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Smoke alarms can be sensitive for a variety of reasons. Check out our smoke alarm troubleshooting tips for an urgent solve.
Does your smoke alarm beep regularly or go off when there’s no fire?

There’s nothing more annoying than a smoke alarm chirping intermittently or setting off at every hint of steam or burning toast. It’s not a good idea to disconnect or interfere with smoke alarms, even when they won’t stop beeping, because they need to function in an emergency. Instead of resorting to desperate measures, use these tips to troubleshoot next time your alarm is going off for no apparent reason.

Tip 1. Keep smoke alarms clean

Dirt and insects are a very common reason for smoke detectors going off inappropriately. Physical obstructions can interact with the sensor and cause your smoke alarm to activate. For a quick solution, carefully dust and vacuum your smoke alarm to remove dirt. You can also spray insect repellent around the alarm (avoid spraying the alarm directly!) to deter bugs.

To maintain optimal functioning, smoke alarms should undergo regular services that include a thorough clean.

Tip 2. Ventilate for steam and fumes

Steam and cooking fumes can cause smoke alarms to go off. Shut bathroom and laundry doors to contain steam, use the exhaust fan when cooking and open up doors and windows for ventilation. If you’re using the toaster or another portable appliance, point them away from the smoke detector if possible.


Photoelectric smoke alarms are less sensitive to steam while still detecting real fire events. A professional technician will know how to place smoke detectors to keep them away from steam and fumes while still adhering to legislative requirements.

Tip 3. Manage humidity

In high humidity, condensation can cause water vapours to form and cause the smoke to react as it would to smoke vapour. If you suspect this is happening you can dry the smoke alarm yourself by gently blowing a hair dryer through it to evaporate moisture.

Tip 4. Rapid air movement

Another common culprit is rapid air movement created by fans or fan heaters, so point portable fans, heaters, radiators and air conditiong ducts away from smoke alarms. When installed, smoke alarms should also be placed away from air conditioning ducts.

Tip 5. Battery and power issues

Power surges can cause hardwired smoke alarms to beep. It should resolve itself after the power issue has passed, but if not you can try resetting the power by flipping it off and on again at your circuit box.

In some areas of QLD and NSW, electricity suppliers inject an off-peak signal onto the network (a ‘ripple’) which can set off smoke alarms. If your smoke alarm beeps at the same time each day it could be this.

A beeping alarm can signal a low battery. In keeping with legal requirements, smoke alarms should be regularly serviced to ensure batteries are kept fresh. In some Australian states it’s now a requirement that alarms are fitted with 10-year lithium batteries or hardwired into the mains power supply, so properly fitted alarms shouldn’t have battery issues. If the battery is faulty at a Detector Inspector enrolled property, you can request an urgent service to get it fixed.

Is your smoke alarm still going off?

If your property is enrolled in Detector Inspector's smoke alarm safety service, use our urgent jobs framework to assess the issue and easily log an urgent service request online. Don’t ignore a noisy alarm—when it comes to fire safety, you’re better safe than sorry!

If you're a tenant and not sure about your service provider, contact your property manager to find out what type of smoke alarm safety program they have in place and what to do in case of an urgent issue.

Not already enrolled? Contact us today to find out how our ‘set and forget’ safety program can keep your smoke alarms compliant, and your properties safe.

Our trained technicians provide a comprehensive annual service and safety check of smoke alarms in the home, to protect occupants from harm caused by smoke inhalation.

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While you’re here

News
QLD smoke alarm legislation – new rules for properties sold after 31 December 2021
20 December 2021
News
Safer Home subscription vs Pay As You Go services: What’s the most cost-efficient way to ensure compliance?
20 December 2021
News
Introducing stricter fire safety standards for Short Term Rental Accommodation in NSW
10 December 2021
Owners and managers of rental properties have been scrambling to get properties compliant with new QLD smoke alarm legislation before it takes effect in 2022. Now extra rules for properties being sold after 31 December 2021 are bringing more pressure. Are you up to speed?
What’s new for RENTAL properties?

Here’s a quick refresher on the new compliance rules for properties being rented or re-leased in QLD from 1 January 2022.

From 1 January 2022, before a new tenancy begins, an existing tenancy renews or the property is sold, smoke alarms in Queensland homes must be upgraded to meet the requirements of the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990. This means:

  • All smoke alarms must be either hardwired 240-volt photoelectric alarms or powered by 10-year lithium batteries
  • Alarms must be installed in every bedroom, in all hallways or areas connecting bedrooms to the rest of the dwelling, and there must be at least one on each storey in the most likely path of exit
  • All smoke alarms must be interconnected with each other.

Those are the basics, but the legislation contains more details about standards and placement. Read our summary here.

(If you’re not already on top of it, you’re legally exposed from 1 January 2022. Sort it out with our 2022 smoke alarm upgrade offer ASAP.)

What’s new for properties being SOLD?

On top of the existing legislation for rental properties, rules apply for properties sold after 31 December 2021.

Smoke alarms must be installed according to the same guidelines set out for rental properties – hardwired into the mains power supply or fitted with 10-year batteries, interconnected with each other and installed in specific locations, as well as meeting other detailed specifications.

In addition, from 31 December 2021, sellers who are putting their property up for sale, need to make sure that the smoke alarms have been upgraded in line with the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990. Compliant smoke alarms must be in place before the seller enters into a sale agreement and be able to provide proof of upgrade status at settlement.

Along with the usual terms like satisfactory building and pest inspections, smoke alarm compliance is set to become a normal expectation in residential sales, and failure to comply could compromise a contract.

Properties may not be re-leased, rented or sold from 1 January 2022 if they’re non-compliant. Owners and managers will be left legally exposed if there’s an incident at a property where the smoke alarms don’t meet standards.

What are your responsibilities?

If you’re a property owner who is planning to sell soon, you need to ensure the smoke alarms will be compliant with the new legislation. In addition, you should be armed with a certificate of compliance to assure the buyer that the smoke alarms are recently serviced and properly installed in accordance with the rules.

Sales agents have a responsibility to make their clients aware of the changes, assist them to make properties compliant and produce documentation to demonstrate it.

Fast turnaround and no deposit

There’s a lot of boxes to tick when renting out a property, and even more when selling! Detector Inspector makes smoke alarm compliance one less thing you have to worry about.

As one of the longest-established compliance companies in Australia we’ve been all over the legislation changes since they were first announced, and we have a solution up and running.

For owners requiring 2022 smoke alarm upgrade compliance certification prior to selling their home, we offer a free, accelerated installation with 7-day turnaround.

Plus everything is digitally recorded and stored in our industry-leading automated system. This means detailed record keeping to show you’ve done everything right, with zero admin input from you.

Don’t delay! Get sorted today

If you’re a seller, have you got a plan to get your property compliant by 31 December 2021?

If you’re a sales agent, have you informed sellers of their new responsibilities regarding smoke alarms? Are you confident you know what they are?

If you’re a property manager, have you informed your clients of the legislation changes regarding leased and re-leased properties in writing and created a system for maintaining compliance?

If you’re not sure, make sure. Detector Inspector is here to help you understand the ins and outs, get properties compliant and keep you covered under the new legislation. Our comprehensive solution will take care of everything.

It’s not too late to make things right. Book your upgrade now or ask a question via the forms below.

All our subscription plans include smoke alarm and electrical services, with the number of gas appliances at the property determining the right plan for every property.

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It’s easy to get lured in by low prices and confusing plans so you don’t know exactly what you’re paying for. Detector Inspector offers services on a subscription or on a pay as you go basis in Victoria: find out exactly what’s included and the surprising truth about Safer Home subscription plans.
Subscription and Pay As You Go services: What’s the difference?

Detector Inspector offers safety services in Victoria on a "subscription" basis (we call this our Safer Home plans) or on a "pay as you go" basis.

In our Safer Home subscription plans, the fees are prepaid, they are bundled with a 10% discount and the services have a range of inclusions. While prepaid, the benefit is continuity of coverage and compliance. Under the Safer Home plan, you are covered and compliant from the date of enrolment.

Importantly, other than year 1, the annual recurring fee is the same each year, providing complete peace of mind that the property is protected for a low, predictable price.

Pay as you go services are invoiced after the service is completed. Each service, replacement part (unless warranty items) and callouts for gas/electrical issues are charged for individually.

Subscription and Pay As You Go services: Summary
CategorySafer Home subscriptionPay As You Go
Discounted, consistent pricing10%+ saving on the cost of individual services, smoothed into predictable, equal annual paymentsPay per service, no discount, lumpy costs based on services due
More peace of mind Period of compliance and coverage begins on the date of enrolment and for the duration of the subscription periodPeriod of compliance begins from the date the property is serviced
Enduring protectionProtection for urgent repairs on checked appliancesProtection limited to 12 month warranty on services
Free calloutsFree callouts for faults in checked items and other issues like pilot light relights, beeping smoke alarms and electrical faultsCallouts charged for gas/electrical issues (except where subject to 12 month service guarantee)
Free parts/rectificationFree replacement parts such as standard light switches, power points, safety switches and thermocouplesPay for all replacement parts (unless warranty items)
Additional Safer Home subscription plan benefits

With a Safer Home Plan subscription you also get invaluable benefits like enduring warranty protection and uninterrupted compliance coverage.

Period of compliance starts from date of enrolment

Via their agency, owners have engaged a reputable provider to complete the mandatory safety checks as required by the legislation, and they’re in the queue for those services to be completed ‘as soon as practicable'

Period of coverage starts from date of enrolment

The protection afforded by the Safer Home plan accrues from the date of enrolment NOT from the date of service so we’ll be there when we’re needed

One stop shop

More inclusions means less reason for repeat visits, quotations and cost. And where we do find problems, we offer to fix them with lowest price guarantees and fast resolution

24-month warranty

We warrant our work for the full 24 months until the next safety check is due. Other companies provide a warranty only on jobs recently completed

Urgent repairs capacity

Under the RTA, where certain significant, defined issues occur at your property, the renter can incur up to $2,500 in costs to rectify them, without your approval. With our capacity, systems and processes, we're best placed to address these types of issues and avoid unnecessary cost to the owner

Consistent, predictable price

After the first year, you pay the same low annual fee and leave the management of your compliance to us

Isn’t it better to only pay for what you need?

Some clients assume that pay as you go services will work out to be more cost-effective.


Isn’t it better to only pay for what you need, and avoid paying for extras you might not use? The answer is yes – and a Safer Home plan is designed to include everything essential with a bundle discount, and no unnecessary extras.


Tailored individual services would be more cost effective if needs varied radically from property to property. The reality is that gas and electrical services are clearly defined under the Victorian Residential Tenancies Act. After the first visit to a property (to bring everything up to standard), the scope and frequency of the work should be the same across the board, so we offer a fixed fee annually after the first year.

 

Pay as you go services require the technician to visit the property, usually at a cost, form an opinion about the work involved to rectify the issue and quote accordingly. You do only pay for what you use, but you might actually pay more, because you don’t get the discount benefit of a subscription.

 

The Safer Home subscription plans were created to eliminate the friction of itemised services. Since we know the legislation, we already know the scope of the work, how frequently it should be completed and how much it’s fair to charge before we arrive at the property. By bundling up the smoke alarm, gas and electrical services, we have been able to discount the price we would usually charge for those services individually, package up a range of valuable inclusions and, beyond the first year, make the amount payable a flat rate.

The hidden costs competitors don’t tell you about

Detector Inspector has been leading the industry for a long time, so our services look different to many of our competitors’. When we say ‘flat fee’ and ‘comprehensive service’ we mean it!

 

Some service providers promise a low flat fee up front, but they don’t clearly disclose that standard items like replacement light switches, safety switches and smoke alarms will be added on to the fee—not to mention extra labour for replacement! This can add up to hundreds of extra dollars for items that Detector Inspector always includes for free.

 

Unfortunately, it’s not unusual for compliance maintenance companies to skimp on services to save costs. Clients are lured in by low prices but they don’t realise their compliance is compromised because the provider omitted important elements of the safety checks, or used improperly qualified tradespeople to carry out the services.

 

We have designed our services to meet the RTA requirements: nothing more, nothing less. We meet all the required standards when it comes to the types and frequency of checks performed, the manufacturing standards of replacement parts, and the minimum qualifications of our technicians.

 

Our transparent pricing structure clearly lays out the inclusions and exclusions so our clients know what they’re paying for. We always include the services and items that we know every property will need as standard. We don’t include and charge for extras that aren’t typically needed.

The bottom line

Over time, a Safer Home subscription plan works out comparable or even more cost-effective than pay as you go services. Plus there’s the benefit of predictability, simplicity and knowing everything is covered.

No matter which option you choose, you can be confident that Detector Inspector safety services are meeting legislation, keeping properties safe and keeping you covered when it comes to your compliance responsibilities.

Detector Inspector offers both models in Victoria so clients can choose what’s right for them, and we’re always upfront and transparent about what you’re paying for.

Keen to switch to a Safer Home plan, or looking to get more information? Subscribe now or ask a question via the forms below.
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All our subscription plans include smoke alarm and electrical services, with the number of gas appliances at the property determining the right plan for every property.

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New fire safety standards for Short Term Rental Accommodation in New South Wales take effect on 1 March 2022. Our STRA Fire Safety Starter Pack is a simple solution for properties rented to short-term guests.

Do you own or manage a property that’s rented out for short stays? Short-term rental accommodation (the type usually rented through platforms like Stayz and AirBnB) is subject to different fire safety standards than long-term residential rentals. With new rules applied from March 2022, now’s the time to make sure the fire safety measures in your STRA property are up to date.

New rules for Short Term Rental Accommodation

Effective 1 March 2022, the NSW Government has introduced a new policy for STRA, including new fire safety standards.

The new rules clarify that STRA activities of three months or less are not covered by the residential tenancy framework. This means that STRA needs its own set of standards to ensure guests are kept safe.

The fire safety standards apply to both hosted (where the owner resides on the premises) and non-hosted accommodation.

Short term rental accommodation can present different safety risks than long-term rentals because guests are less familiar with the building. The new fire safety standards for STRA are designed to account for this with enhanced early warning and extra safety measures.

What are the new fire safety rules?

The new rules set out mandatory standards for smoke and heat alarms, exit doors, portable fire extinguishers, fire blankets and evacuation diagrams.

Because of the increased risks for temporary guests, the new STRA rules have a couple of key differences from the smoke alarm requirements for long-term residential rental properties.

  • Smoke alarms in STRA properties must be powered by either the mains electricity supply or a non-removable battery with a 10-year life expectancy
  • All alarms in an STRA property must be interconnected

Find the full details of the new standards here.

Staying on top of the fire safety in your STRA is a big undertaking. We’ve designed a solution that addresses the new rules with a minimum of hassle to you, to give you confidence that you’re protected and your guests are safe.

Introducing our Short Term Rental Accommodation Fire Safety Starter Pack

Our Short Term Rental Accommodation Fire Safety Starter Pack available for agency managed properties ensures that they meet a number of important elements of the new fire safety requirements mandated by the NSW government.

The starter pack is tailored to each property so you only pay for what you need.

  • Requirements vary slightly depending on whether the property is a Class 1a building (house) or Class 2 building (apartment) – we understand the different rules so you don’t have to, and we tailor our service to suit.
  • If we attend your property to service it and it already complies with the new STRA standards, we’ll service the alarm and just charge our standard smoke alarm safety service rate. Where no alarms are found, we’ll include the first new alarm in our annual rate as well.
  • If additional alarms are required to make the property compliant, we’ll provide them and invoice per alarm. We have also bundled the fire blanket & extinguisher, so that you’re not paying for extra unnecessary items.

See our simple package pricing structure here.

All of our services are carried out by smoke alarm technicians who have more specialist training than a regular tradie. Our service is guided by our expert knowledge of the new legislation to ensure owners and managers fulfil all compliance obligations.

Best of all, our technology tracks and maintains compliance at properties on a rolling basis. Enrol your properties in an annual STRA fire safety service and we’ll maintain uninterrupted compliance at a low fixed rate, year after year, with virtually no admin and no hassle to you.

Don’t wait – get it sorted today

With the new STRA fire safety standards coming into effect on 1 March 2022, now’s the time to make sure your STRA property is compliant.

If you’re already one of our valued clients, contact your account manager today to get your solution for STRA safety.

If you manage short-term rental accommodation—has your current compliance management provider offered you a tailored solution? If not, it’s time to switch to Australia’s longest-running expert compliance management provider.

Enquire now to ensure ongoing protection with the STRA Fire Safety Starter Pack.

The Short Term Rental Accomodation Fire Safety Starter Pack has been designed to provide a simple solution for property owners and STRA managers to address elements of the new fire safety requirements.

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The massive shortage of qualified Type A Appliance Servicing Gasfitters in Victoria represents a huge work opportunity—but you need Type A accreditation. If a long, expensive qualification process is putting you off, we’ve got the solution.
Why aren’t there enough Type A Gasfitters?

With the introduction of strict new regulations in March 2021 due to the changes to the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic), demand for compliance maintenance services in Victoria exploded overnight.

To help our clients meet the new regulatory requirements, Detector Inspector created all-in-one Safer Home plan to cover smoke alarms, gas and electrical maintenance. Demand for this offering is off the charts, and there’s a shortage of qualified gasfitters to carry out the services.

Obtaining the specialised Type A Appliance Servicing licence class can take a long time, so gasfitters industry-wide are struggling to catch up and get the right qualification to carry out the services.

Our solution? We’ve partnered with a Registered Training Organisation to deliver a nationally recognised training course in-house, so that our existing techs can keep working while we train them. We’re also offering the course to new employees so they can get on the job and get paid right away while they train.

Why do you need a Type A qualification?

The Victorian Building Authority issues licences and enforces qualifications and standards across Victoria. To meet the law, gas appliance checks must be carried out by appropriately qualified technicians who hold a Type A Appliance Servicing specialised class on their plumbing licence.

In the wake of the recent overhaul of legislation, landlords and property managers are becoming more vigilant about meeting the right standards. They know they need to use specialist technicians to keep themselves covered.

With a huge demand for Type A qualified gasfitters, now’s the time to get your credentials up to scratch and take advantage of the work available.

What does the training cover?

The course includes:

  • Flexible online learning
  • Additional practical training at our custom-built facility
  • Learn how to test, diagnose and repair faults
  • Cover all Domestic and light commercial Type A gas appliances including ducted heaters, wall furnaces, hot water services, space heaters and cookers
Why go with Detector Inspector?
  • No money out of your pocket: Detector Inspector pays the course fees for our employees.
  • Train while you work: No trying to do the course on your own time—we support your training.
  • Get paid while you train: Working with us while you train means you keep earning with no interruptions.
  • Awesome working conditions: Detector Inspector techs enjoy flexible hours, no paperwork, tools and uniforms included, a free company car and other great perks for committed employees.

Find out more about what makes Detector Inspector the best place to work and train.

Want to get started today?

We’d love to have you on board. Apply via the form below or forward an up-to-date copy of your CV to jamiel@detectorinspector.com.au

  • Max. file size: 160 MB.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Detector Inspector has been making homes safer since 2005 and provides its range of services to over 300,000 properties across Victoria, NSW, ACT, Queensland, South Australia, and Tasmania.

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Earth continuity testing of power points is a critical component of the mandatory electrical safety checks in Victoria that helps prevent accidents, fire and death, but some service providers are skipping this step. Do you know what to ask?
Why is earth continuity important?

In Australia, switchboards are fitted with safety measures like fuses and safety switches designed to protect occupants. If a fault occurs while an occupant is using an appliance such as a heater, toaster, lamp or laptop charger, these safety measures are designed to kick in to prevent dangerous current from causing electrical accidents such as electrocution or fire.

An earth continuity test ensures that in the case of a fault, those safety measures will work as intended. The test checks the resistance between the earth point on an appliance or power point and the switchboard. Low resistance means that in the event of a fault, the current will flow to the earth point (safe) and not escape externally (safety hazard). Where a current escapes externally, risks include fire, electric shock or even death.

Earth connections need regular testing as they can easily be damaged by a range of factors such as corrosion, loose connections, insulation being crimped under screw terminals or too small a wire being used.

If the earth connection is missing or damaged then an important protection for occupants is diminished or potentially non-existent, creating a significant safety hazard.

How does an earth continuity test work?

Earth continuity tests check that the earth connection at each power point and appliance is undamaged and working to protect occupants from electrical accidents and death.

A common way to complete the test is by using a trailing lead from the main switchboard earth bar to each of the power points and appliances individually throughout the property, measuring the resistance of the earth connection on each one.

An alternate way is complete a loop impedance test of each power point. The loop impedance test measures the resistance as an earth continuity test would. Additionally, the loop impedance test simulates the use of a faulty appliance and validates that all safety devices at the property would work in the case of a short circuit.

At Detector Inspector, we’ve invested in state-of-the-art Fluke testers that allow us to complete the loop impedance test quickly and effectively. We provide photographs of each test at each power point and other appliances (along with evidence of the many other tests we complete as part of the electrical safety check). This provides our clients and their owners with proof of proper testing and an enduring audit trail to refer to should there ever be an incident at the property.

We have also worked closely and collaboratively with Energy Safe Victoria and Victorian Building Authority to ensure that our electrical safety service meets all the requirements outlined in the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021 ("Regulations").

What happens if an earth continuity test is skipped?

It’s come to our attention that some providers skip this step in an electrical safety check.

The legislation governing Electrical Safety Checks is crystal clear. As set out in AS3019:2017, section 4.7.1, earth continuity tests are mandatory as part of a regular electrical safety check. Failure to complete the test would mean that the electrical safety check is not compliant, leaving the agency and owner at risk.

More importantly, if an earth connection is compromised, occupants are exposed to the risk of electrical accidents with the potential to cause electric shock, fire and death.

What to ask your service provider

Some compliance services are failing to complete earth continuity tests, and clients are none the wiser. Without having the legislative and electrical expertise themselves, clients are obliged to trust their service provider to carry out the right tests.

Victorian agents and landlords can protect themselves by asking:

  • Does the provider conduct earth continuity tests on all accessible power points as required by the regulations?
  • Does the provider supply photographic evidence of every test at every power point and appliance?
  • Is this evidence automatically stored to prove your track record of compliance, in case there’s an incident at the property?
Tailored solutions for safer homes

Detector Inspector’s trustworthy electrical safety service is expertly designed to meet all legislative requirements. Once a property is enrolled in our service, we automatically conduct ongoing regular electrical safety checks at a low flat fee. Our service is updated as legislation changes, so that clients will never be left non-compliant.

To keep up with complex and changing legislation in Victoria, our Safer Home plans offer a simple subscription service that maintains ongoing smoke alarm, gas and electrical safety and compliance in one cost-effective package.

Download our comprehensive checklist

We have picked out the essential elements of the electrical safety check from the respective standards and created the below checklist that set out the main checks and testing required in the plainest English we could.

If you are not currently enrolled in our electrical safety service, please ensure you ask your provider to validate that all of these checks, including the earth continuity testing of every power point, is included in the service provided.

Download our electrical safety check checklist (PDF 160KB)

For peace of mind, use a provider with expert knowledge on electrical safety and understanding of the legislation. Enquire with us today.

Detector Inspector's electrical safety service provides peace of mind that all electrical appliances, installations and fittings at a property are safe and compliant.

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Changes to the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic) increased the mandatory safety obligations on electrical safety checks from 29 March 2021. Every two years, an electrical safety check must be carried out by a licensed electrician and must meet the requirements outlined in the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021 ("Regulations").

An electrical safety check is more than just a switchboard test and is not just an appliance service. An electrical safety check includes a comprehensive service and testing of all electrical installations and fittings within the property. This ensures occupants are safe from the danger associated with electrical faults and landlords and property managers are fulfilling their obligations.

1. Testing of switchboard

At Detector Inspector, we conduct a thorough switchboard test including:

  • Visual inspection
  • Checking all fuses for signs of damage or overheating and appropriateness of Amp rated fuse wire/cartridges and replace any damaged fuses
  • Checking all individual breakers for compliance & correct Amp rating and replace any faulty breakers
  • Checking that type of wiring is appropriate, compliant and neither exposed nor damaged
  • Main earthing system compliance testing
  • Safety switch testing and reset and replacement of any faulty or damaged items


Duration

  • 20 – 40 minutes
  • Where issues are identified, time may be extended.


Why it’s important?

The condition and correct operation of a property’s switchboard is critical to home safety. Ensuring there is no exposed wiring, that fuses and breakers are undamaged and compliant and that safety switches (where installed) are operating as expected.

In Australia, 15 people are killed and 300 hospitalised every year due to electrical accidents in the home. As at December 2019, 40% of homes were unprotected by safety switches. Even where safety switches are present, in 30% of homes it protects only power outlet circuits (and not light circuits).

Where we identify a switchboard with breakers but no safety switches, we will complete an insulation resistance test, to measure the total resistance between any two points separated by electrical insulation.

Where the property is enrolled in our Safer Home subscription plan, we will replace standard safety switches, fuses and breakers at no charge.

2. Testing of every accessible power point in the home

In addition to a switchboard testing, we also test all accessible power point in the home. This includes:          

  • A visual inspection
  • Earth continuity tests (or can be substituted with earth loop impedance tests)
  • Voltage and polarity tests


Duration

These checks take approx. 20 – 50 minutes.


Why it's important?

These tests ensure that earth connections are undamaged and uncorroded. Earth connections in power points can often be damaged by a range of factors such as insulation being crimped under screw terminals, loose connections or too small a wire being used.

When earth connections are working as they should, then if a faulty appliance were to be used, or a child were to insert a metal object into the power point, the safety mechanisms at the switchboard will be triggered and the occupant will not be electrocuted. A damaged earth connection can also result in increased fire risk.

Where the property is enrolled in our Safer Home subscription plan, we will replace standard power points at no charge.

3. Checks of each landlord supplied electrical appliance

As part of our comprehensive electrical safety check, we conduct checks of each landlord supplied electrical appliance including:      

  • Visual inspection of each appliance and assessment as to whether accessible and in good operating condition
  • Checks for faulty or damaged plugs or leads
  • Earth continuity test where the appliance frame is metal and/or conductive
  • Checks of all accessible light switches for compliance and replace faulty or damaged items (excluding globes)
  • Checks of all overhead fans for compliance


Duration

These checks take approx. 10 – 15 minutes.


Why it's important?

These checks do not require full servicing of the appliances. Instead, these tests are designed to ensure safe operating condition of landlord provided electrical appliances.

Faulty light switches create shock hazards. Each accessible light switch is inspected and tested for evidence of degradation and replaced where there are cracks or other faults.

Where the property is enrolled in our Safer Home subscription plan, we will replace standard light switches at no charge.

Download our easy reference checklist

We have picked out the essential elements of the electrical safety check from the respective standards and created the below checklist that set out the main checks and testing required in the plainest English we could.

We are aware that some other providers are failing to complete all the required tests. If you are not currently enrolled in our electrical safety service, please ensure you ask them to validate that all of these checks, including the earth continuity testing of every power point, is included in the service provided.

We have worked closely and collaboratively with Energy Safe Victoria and Victorian Building Authority to ensure that our electrical safety service meets all the requirements outlined in the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021 ("Regulations").

Download our electrical safety check checklist (PDF 160KB)

Get the protection you need with our electrical safety service

Detector Inspector's electrical safety service provides peace of mind that all electrical appliances, installations and fittings at a property are safe and compliant.

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From 29 March 2021, the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic) requires gas safety checks at residential rental properties every two years. The gas safety check must be carried out by a Type A Appliance Servicing accredited gas fitter and must meet the requirements outlined in the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021 ("Regulations").

In order to complete a gas safety check, it’s mandatory to complete a full service of all gas appliances. Without this step, the gas safety check is incomplete and the property is not compliant.

1. Full service of all gas appliances connected to the main property gas supply

At Detector Inspector, we complete a full service of all gas appliances connected to the property’s main gas supply. This includes the following steps:

  • Clean dust and debris from appliances including burner, pilot, fan, filters and air intakes
  • Check the integrity of the heat exchanger
  • Check the gas supply and appliance operating pressures
  • Check that the gas appliance burner ignition is reliable and complete
  • Check for any gas appliance flame abnormality
  • Check the operation of the gas appliance, including safety devices
  • Complete a combustion spillage (carbon monoxide) test on all heating appliances and internal, open flued appliances


Duration

  • A full service of a gas heater will typically take 60-75 minutes.
  • A full service of other gas appliances will typically take 15-30 minutes.


Why it’s important?

A full service of all gas appliances every 2 years is strongly recommended by ESV and is now required by the RTA. The checks ensure that the appliances are running efficiently, that there are not dangerous cracks in the heat exchanger that could leak poisonous carbon monoxide into the home and that they are operating safely and effectively.

Carbon monoxide is poisonous, odourless and can be deadly. Any installation that is leaking carbon monoxide must be immediately capped off for the safety of occupants.

Where the property is enrolled in our Safer Home subscription plan, we will replace faulty or damaged thermocouples at no charge.

2. Gas installation checks

In addition to full service of all gas appliances connected to the main property gas supply, we also complete checks of each gas installation. During the service we:          

  • Check pressure retention on the main gas line
  • Ensure access for servicing & adjustment
  • Check that electrically safe
  • Check that gas installations, including gas cookers, are adequately restrained to avoid tipping over
  • Check that gas installations meet clearance requirements from any combustible surfaces
  • Where LPG cylinders are present, check that they and associated gas components are installed correctly
  • Check that there is adequate ventilation for appliances to act safely
  • Check that gas isolation valves are installed, as required
  • Check gas appliances for evidence of certification


Duration

These checks take approx. 20 – 50 minutes.


Some important information to note

  • Testing and checks are required to be carried out every 2 years. Where the gas regulator is unable to be accessed to complete the tests, it’s impossible to certify the compliance of the installation and it is a requirement that work is undertaken to permit servicing and adjustment.
  • Sudden movement of unrestrained gas installations could disconnect the gas line into the appliance, with potentially catastrophic effect. It is a requirement that gas installations are restrained.
  • Incorrectly installed LPG cylinders and components can present a significant risk to the health and safety of occupants.
  • Inadequate ventilation for gas appliances can present a significant risk to the health and safety of occupants.
  • Gas isolation valves act as emergency isolation valves and are required to be installed to enable rapid shut off of the gas flow in the case of an emergency.
  • Where the property is enrolled in our Safer Home subscription plan, we will rectify certain compliance issues including basic PTR line extensions, reconnection of minor loose ductwork, minor flue repositioning, securing of freestanding oven, gas regulator rotation and gas cooktop raising at no charge.
Download our easy reference checklist

We have picked out the essential elements of the gas check from the respective standards and created a checklist that set out the main checks and testing required in the plainest English we could.

We are aware that some other providers are failing to complete all the required tests. If you are not currently enrolled in our gas safety service, please ensure you validate that all of these checks, including a full service of each gas appliance, is included in any service provided.

We have worked closely and collaboratively with Energy Safe Victoria and Victorian Building Authority to ensure that our gas safety service meets all the requirements outlined in the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021 ("Regulations").

Download our gas safety check checklist (PDF 160KB)

Get the protection you need with our gas safety service

Detector Inspector's gas safety service provides peace of mind that all gas appliances, installations and fittings at a property are safe and compliant.

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Dead air space is invisible, but it can stop smoke alarms from doing their job. Identifying the best position for placing smoke alarms is crucial for safety, as well as complying with legislation.
Have you heard of dead air space?

Many people don’t know how to spot it, or how to stop it from interfering with smoke alarms.

Dead air space is an unventilated space where air doesn’t circulate. It often occurs where corners meet, like in the apex of a cathedral ceiling, in between exposed floor joists in the ceiling or where the ceiling meets the wall. Air can get trapped here in pockets, so that no new air flows in or out of the space.

What does this mean for smoke alarms?

When a room fills with smoke, the smoke won’t penetrate dead air spaces because the trapped air and lack of circulation keeps the smoke out of that pocket. The smoke will just roll along the path of least resistance, past the dead air space.

If a smoke alarm happens to be mounted in a dead air space, it won’t detect smoke properly because a pocket of air is keeping the smoke away from the alarm’s sensors. The room could be filling with smoke while the smoke detector is effectively trapped in a protective bubble of dead air, preventing it from doing its job!

Smoke alarm placement is complicated – for a reason!

Since most fire fatalities occur when people are sleeping, it’s crucial that smoke alarms are placed to alert people to the presence of smoke with plenty of time to wake up and get out of the building.

The location of smoke alarms can have a significant impact on their performance and ultimately on the safety of the occupants in case of a fire.

Regulations around the number, type and placement of smoke alarms are very specific. It can be frustrating for property owners, but the regulations have been designed that way for good reasons! There are a lot of factors when it comes to safety.

One of the considerations for smoke alarm placement is the avoidance of dead air space. You can’t see dead air space, but a properly trained technician can pick the best placement for smoke alarms to ensure maximum performance in an emergency.

It’s not simple to place smoke alarms correctly, but it’s important to get it right.

The rules for the installation of smoke alarms depend on the building’s use, its size and its layout. The legislation requirements in each state provide a detailed guide, but every building is a little different.

Dead air space is one of the many considerations that an expert technician will take into account when choosing the right positions for smoke alarms in accordance with the guidelines in the legislation.

There’s an art to meeting all the legislative requirements and identifying the best locations for smoke alarms based on the features of the individual building. That’s why it’s important to get somebody with the right expertise to install smoke alarms and perform regular inspections.

A simple solution

Detector Inspector’s trained technicians have expertise in state specific legislation, smoke alarm technology and safety issues. You can rest assured they know what they’re doing!

During an initial smoke alarm safety service

  • Our technician might identify that a hardwired smoke alarm is located in a dead air space.
  • We send out a quote and seek approval to reposition the alarm.
  • If approved, a qualified electrician will be booked to reposition it.

Then Detector Inspector maintains compliance year after year as the legislation changes. Our customisable, automated service system means there’s virtually no admin and no hassle for property managers, owners or tenants.

Enrol your properties in our smoke alarm safety program and never worry about compliance again.

Dead air space can be deadly. It’s not worth the risk!

Before 2019, The Building Code of Australia recommended repositioning any smoke alarm mounted in dead air space, so if the property was built prior to 2019 we’re still able to issue a certificate of compliance if the owner chooses not to go ahead. However, for properties built since 2019, it has become mandatory.

To be safe, we strongly recommend repositioning all smoke alarms to get them clear of dead air space. This will help ensure that all smoke alarms are operating properly and detecting smoke efficiently in case of an emergency.

If the worst happens and a smoke alarm fails to operate when occupants are sleeping, it might be too late.

Plus, there could be liability issues if damage or death occurs from a fire where the owner was informed about dead air space and chose not to reposition a smoke alarm.

For peace of mind on complicated issues like smoke alarm placement, put your properties in the hands of a provider with the right expertise.

Enquire today about getting expert help with smoke alarm safety.

Detector Inspector's smoke alarm safety service provides peace of mind that all smoke alarms at a property are operating correctly and the property is safe and compliant.

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Responsibilities for agents and landlords are increasing or have already increased in light of new legislation changes in Victoria, NSW and Queensland in 2021 and 2022. Entry notifications enable clustering of your jobs to move through your backlog faster.
What are entry notifications?

Entry notifications (“ENs”) are email or print communications that notify tenants that a mandatory service is to be carried out at their property on a specified date and that the service provider will collect from the agency a duplicate key and use it to gain access regardless of whether the tenant is at the home or not.

It’s a fully automated, system that eliminates your time on the phone chasing tenants.

Full automation means the system is not reliant on agents to monitor responses, communicate with service providers or chase tenants for access to the property.

How do entry notifications work?

It’s a simple process for Detector Inspector to set you up for entry notifications. Once set up, communication to tenants regarding the forthcoming services will be sent for all properties enrolled in the service.

  • When a service is due, an entry notification is sent to tenants via email informing them that one of our technicians will enter using a duplicate key collected from the real estate agency. If the tenant wishes to change the time of entry, they have 48 hours to do so online or by contacting our customer service team.
  • A reminder SMS is sent to all tenants’ mobile numbers 24 hours before the arranged time.
  • Detector Inspector emails the property manager a list of all properties 24 hours before the service date to let you them which keys will be collected.
  • Keys are picked up and returned on the same day as the service, and we GPS track the keys in our possession so that we know their locations throughout the day.
  • Upon arriving at the address on the designated day, our field services team member will ring the doorbell and/or knock on the door prior to entry and upon entry into the property, will loudly announce entry, and where unoccupied, our team member will leave a sign on the front door alerting any returning renters of their presence.
Digital entry notifications. What else they can do?
  • Personalised – all emails are sent from your agency email address.
  • Reliable – the whole exchange is fully automated, from the initial booking to reminders until the job is complete, so nothing gets missed.
  • Prompt – the system doesn’t rely on the agent to follow up responses, so tenants receive timely, professional communication.
  • Non-intrusive – everything is automatically arranged via email, saving the agent the hassle of multiple phone calls and allowing the tenant to respond at their convenience.
  • Streamlined – all this adds up to a system that saves everybody involved time and hassle.
Why we love entry notifications

No paper and no phone calls equals no hassle! It’s a no-brainer.

No hassle for agents. Entry notifications are automatically sent when a property is due for a service. Tenants can confirm or change the time of their appointment online without having to go through the property manager, saving you multiple phone calls.

No hassle for tenants. Automatic notifications make it easy for tenants to understand and comply. The notification explains why our technicians need to enter the property, proposed date & time, and duration of safety check. Tenants have 48 hours to change the appointment online to suit their convenience.

The bottom line is that entry notifications enable clustering of your jobs to move through your backlog faster because they make the process hassle-free for everybody involved.

As part of our strategy to maintain uninterrupted compliance, Detector Inspector will be ditching paper notifications and gradually helping all our clients go digital. If you’d like to make life simpler straight away, contact your account manager and get the ball rolling on digital entry notifications now.

Contact us today to ask about a custom-built compliance management solution for your office.

Keeping on top of the compliance of your rental properties can be a major undertaking. That's why we designed our services, our client support and our technology to save you time, reduce hassle and give you comfort that you are protected.

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