performed.
Advantages Of A 10-year Wireless Battery Fire Alarm
A wireless battery fire alarm powered by a 10-year non-removeable battery can be easily DIY installed and don’t require the expense of an electrician.
As the battery is sealed inside the smoke alarm (non-removeable) it lasts for the entire 10-year lifespan of the alarm and never needs to be replaced – no more annoying low battery chirp. After 10 years the whole alarm is simply swapped out for a new one.
Added versatility through wireless RF interconnection. In some situations it is physically impossible to install 240V hardwired alarms – i.e. where there are solid concrete ceilings or no roof cavity.
Do QLD Smoke Alarms Need To Be Hardwired By 2027?
The short answer to this question is NO, they don’t. Although there are a lot of houses built in Queensland that require hardwired smoke alarms, there are just as many that have the option to use wireless 10-year battery powered smoke alarms and still be 100% compliant.
When Must I Install a 240V Hardwired Smoke Alarm In QLD?
There are 3 situations in Queensland where it is a statutory requirement for 240V hardwired smoke alarms to be installed in a domestic dwelling (and 10-year battery powered smoke alarms may not be used). Outside of these 3 scenarios it is acceptable to install 10-year battery powered smoke alarms in your home.
1) If You Are Constructing A New Home
If you are constructing a new home in QLD then hardwired smoke alarms are required as part of the building approval process. Queensland’sBuilding Regulation 2021 states that when constructing a new home, the smoke alarms must be hardwired to the domestic dwelling’s electricity supply.
2) If You Are Performing A Substantial Renovation
The Queensland Fire Services Act 1990 states that hardwired smoke alarms must be installed when a substantial renovation is being performed to a domestic dwelling.
3) If You Are Replacing An Existing Hardwired Smoke Alarm
The Queensland Fire Services Act 1990 also states that if a pre-existing smoke alarm being replaced was hardwired to the domestic dwelling’s electricity supply, then the replacement smoke alarm must be hardwired to the dwelling’s electricity supply.
Outside of the 3 scenarios described above, it is legal and perfectly acceptable in QLD to install wireless interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms which are
powered by a non-removeable 10-year battery.
Want to do some further reading? Links to all official sources in this article are provided below.
States that interconnected smoke alarms must be either hardwired or powered by a non-removable 10 year battery, or a combination of both may be allowed.
States that existing hardwired smoke alarms that need replacement must be replaced with a hardwired smoke alarm.
Want to know more? Watch our ZEN quick start video or call us on 0478 596 402 today
Learn how to test and clean your ZEN interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms to maintain their peak performance for a full 10-year lifespan.
Testing Your Interconnected Photoelectric Smoke Alarms
How to test your ZEN Smoke Alarms
It is recommended to test ZEN Smoke Alarms monthly. The smoke alarm test sequence should take no more than 10 seconds and will silence automatically.
How to test your ZEN Smoke Alarms:
Press the test button once on the remote control or push down on the centre surface of any smoke alarm.
When the alarm sounds loud and clear and is accompanied by a red flashing light it means your smoke alarm is working correctly. If the smoke alarm sounds weak, does not sound at all, or the red light does not flash, you may need to replace the smoke alarm.
Allow the smoke alarms to finish their full test sequence without pressing any other buttons – all other interconnected smoke alarms will silence automatically within 10 seconds.
It is not recommended to use real smoke, or any other means to test your alarms – doing so can degrade the internal photoelectric sensors, which may induce random nuisance alarming or could even reduce the smoke alarm’s overall life expectancy.
Cleaning Your Interconnected Photoelectric Smoke Alarms
How to clean your ZEN Smoke Alarms
How to clean your ZEN Smoke Alarms:
Clean your ZEN Smoke Alarm every 6 months by gently vacuuming around it with the soft brush attachment from a vacuum cleaner. Do not spray chemical cleaning agents onto the smoke alarm as this may confuse the sensor and induce nuisance alarming.
Be sure to remove cobwebs or any other interference material from the ceiling area around your photoelectric smoke alarms.
Correct Photoelectric Smoke Alarm Placement
It is important that your interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms are installed in the correct locations within your home. Avoid installing smoke alarms in areas such as kitchens, bathrooms or laundry rooms, where very high humidity or temperature changes can affect their performance. Do not install photoelectric smoke alarms outdoors, in semi-enclosed areas, or in rooms subject to excess dust. The ‘recommended placement’section on our website homepage provides further guidance on exactly where smoke alarms should / should not be installed.
Want to know more? Watch our ZEN quick start video or call us on 0478 596 402 today
