The installation of photoelectric smoke detectors is one of the major changes in the new Smoke Alarm legislation in Queensland. Under the new laws, smoke detectors in every property must comply with Australian Standard 3786-2014 and should be installed within the required time frame depending on the type and use of the property. Through this transition, Queensland is now on its way to becoming the most fire safe state in the country.

As a homeowner, how will you benefit from transitioning from ionisation to photoelectric smoke detectors? Here’s why photoelectric alarms are perfect for the home.

  1. Photoelectric smoke detectors respond faster to slow-flaming fires

Slow-flaming fires that produce a lot of smoke are common in the home environment, and photoelectric smoke alarms are perfect for this kind of fire.

This type of alarm uses a light beam to detect smoke. When the smoke enters the chamber, it disrupts the beam, causing it to scatter in different directions within the chamber. Once the light beam hits the sensor on the other side of the chamber, the alarm will go off to alert the residents of the smouldering fire.

Ionisation fire alarms, on the other hand, are made to detect fast-flaming fires but are slower to respond to smouldering fires. This means this type will only trigger when the house is already well alight and ablaze, reducing the time residents have to leave the burning property.
house burning

  1. Photoelectric smoke detectors are less prone to false alarms.

Unlike an ionisation alarm, the photoelectric type triggers fewer alarms from steam in the bathroom or cooking in the kitchen. The additional features outlined in the Australian Standard 3786-2014, such as finer gauze and indicator light, further reduce the likelihood of false alarms.

  1. They give residents more time to escape during a fire emergency.

With a more robust alarm system that photoelectric smoke detectors offer, residents have a greater chance of a safer and earlier evacuation.

Do you need more information about photoelectric smoke detectors and the new QLD Smoke Alarm Legislation? Complete our form below, and our experts will reach out to you shortly!

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