So my body corporate tells me that a 240v + battery backup smoke alarm is required by safety regulations. The safety inspection company has given a quote of $248, but I'd like to get other quotes. Does anybody have installer recommendations for north shore Sydney? Thanks.
Where to Find an Installer for a Mains Powered Smoke Alarm?
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Last edited 28/10/2015 - 10:59
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You can also buy a Battery powered unit with 10 year rated non-user replaceable batteries.
I'm finding that the mains ones are junk. I've had to replace mine twice in 5 years of owning my house.
The second one hasn't even lasted a year before going nuts in the middle of the night for no reason!
And you still have to replace the backup battery!Yes the agent mentioned that but said that council might insist on a mains powered one should inspection happen. Anyway the bulk of the cost is labour.
The council will require a mains powered one. You'll need to get quotes from electricians. I got mine done for $150 but he was doing a lot of other work at the same time. Add a call out fee and some extra labour and it would be similar to yours.
Shouldn't this be a cost paid for by the BC since it will be common property?
It's inside the unit so not common property.
There is no legal requirement for Mains powered units provided they are the non-removeable battery type.
http://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=590
"… shared accommodation must be either hard-wired to the mains electricity supply or powered by a non-removable, 10-year long-life battery that is permanently connected to the smoke alarm."
That seems like a rip off.
You can get a 240v photo electric smoke alarm with battery backup for $30.
You cut a hole in the ceiling near a light and connect it up. This takes 20 minutes.
For $248 I would hope he is running brand new cable from the meter box!
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