4 Pros (And A Few Cons) Of Wireless Smoke Alarms

Wireless or not wireless? That is the question. We’re talking about Queensland’s new smoke alarm legislation, which while actually introduced in 2017 is now taking full effect all across the state. It means that, for a normal residential home like yours, you’ll need to have fully interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms in the bedrooms, hallways and living areas. And the good news is that the new laws have no issue if you want wireless smoke alarms.

So wireless smoke alarms or wired smoke alarms – the important thing is that they’re cutting edge photoelectric technology and that each smoke alarm communicates with all the others so they all trigger together if one sense fire. If you go wireless, the way all your smoke alarms communicate with one another is with radio frequency signals, while a hardwired interconnected system uses your home’s electrical system for the connection.

Wireless interconnected smoke alarms – All the pros and cons

Which way should you go for your interconnected smoke alarms: wireless, or wired? Let’s dive in:

Pro # 1: Installation

Forget running wires through walls, ceilings and floors – because knowing how to install wireless smoke alarms is simple and easy. Just:

• Pick the optimal location
• Ensure the smoke alarm is fully capable of integrating wirelessly in an interconnected network
• Install the bracket
• Follow the smoke alarm connection instructions.

Pro # 2: The flexible placement

Just make sure the new Queensland laws are all taken care of, and then optimally locate your wireless smoke alarms wherever you like! There’s no need to wire them into the home’s electrical system or put them near an outlet or wiring. As long as the laws are happy, choose your spot!

Pro # 3: Full interconnectivity

Just like fully hardwired smoke alarms, the wireless versions are fully capable of interconnection with your other wireless smoke alarms. Instead of wiring, they use radio frequency signals to communicate with one another, so that when smoke triggers one of them, they all start shrieking in unison. Better still, some wireless smoke alarms can even send alerts to smart home systems or your smartphone, so you can know if smoky trouble is brewing even when you’re not home.

Pro # 4: Low maintenance

Although Queensland’s new laws do mention hardwiring to a home’s mains power supply, the alternative is a non-removable, 10-year lithium battery. That means that once it’s in place, you can basically forget about that wireless smoke alarm for a whole decade except for a regular hit of the ‘test’ button. The lack of connection wiring also means there is less that can go wrong compared to fully hardwired smoke alarms – including wire damage and corrosion.

Wireless smoke alarms – The cons

There are also a few potential ‘cons’ of wireless smoke alarms to consider.

• Cost: Without needing the radio transmitters and receivers, wired smoke alarms can be cheaper.
• Range: Wireless smoke alarms also have a connectivity range – normally around 30 metres or so, which is no problem for most homes. And while the range is obviously not an issue at all with wired alarms, the latest wireless products have advanced networking capabilities to reroute signals around weak spots.
• Interference: Any wireless product is also susceptible to signal interference, although the latest models use specialised low-interference radio frequencies and other built-in mechanisms to overcome such problems.

Wireless interconnected smoke alarms Australia

So, which way are you going to go – smoke alarms wireless, or smoke alarms hard-wired? Remember, it really does depend on a number of factors including your property type and layout and the recommendations of experienced experts. Queensland’s legislation also requires your interconnected smoke alarm installation to be done by a licensed electrician – also so that all of the laws’ technical requirements are strictly met and certified.

Did you know Static Electrics can get your new interconnected smoke alarm network all up and running smoothly this week? We’re family operated, we cover the entire Sunshine Coast to Brisbane region and beyond, and we can answer any of your extra questions about Queensland’s new smoke alarm legislation and what it means for you. Get started today by giving Static Electrics’ friendly smoke alarm experts a shout.