Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Photoelectric vs Ionisation Smoke Alarms: The Deadly

Differences
Queensland - The time for change is now! The recent increase in deadly house fires,
further ignites the need for discussion around ionisation alarms and their effectiveness.
Despite meeting the Australian Standard, it is proven that ionisation alarms do not provide
adequate protection due to the way in which they detect and alert in the event of a fire.

The Deadly Differences

Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

• Detects visible particles of combustion and are responsive to both smoke

and smouldering fires.
• They 'see' the fire before it has fully inflamed into a full-blown inferno.
• Can be safely disposed of.

Ionisation Smoke Alarms

• Detects invisible particles of combustion and activate more quickly for fast flaming fires
rather than smoke.
• More prone to false alarms.
• Contain radioactive materials making it difficult to dispose of.

"I am relieved to see that homeowners around Australia are beginning to sit up and take
notice of the necessity of smoke alarms and the benefits they provide. It is now the
responsibility of the Government and Businesses such as Smoke Alarm Solutions to help
inform the Australian public on the most effective smoke alarm: the photoelectric alarm"
states CEO of Smoke Alarm Solutions, Cameron Davis.

Smoke Alarm Solutions have conducted more than 1.5 million smoke alarm inspections
and have first hand experience on the effectiveness of ionisation smoke alarms. "We
attend more than 100 properties every day where the occupant has reported a beeping,
faulty or false alarming smoke alarm. In 87% of these fault reports the alarms
are ionisation smoke alarms" continues Mr. Davis "Not only do they have a high fault rate
but they do not alert the occupants until the fire has reached the critical stages".

Smoke Alarm Solutions has long ago stopped installing ionisation alarms and it is time the
Australian public takes the same stance on safety. It's not worth the risk.
Key Facts and Figures

The recent increase in deadly house fires, further ignites the need for discussion around
ionisation alarms and their effectiveness. The way in which they detect and alert make all
the difference in the response time in the event of a fire and despite meeting the
Australian Standard they are inadequate in comparison to the photoelectric smoke alarm.

About

Operating since 2007, Smoke Alarm Solutions supply, install and service smoke alarms in
more than 270,000 Australian homes and have the largest field service capability in the
industry. Operating in five states: Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South
Australia and Australian Capital Territory, Smoke Alarm Solutions is committed to the
safety of Australians and is strongly advocating for a change in legislation in order to
increase the proper use of accurate and functioning smoke alarms.

(ENDS)

Contact Details

Cameron Davis
Chief Executive Officer
1300 852 301 | cameron.davis@smokealarmsolutions.com.au