Mosman Blog

1st of May 2016 marked the 10-year anniversary of the introduction of NSW legislation to ensure all homes have at least one smoke alarm per floor. According to FRNSW smoke alarms are affected by dust, insects, humidity and age, so they should be replaced every 10 years. Also, technology has moved on over the past 10 years.

This means a lot of smoke alarms installed when the legislation first came into effect 10 years ago have passed their useful life and need to be replaced.

FRNSW encourages NSW residents to choose newer photoelectric smoke alarms that 10-year lithium batteries. Photoelectric smoke alarms have fewer false activations and are more effective at detecting the types of fires that are most likely to result in a home fire death – smouldering fires. “A fire can take hold in just three minutes, filling your home with deadly smoke,” Commissioner Mullins said. “Only working smoke alarms help save lives and give you vital seconds to get out before you’re overcome.”