Ionisation Vs Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

There are two main types of smoke alarms available on the market: ionisation smoke alarms and photoelectric smoke alarms. While both types of smoke alarms can detect smoke and save lives, they operate differently, and there are advantages to using one type over the other in specific settings.

10yo smoke alarms in NSW

Civil Fire have recently updated our policy to defect smoke alarms when they are over 10 years old. Previously, this was a recommendation item only.

The reason for this change is the legislation of the Australian Standard for the Maintenance of Fire Protection – AS1851. This standard was legislated in NSW on 16/12/22, and all buildings must be maintained in accordance with this standard by 13th February 2025.

Smoke Alarms & Landlord Obligations

Landlords have clear obligations when it comes to the installation, repair and maintenance of smoke alarms.
So who is responsible for what?
Landlords can engage Civil Fire to fulfil their obligations for $75 + GST each year.

Smoke Alarm FAQs

We get so many questions about smoke alarms. Where should my alarm be installed? How many alarms should I have? Should they be mains-powered or battery operated? Are they mean to be interconnected?

Smoke Alarms for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired

The standard smoke alarm is suitable to wake most mild to moderately hard of hearing people. People who are deaf or have a severe hearing loss however, may have difficulty hearing conventional smoke alarms. There are specialised solutions available.