Tag: qld smoke alarms

Ever wondered how to physically attach our ZEN smoke alarms onto your ceiling? You’ll be amazed at how simple it really is! A major advantage of wireless 10-year battery powered smoke alarms is that there is no electrical hardwiring involved – this means they can be installed by property owners without an electrician. ZEN smoke alarm bundle packs will even arrive to you already interconnected together as a group – no need to pair them up as we’ve done it for you – just switch them on and they’re good to go – how easy is that!

Checklist:

  • ZEN smoke alarm and its mounting bracket
  • Screws and anchor plugs (included with our ZEN smoke alarms)
  • Screwdriver or a cordless drill with 5mm drill bit
  • Pencil

STEP 1: Twist the mounting bracket to remove it from the back of the smoke detector.

STEP 2: Locate the mounting bracket in your chosen position on the ceiling. Use a pencil to mark the location of the two mounting bracket slots on the ceiling as per above.

STEP 3: Use a 5mm drill bit to drill a pilot hole at each location marked on the ceiling. Now insert an anchor plug into each hole and use the two screws to attach the mounting bracket to the chosen position.

STEP 4: Attach the smoke alarm to the mounting bracket and firmly turn clockwise to lock it into place.

STEP 5: Press the surface of the ZEN smoke alarm (the test button) to ensure you smoke alarm is working properly. If you have more than one interconnected smoke detector, then the others in the same group should also activate within approximately 10 (this is normal). Allow all the smoke alarms to finish their full test cycle without pressing any other buttons – don’t worry, they will all stop automatically after approximately 10-15 seconds.

Where Should I Install

Wireless Interconnected Smoke Alarms?

Queensland smoke detectors should be placed inside every bedroom and the interconnecting hallway outside the bedrooms. If there is no common hallway outside the bedrooms, then install a smoke detector on the nearest exit route or travel path from the dwelling. If it is a multi-story property, then at least one smoke alarm must be installed on every level of the property.

Additionally, smoke detectors should not be installed within 30cm from the edge of a wall, within 30cm from a light fixture, 40cm from an air conditioner vent and also not within 40cm from a ceiling fan blade. It is preferable to install smoke detectors on the ceiling, as opposed to the wall.

Don’t forget, if replacing a 240V hardwired smoke alarm in QLD, the Queensland smoke alarm laws state that it must be replaced with another 240V hardwired smoke alarm (requires an electrician to do so).

WARNING! – do not use these products

when installing your smoke alarms!

Be wary using adhesive mounting kits or drill-free magnet mounting kits with your smoke alarms – we do not recommend using these products as they do NOT last. Although Australian Standard 3786:2014 doesn’t specify how smoke alarms should be attached to the ceiling, if you use the aforementioned products your smoke alarm will fall from the ceiling after a period of days, weeks or months, and it will become broken when it smashes onto the floor. How do we know this? – we stopped selling the adhesive kits / drill-free magnetic mounts several years ago. Consumer feedback indicated the products were unreliable and in good conscience we could not continue selling them – we’d rather have happy satisfied customers at the expense of profits any day. Spend a few extra minutes and use the included screws to affix your smoke alarm to the ceiling – this is the best way to install your wireless smoke alarms.

Want to know more? Watch our ZEN quick-start video or call us on 0478 596 402

We love talking smoke alarms!

ZEN Interconnected Smoke Alarms

As the winter freeze gradually gives way to the warmth of a Queensland spring, we find ourselves emerging from the hibernation of the chilly months. Spring cleaning, gardening and home maintenance tasks become top priorities, and one key activity that should not be overlooked is the checking of your interconnected smoke alarms. Whilst this may not seem like the most exciting of springtime jobs, it is definetely one of the most important. The primary purpose of interconnected smoke alarms is to protect you and your loved ones in the event of a fire. By checking them at the onset of the spring, you can be sure that they are in good working condition and ready to alert you in case of an emergency.

Here’s how you should make checking your interconnected smoke alarms a regular springtime ritual.

Interconnected Smoke Alarm Spring Cleaning

Did you know that the changing seasonal weather can have an impact on your interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms? During winter, dust and debris can accumulate inside them, reducing their efficiency and increasing the possibility for nuisance alarms. Springtime also sees the release of botanical plant pollens and microscopic spores which if left unchecked can affect the internal sensors of your alarms. Whilst you’re already in spring cleaning mode, why not take a few extra minutes to ensure your smoke alarms are fully clean and operational. Gently vacuum around the exterior shell of your smoke detectors with the soft brush attachment from a vacuum cleaner to remove any cobwebs, dust build-up etc. In addition to this spring clean, we recommend to clean your ZEN smoke alarms 6 monthly.

Check The Smoke Alarm Batteries

Smoke alarms often rely on batteries for power, and these batteries can weaken or die over time. Fortunately most modern smoke detectors are now equipped with 10-year long life lithium batteries which are sealed inside the smoke alarm itself (after 10 years the entire smoke alarm is simply swapped out for a new one). However, if you still have an older style smoke alarm which uses 9V replaceable batteries then spring is a great time to either replace the old batteries with fresh ones, or our recommendation is to upgrade to new alarms with inbuilt 10-year long life batteries. So, go ahead, replace those dusty old 9V replaceable battery smoke alarms in springtime with the newest ZEN interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms equipped with 10-year long life batteries, and ensure your alarms are always ready to do their job.

Test Your Interconnected Smoke Alarms In Spring

Testing your interconnected smoke alarms is a relatively quick and straightforward task. You don’t need any special tools or expertise. Aside from the start of Spring, we recommend to test your ZEN smoke alarms monthly. It’s a small effort for a significant safety boost. In QLD smoke alarms must be interconnected (so if one smoke alarm activates, they all do). ZEN interconnected smoke alarms have a ‘test’ button that you can press to ensure they are working correctly. When testing your smoke alarms be sure to check that all the smoke alarms are interconnected and activate together, usually within about 10 seconds of the test button being pressed on the first smoke alarm. If not, it’s time for some troubleshooting or possibly a replacement. To test your ZEN smoke alarms simply press the centre surface of the alarm itself, or press the test button once on the optional remote control device. Test mode will conclude after approx. 10 seconds and all alarms will automatically silence.

Press the test button once on your ZEN smoke alarm, or use the optional ZEN remote control

What Is The Smoke Alarm Expiry Date?

Smoke alarms don’t last forever and should be replaced 10 years from the date of manufacture. According to Australian Standard 3786:2014, the smoke alarm date of manufacture should be printed on the rear of the smoke alarm – go on, have a look. If they’re older than 10 years then they should be replaced with newer models. Why? Photoelectric sensors and other internal components can degrade over time, leading to a less effective smoke alarm.

Interconnected Smoke Alarm Location

Whilst you’re at it, double-check the placement of your interconnected smoke alarms. Are they strategically positioned throughout your home as per Queensland smoke alarm laws? In Queensland there should be one smoke detector inside each bedroom, the interconnecting hallway outside the bedrooms, and at least one on each level of your home. If there is no interconnecting hallway outside the bedrooms then a smoke alarm must be installed outside the bedroom and other parts of the storey. Proper placement can make all the difference in early detection.

Wireless Interconnected Photoelectric Smoke Alarm Placement Recommendations

Teach Your Family About Interconnected Smoke Alarms

Checking your interconnected smoke alarms in the spring also presents an opportunity to educate your family about fire safety (especially children). Show them how to test the alarms and what to do and who to call in case they hear one go off. This knowledge can be invaluable in an emergency situation. Phone 000 (triple zero) for the Fire Brigade in a real life fire emergency situation. If you do not have one already, prepare a home fire escape plan and rehearse it at the start of Spring with all your family members.

Smoke Alarm Springtime Summary!

So there you have it, as you embark on your spring cleaning rituals and home maintenance tasks, don’t forget to check your smoke alarms. It’s a simple yet essential step to ensure the safety of your home and loved ones. With working interconnected smoke alarms in place, you can enjoy the beauty and rejuvenation of a QLD spring with the peace of mind that you are well-prepared for any potential fire-related emergencies. So, make it a springtime tradition to give your smoke alarms the attention they deserve – because the safety of your loved ones always comes first.

Want to know more? Watch our ZEN quick-start video or call us on 0478 596 402

We love talking smoke alarms!

ZEN Interconnected Smoke Alarms