Do I need an electrician to install smoke alarms?

Did you know that new laws have been put in place to make properties and property owners safer? Do you know if you’re compliant to these new laws? If you don’t know the answer to any of these questions, then we may have a problem on our hands. You should already have smoke detectors installed by an electrician on the Gold Coast on all your leased or owned residential and commercial properties. They’re a standard safety feature of properties in the area because the regions, and the entire country, have experienced terrible house fires that could have left us all extra aware of everything we need to do to avoid it. We suggest that you get on board with the latest smoke alarm legislation as soon as possible because the deadline is as soon as next year (2022). The best way to get you up to standard is to call a professional and licensed electrician to do the work for you. It could be the difference that prevents a spark from developing into something much more dangerous. This is a Powertrip Electrical blog that shows you how a commercial electrician and domestic electrician on the Gold Coast is more than qualified to install a smoke alarm per new Queensland requirements.

What are the new smoke alarm rules?

The new smoke alarm legislation very clearly states that all households will be required to have newer smoke alarm models in all bedrooms, in hallways connecting the bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling on every level. The transition to interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms began in 2017 and will be a compulsory, and enforceable, mandate from January 1, 2022, in all domestic properties leased and sold. That means that in a few months landlords and domestic dwellers must install and make use of the smarter interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms because they are quicker at alerting those on the premises and are guaranteed to save lives. Owners and renters have a legal obligation to comply with the new fire safety legislation by January 01, 2022 or run the risk of not being eligible for lease. This also counts for property managers that have a duty to ensure their landlords in The Gold Coast, and Queensland, are aware of the new obligations. Even though emphasis is being placed on property owners who are leasing to others, Queensland government urges all property owners to transition to the new safer alarms as soon as possible

Interconnected, photoelectric smoke alarms are designed to give residents extra time to escape a house fire for several reasons, but it is their consistent connection to all fire the units on the property that makes them more effective. Consistent connection means that all the smoke alarms on the property are communicating with each other. When one smoke alarm goes off in one room, all the smoke alarms will be activated. This makes it more likely that everyone one the premises will have a better chance of getting out even if they aren’t in the room where the smoke is first detected.

Why should a licensed and insured electrician install your new smoke alarm?

The use of a licensed and insured electrician for smoke alarm installation isn’t just a suggestion, it’s an instruction. Interconnected smoke alarm systems are much more complicated to install and require the work of a professional electrician to ensure they’re safety. There’s no repair or installation job which involves electricity that’s recommended for novices or do-it-your selfers to try and finish on their own in Australia. Besides this, here are four reasons why you should use a licensed electrician on the Gold Coast.

1.Professionals are required by law

Australian law has very strict regulations regarding smoke detector installations and other fire safety regulations. Even work that appears simple, must be handled by someone with years of experience and training because they’re the best person to make sure that everything is installed safely and properly. These new interconnected smoke alarms aren’t your typical battery powered systems, they must be hard wired to your mains for power supply and some sort of backup power system. Any electrical work done on mains requires a licensed expert because it can be dangerous work. They’re the best person to install the detectors and alarms while following the manufacturer instructions precisely. If you fail to meet the laws and regulations, you may face thousands of dollars in fines for noncompliance.

2.Electricians are knowledgeable about compliant devices

You might think that any old smoke alarm will do and just pick one up from the store or place an order online, but this isn’t how you find the right device for you. There are many of them that aren’t compliant with new regulations and fail to meet Scientific Services Laboratory certification. You can find a complete list of approved smoke alarms on this government portal but it might be difficult and tedious to sort through. Powertrip Electricals’ very own team of domestic and commercial electricians are guaranteed to know more than you do about the right type. Average electricians in the Gold Coast partner with the manufacturers and they can find you the best model and do it at the best cost. Hiring a professional means that you have an expert who can recommend the most appropriate device for you, and they’ll pass on their savings to you.

3.Experts know about ideal installation locations

There are things we don’t understand about space and certain electrical items. For best results, your smoke alarms need to be installed in certain positions in your home. Ideally, there should be one in every bedroom and living area on every single floor in your home. An expert will know exactly where to put them in each area, so they have a lesser chance of false alarm events.

4.Get an expert for the smoke alarm, keep them for other services

Don’t forget that an electrician can also offer you a range of other useful electrical services on your property all at once. The technician can handle two or three other minor jobs while you have them and that makes them even more convenient for doing this job. They could install a garden light or mount your new TV and many technicians offer discounts, deals and flat hourly rates for a grouping of several services together.

Powertrip Electrical has been preparing many households in the Gold Coast for the 2022 legislation as soon as it was announced. To avoid not being late on your compliance, give us a call today.