Smoke alarm secrets and the Australian Standard - read this before buying!


A human hand holding the box packaging of a photoelectric smoke alarm

In the second instalment of this multi-part series, we continue our deep dive into Australian Standard 3786:2014 to understand what it means for smoke alarm conformity. All smoke alarms sold within Australia must comply to the standard.

Section 4.22.1 of the Australian Standard describes the markings and types of information included on the smoke alarm itself. If the smoke alarm does not have all this information on it – then technically it is non-compliant to the standard.

Have a look at your photoelectric smoke alarm to double check if it has the following information.

4.22 Marking

4.22.1 Smoke alarm

Each smoke alarm shall be legibly and indelibly marked with the following:

(a) The number and date of this Standard (i.e. AS 3786:2014).

(b) The name or trademark and address of the manufacturer or supplier.

(c) The model designation (type or number).

(d) The type of smoke alarm (type A or type B), e.g. photoelectric or ionization.

(e) The alarm condition aural signal pattern (ISO 8201 or ISO 7731).

(f) The date of manufacture which may be coded into a serial number or the batch

number.

(g) The recommended date for replacement, subject to normal, regular maintenance

NOTE: Provision may be made for a place to note the date for replacement of the smoke

alarm.


For smoke alarms incorporating non-replaceable batteries (i.e. 10 year lithium long life batteries sealed inside the unit), the following warning is also required:

WARNING: BATTERY NOT REPLACEABLE—SEE INSTRUCTION MANUAL.

Additionally, a notice on the outer surface of the enclosure marked ‘DO NOT PAINT’ is required. The letters shall be not less than 3 mm high and plainly visible after the smoke alarm is installed in its intended manner.  Be wary of many cheap ‘knock off’ smoke alarms sold in online marketplaces such as e-bay and Amazon – they do not have all this required information even though they profess to comply to the Australian Standard. Whilst it may seem like trivial semantics whether the smoke alarm has this information on it or not, in the event of a house fire and subsequent insurance claim, your insurer will be double checking this same information prior to making any potential pay-out.

A human hand holding an interconnectable photoelectric smoke alarm
Photoelectric smoke alarm with the required 'DO NOT PAINT' marking as per AS 3786:2014

Section 4.22.2 of the Australian Standard identify the information data which must be incorporated into the smoke alarm’s point of sale packaging (i.e. the box it comes in) and also the instruction manual. As before, if the information below is not included then technically the smoke alarm is non-compliant to the standard.

4.22.2 Packaging

The point-of-sale packaging shall be marked with the following:

(a) The model designation (type or number).

(b) The type of smoke alarm (type A or type B) and an explanation of the meaning of the type designation (e.g. photoelectric or ionization).

(c) The nominal sound level output.

(d) The alarm condition aural signal pattern (ISO 8201 or ISO 7731).

(e) For smoke alarms using 520 Hz alarm condition signal frequency, the nominal frequency.

(f) For type B smoke alarms, permanently marked with the trefoil symbol, and name of

radionuclide and activity. The markings shall be visible from the outside of the packaging.

(g) The maximum number of interconnectable smoke alarms.

(h) Statement if the smoke alarm is suitable for wall (vertical) mounting.

 

In summary, section 4.22 of the Australian Standard describes the necessary information which must be included on the alarm, packaging and in the instruction manual. It is a requirement which manufacturers and retailers must adhere to.

QLD legislation states that smoke alarms must be photoelectric, interconnected and conform to Australian Standard 3786:2014. Failure to do so could have implications in the event of any insurance pay-out following a house fire.

We hope you have enjoyed the second instalment of our multi-part series. Australian Standard 3786:2014 copyright belongs to SAI Global.

www.photoelectricsmokealarms.com.au

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Queensland’s Sizzling New Safety Trend: Interconnected Photoelectric Smoke Alarms in 2023!

Image
  Greetings, fellow Queenslanders! As we navigate through the year 2023, there's one hot topic that's igniting conversations across the state - interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms ! Yes, you heard it right! The latest home safety trend is sweeping through the QLD Sunshine State, bringing not just peace of mind, but also some amazing new features! What's All the Fuss About? Picture this: you're in your cozy Queenslander home, kicking back watching footy on the TV in the lounge room, when suddenly your smoke detector system comes to life. No, it's not your favourite tune playing - it's your smoke alarm alerting you to potential danger downstairs. These interconnected smoke alarms are like a well-drilled QLD State of Origin squad - when one detects smoke, they all join in, and with a mighty team effort they create a chorus of sirens that are hard to ignore. How do interconnected smoke alarms communicate with one another? Now, you might wonder how these devic...
Read more

Ultimate Home Safety: Discover Why Interconnected Smoke Alarms Are Queensland's Lifesaving Secret Weapon!

Image
The pursuit of creating a safer Queensland community extends beyond safety at our beaches or safety on our roads, Queenslanders have embraced the implementation of interconnected smoke alarms as a crucial safety measure in their homes as well. This progressive initiative goes beyond the traditional standalone alarms, offering several benefits that contribute to a more robust and effective home fire safety system. One of the primary advantages of interconnected smoke alarms is their ability to communicate with each other. When one alarm detects smoke, it sets off a chain reaction, activating all interconnected fire alarms throughout the property. This rapid dissemination of alerts ensures that occupants are promptly notified, regardless of their location within the premises. In a state as vast and diverse as Queensland, where homes come in various sizes and layouts (from traditional Queenslanders to modern high rise apartments), this interconnectedness is pivotal in providing comprehen...
Read more

Protect Your Home with a Photoelectric Smoke Alarm Manufactured in an ISO 9001 Accredited Facility - See How High-Quality Manufacturing Saves Lives!

Image
  A photoelectric smoke alarm is an essential safety feature in any home or building. The smoke alarm provides an early warning of a fire, allowing occupants to evacuate before the fire spreads. To ensure the ongoing reliability of photoelectric smoke alarms, manufacturers must adhere to strict quality management standards, such as ISO 9001. ISO 9001 is a globally recognised quality management system developed by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). The standard outlines the requirements for an organization to meet customer needs and expectations, comply with regulatory requirements, and continuously improve its processes. Implementing ISO 9001 in photoelectric smoke alarm manufacturing ensures that every aspect of the factory's manufacturing process meets the required standards for both quality and reliability.  Do you know if your   photoelectric smoke alarm   has come from an ISO 9001 accredited facility? The commercial production of a photoel...
Read more