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
ZEN 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 photoelectric smoke alarms – doing so can degrade the internal photoelectric sensors, which may induce random nuisance alarming or could even reduce the photoelectric smoke alarm’s overall life expectancy.
Cleaning Your Interconnected Photoelectric
ZEN 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 ZEN Smoke Alarms are installed in the correct locations within your home. Avoid installing photoelectric 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 (i.e. garages). The ‘recommended placement’section on our website homepage provides further guidance on exactly where smoke alarms should / should not be installed.
An interconnectedphotoelectric smoke sensor is a life saving appliance that is designed to alert occupants of a fire and give them time to evacuate safely, and as such, it is a crucial component of QLD home safety. But have you ever wondered how a photoelectric smoke alarm is manufactured to to meet the highest standards of quality and safety? Manufacturers of a photoelectric smoke sensor must ensure their products are safe, reliable, and effective – this is where an ISO 9001 Quality Management System comes into play!
What is an ISO 9001 Quality Management System? (QMS)
ISO 9001 is a globally recognized standard for quality management systems. It provides a framework for organizations to establish and maintain systems that ensure consistent product quality. ISO 9001 is an important indicator of a company’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction – it covers all aspects of an organization’s operations, including design, development, production, delivery, and support. Has your interconnected photoelectric smoke alarm come from an ISO 9001 accredited facility? (our ZEN Smoke Alarms do!).
Photoelectric Smoke Sensors and ISO 9001 Quality
The commercial production of interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms involves sourcing high-quality materials, assembling the components, and then testing the finished product for quality and safety. ISO 9001 requires manufacturers to establish and document clear processes for sourcing these materials and assembling the product, as well as procedures for testing and inspecting the final product.
This includes strict supplier evaluations to ensure raw materials meet industry standards, precision manufacturing to guarantee consistency, and extensive quality control checks at multiple production stages. Additionally, ongoing audits and continuous improvement initiatives help maintain high safety and reliability standards, ensuring compliance with Australian Standard 3786:2014.
Testing is a key part of the manufacturing process for photoelectric smoke sensors. ISO 9001 requires manufacturers to establish rigorous testing procedures to ensure that every device meets the required safety standard (Australian Standard 3786:2014). This includes testing for sensitivity to smoke, false alarms, and battery life.
Additionally, environmental testing is conducted to assess performance under different conditions such as humidity, temperature fluctuations, and air pressure. Long-term durability tests ensure that alarms function reliably over their 10-year lifespan. By adhering to these strict protocols, manufacturers guarantee that the photoelectric smoke sensor provides accurate, consistent, and dependable fire detection for maximum safety.
ISO 9001 Accreditation & Photoelectric Smoke Sensors
ISO 9001 certification also requires manufacturers to continuously monitor and improve their processes to ensure consistent product quality. This involves regularly reviewing and analyzing data to identify areas for improvement, and implementing changes to optimize the manufacturing process.
Manufacturers must also have processes in place to ensure that the photoelectric smoke sensor is delivered to customers safely and effectively. This means that the smoke alarms are packaged correctly and that they arrive at their destination without damage. Manufacturers must also ensure that customers can install and use the interconnected photoelectric smoke alarm correctly.
ISO 9001 Photoelectric Smoke Alarm Summary
Manufacturing interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms is a complex process that requires precision, attention to detail, and a commitment to quality and safety. ISO 9001 accreditation plays a crucial role in ensuring that every step of the process is documented, monitored, and continuously improved to meet the highest standards of quality and safety. By choosing a photoelectric smoke alarm manufacturer that is ISO 9001 accredited, you can have confidence that the interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms in your home are of the highest quality and will provide reliable protection for years to come.
Queensland was rocked by another devastating smoke alarm house fire tragedy earlier this month when police confirmed that five young brothers and their 34-year-old father died in a house blaze on Russell Island, off Brisbane’s Redland Bay. Emergency services rushed to the home on Todman Street just after 6am on Sunday 8th August to find the two-storey house fully engulfed, with two neighbouring properties also alight. Thick smoke and intense flames made rescue efforts extremely difficult. A 21-year-old woman thought to have been inside the house when the fire broke out managed to escape with injuries, suffering from burns and smoke inhalation.
The Queensland Fire Department Assistant Commissioner, John Cawcutt, said the blaze was “one of the worst fires we’ve had for a long time”. Fire and Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan also said the fire was a great tragedy. “Of course a very sad day for Queenslanders,” he said. “Our hearts break for those involved in the tragedy. It seems a tragic loss of life”. A forensic investigation is currently underway to determine how the fire started, and why the smoke detectors did not activate.
In terms of sheer loss of life from a single domestic house fire, the Russell Island fire tragedy is second only to the August 2011 Logan house fire, which was Queensland’s deadliest house fire, causing the death of 11 family members. A coronial inquest could not establish the exact cause of that blaze but a coroner found there was a ‘reasonable prospect’ that all or some of the victims could have escaped if interconnected smoke detectors had been working. That tragedy led to the introduction of new QLD laws for interconnected photoelectric smoke detectors inside every bedroom, hallways outside the bedrooms, and on every level of Queensland homes.
Why Didn’t The Smoke Alarms Activate?
The rented two storey Queenslander home allegedly had smoke detectors installed, however the female survivor of the blaze said she didn’t hear any smoke detectros activate, adding that concerns had previously been expressed about them. It remains unclear why the three alarms didn’t activate and whether they were in working order. ‘With a fire of that intensity it will be difficult to know whether there were smoke alarms present or not but that will be part of the investigation,’ Queensland Fire Department Deputy Commissioner Joanne Greenfield said.
It is understood the home was transported to the site around 2017. ‘So thinking about the legislation that was in place at that time it would have required one hardwired smoke alarm, that’s if it was following the legislation,’ QLD Fire Department Commissioner Leach said.
A close family friend issued a harrowing plea to all Australians on the behalf of the Children’s surviving mother, stating that she ‘just wants the world to know – check your smoke alarms and hold your babies’.
What Are Queensland’s Photoelectric Smoke Alarm Laws?
From 1st January 2022, all properties being sold or leased for rent in Queensland were required by law to be compliant with the photoelectric smoke detector rules below. On 1st January 2027, the law is being extended to cover all QLD homeowners and occupiers, irrespective of whether the property is being sold or rented out. This means every residence must have interconnected photoelectric smoke detectors installed in bedrooms, interconnecting hallways outside the bedrooms, and on each level of the property – ensuring maximum fire safety and early warning for all occupants. Compliance is essential to protect lives, reduce fire risks, and meet Queensland’s strict fire alarm regulations.
QLD Photoelectric Smoke Alarms Requirements
Smoke alarms must:
be photoelectric.
comply with the smoke alarm Australian Standard 3786:2014.
be hardwired to the mains power supply with a secondary power source (i.e. non removable 10 year battery) or;
be powered by 10 year non-removable battery type photoelectric smoke alarm.
be interconnected with every other smoke alarm in the dwelling so all activate together.
must not contain an ionisation sensor.
Installing Photoelectric Smoke Alarms In QLD
Photoelectric Smoke alarms must be installed:
on each storey
in each bedroom
in hallways that connect bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling – if there is no hallway, between the bedroom and other parts of the storey; and – if there are no bedrooms on a storey, at least one smoke alarm must be installed in the most likely path of travel to exit the dwelling.
QLD Rental Property Smoke Alarm Laws
In addition to the above, rental property managers and landlords are required to test and clean photoelectric smoke detectors and replace any flat batteries within 30 days before the start of a tenancy. This also includes a renewal tenancy. Regular maintenance ensures the fire alarms function correctly, providing tenants with reliable fire protection. Landlords must also ensure that all alarms comply with Queensland’s strict fire safety laws, including interconnection requirements. Failure to meet these obligations can result in legal penalties and increased risk to tenant safety, making proactive compliance an important responsibility for property managers and owners.
Postscript Update – April 2024
The landlord was charged and fined under the QLD Fire Services Act 1990 after she admitted failing to install compliant interconnected photoelectric smoke detectors in the rental property.
The interstate landlord claimed to be unaware of the changes to QLD’s smoke alarm legislation.
“It’s absolutely no excuse that she failed to keep abreast of the laws required of an investment property owner in having the premises legally wired with smoke detectors after January 2022,” Magistrate Deborah Vasta said. Ms Vasta told the court that the landlord had failed to comply with safety legislation and a coronial inquest into the six deaths was still yet to occur.
“There’s no evidence about whether two smoke alarms that were there were working or not,” she said.
Detectives are continuing their investigation following the fire and a final report will be given to the coroner in the near future.
Is your 10-year lithium smoke alarm battery a cause for concern? In recent years, Australia has seen a rapid rise in the adoption of lithium-ion battery technology, and Queensland is no exception. These small, lightweight, and highly efficient batteries power everything from smartphones and laptops to e-scooters, e-bikes, and even household renewable energy storage systems. While lithium-ion batteries have revolutionized convenience and energy efficiency, their increasing use has also been linked to a troubling rise in battery-related fires in Queensland homes.
Data collated from Australian state fire departments indicate that more than 450 fires across this country have been linked to lithium-ion batteries since 2021 (including 157 in Queensland). Several of these fires have garnered significant media attention – see below.
Close call! e-scooter battery fires extremely difficult to extinguish
What Is The Cause Of Lithium-Ion Battery Fires?
Numerous factors contribute to this alarming safety trend, but one of the primary culprits behind lithium-ion battery fires is improper charging practices. If incompatible chargers are used, or devices like e-scooters are left charging unattended for extended periods, it can lead to overheating and a subsequent lithium-ion battery fire.
Numerous factors contribute to this alarming safety trend, but one of the primary culprits behind lithium-ion battery fires is improper charging practices. If incompatible chargers are used, or devices like e-scooters are left charging unattended for extended periods, it can lead to overheating and a subsequent lithium-ion battery fire. Another common cause of lithium-ion battery fires stems from manufacturing defects in either the battery charger or the battery itself. Poor adherence to quality standards during manufacture can lead to internal faults, increasing the risk of overheating and fire.
E-scooters and e-bikes, due to their nature of use, are often subjected to rough handling and exposure to environmental elements. Consequently, damage to the battery can occur, leading to internal short-circuits and potential fires. Even seemingly minor physical damage to the battery’s protective casing can create a pathway for ‘thermal runaway’, triggering a catastrophic fire event.
When lithium-ion batteries fail, they undergo thermal runaway, involving the violent bursting of one or multiple battery cells, releasing toxic, flammable, and explosive gases, and resulting in an intense, self-sustaining fire. Putting out a lithium-ion battery fire is challenging, as it escalates rapidly with intense heat and cannot be easily extinguished with water or regular fire extinguishers. Additionally, such fires often reignite several times after being extinguished.
ABC report – dangers of lithium-ion batteries in Australia
Is Your 10-Year Smoke Alarm Battery A Fire Hazard?
What about my smoke alarm battery – isn’t it also a lithium-ion battery?
The 10-year long-life lithium smoke alarm battery differs in design from lithium-ion batteries used in e-scooters, e-bikes, and other rechargeable devices. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, which store high amounts of energy and require frequent charging, the smoke alarm battery inside a photoelectric smoke detector consists of two small 3V, single-use lithium batteries that are fully sealed within the alarm.
These non-replaceable batteries are engineered to deplete slowly and steadily over a 10-year lifespan, ensuring a consistent power supply without the need for repetitive re-charging. Once the smoke alarm battery reaches the end of its life, the entire photoelectric smoke alarm is replaced, maintaining optimal fire protection in your home.
Unlike larger lithium-ion batteries, which pose risks such as thermal runaway, overheating, and fire hazards, the smoke alarm battery is specifically designed to be stable, safe, and maintenance-free. The same fire and thermal runaway risks associated with continuous and repeated recharging of large, high energy lithium-ion batteries are not present with the small non-rechargeable lithium smoke alarm battery. By choosing a certified, high-quality smoke alarm such as ZEN Smoke Alarms, homeowners can enjoy reliable fire safety without worrying about smoke alarm battery malfunctions or potential fire hazards.
Photoelectric Smoke Alarm Battery Safety
When purchasing an interconnected photoelectric smoke alarm, it is essential to choose one that complies with Australian Standard 3786:2014, as indicated by the official Australian Standard red ‘5-tick’ mark on both the packaging and the product itself. This certification ensures that the smoke alarm battery and internal components meet strict safety and performance requirements, reducing the risk of electrical faults.
Additionally, the smoke alarm should carry the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM), which confirms compliance with Australian electrical safety regulations as outlined in Australian Standard 3820:2020. This guarantees that the smoke alarm battery and electronic circuits have been rigorously tested for reliability and do not pose an electrical hazard under normal operating conditions.
Avoiding cheap, imported knock-offs without the RCM mark is crucial for smoke alarm battery safety. Non-compliant alarms may fail prematurely or trigger false alarms, putting lives at risk. Investing in a certified, high-quality smoke alarm ensures peace of mind and long-term fire protection for your home.
ZEN interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms – symbols of smoke alarm battery safety compliance
Watch lithium-ion battery fires in this video
Conclusion
The surge in lithium-ion battery fires in Australia calls for a collective effort from manufacturers, regulators, and users to address this growing concern. While the benefits of lithium-ion batteries are undeniable, the risks associated with their usage demand immediate attention. By enhancing safety regulations, improving manufacturing standards, educating and promoting responsible usage and recharging practices, we can embrace the lithium-ion battery revolution in QLD while ensuring a safer and more sustainable future for all.
To further protect your home and loved ones, it is important to have a reliable smoke alarm battery that provides early detection of fire hazards. ZEN photoelectric smoke alarms are designed to detect smouldering fires, including those caused by lithium-ion battery failures, giving you and your family valuable time to respond. Unlike traditional alarms, they feature a safe non-removeable 10-year smoke alarm battery, ensuring maintenance-free operation without the hassle of replacing batteries. For more information on lithium-ion battery fire safety, refer to the QLD Fire Department or fire authorities in other states. Stay informed, stay prepared, and prioritize fire safety in your home.
