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  A new Australian Standard for smoke alarms, Australian Standard 3786:2023, was published by the Standards Australia Committee on February 17, 2023. This standard supersedes the previous Australian Standard 3786:2014. It is not uncommon for Australian Standards to undergo updates and amendments over time. Australian Standard 3786, first released in 1990, has undergone at least 10 updates and reissues since its inception. Several reasons led to the publication of the new Australian Standard 3786:2023: 1. Technological advancements: The standard needed to incorporate emerging smoke alarm technologies and evolving existing technologies. This ensures the standard remained relevant and reflects current technology available in the market. For example, the new standard now includes provisions for interconnected smoke alarms. 2. Safety considerations: Safety is a crucial aspect of the standard. As new fire risks are identified and existing ones are better understood, the standard has been upd

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 signa

  In the first of this multi-part series we will review Australian Standard 3786:2014 and take a look at what it means for smoke alarm conformity in Australia. The full name of the standard which encompasses smoke alarm conformity in Australia is ‘Australian Standard 3786:2014 Smoke alarms using scattered light, transmitted light or ionization’. Standards are documents that set out specifications, procedures and guidelines that aim to ensure products are safe, consistent, and reliable. When a standard such as AS 3786:2014 is referenced by state or national legislation, then it becomes mandatory in the eyes of the law. The Australian Standard document is broken down into several key components – the two of interest that we will be reviewing throughout this multi-part series are the ‘tests’ and ‘general requirements’ for smoke alarms. Section 4.17 of the Australian Standard states that; ‘ The smoke alarm shall be so designed that a sphere of diameter larger than 1.3 ±0.05 mm cannot pass