Published on Wednesday, 13 May 2026 at 12:09:53 PM
Choosing the right smoke alarm is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your home and family. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) recommends installing mains powered photoelectric smoke alarms, as they are faster at detecting smouldering fires—the most common cause of house fires.
Where you place your smoke alarms is just as important as the type you choose. Install them in key areas such as bedrooms, hallways and living spaces so you’ll be alerted quickly if a fire starts, giving you valuable time to act.
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure your smoke alarms work when you need them most:
Once a month:
- Check the indicator lights
- For mains powered alarms, ensure the green light is on.
- For battery-operated alarms, confirm the red light flashes every 40–60 seconds.
- Test the alarm
- Press the test button for up to 10 seconds until it sounds. Use a broom handle if needed, taking care not to damage the unit.
Every year:
- Clean your smoke alarms
- Gently vacuum dust and cobwebs using a soft brush attachment.
- Wipe around the unit with a cloth lightly sprayed with insect repellent (never spray inside the alarm).
- Replace batteries
- Change 9-volt batteries annually.
- Check and replace backup batteries in mains powered alarms as needed.
Taking a few simple steps throughout the year can make a life-saving difference. A well-maintained smoke alarm is your early warning system—keeping you and your household safer every day.
Click here to learn more from the DFES experts
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