Parrearra Smoke Alarm Installation: On The Job With Smoke Alarmed 28-08-2019

Luke Pritchard • July 31, 2025
Parrearra Two Storey Home Exterior

🗺 Where We Went

On 28th August 2019, our team headed out to a two-storey residential property in Parrearra, Sunshine Coast QLD, after receiving a report of a smoke alarm going off randomly in the downstairs area.

❓ What Was the Issue?

The homeowner had a real nuisance on their hands. The downstairs smoke alarm was false-alarming without warning—and worse still, it was interconnected with the rest of the alarms in the house. When one went off, they all went off... often in the middle of the night. Sleep, interrupted.


They’d already tried everything:

  • Replaced the 9-volt backup battery
  • Vacuumed the unit to clear dust and debris
  • Pressed the ‘hush’ button for a reset

But the problem persisted, with no identifiable trigger.
Expired Ionisation Smoke Alarm With Damage

🔍 Diagnosis: What We Found

We began with a full inspection of the downstairs unit. Right away, we noticed a bad electrical connection between the ceiling-mounted base and the body of the alarm. The contact pins were bent, and there was visible charring from electrical arcing. Not good.


We also discovered a heavy build-up of insects and debris inside the alarm—a common cause of random activations.


Most importantly, the alarm was well past its use-by date—expired in August 2015—and of the now outdated ionisation type. In Queensland, smoke alarms being replaced must be upgraded to photoelectric models, which are faster at detecting smouldering fires and much less prone to false alarms from things like cooking smoke or toast.


A quick check upstairs revealed that the second alarm was also expired. Time for a full replacement.
Installed Clipsal Photoelectric Smoke Alarm

🛠 What We Did Next

After explaining the situation to the client, we replaced both expired smoke alarms with new Clipsal 240V mains-powered photoelectric smoke alarms, each fitted with a 9-volt backup battery. The client opted not to install the lithium-sealed version, preferring the flexibility of annual battery changes.


We’re big fans of Clipsal alarms—they’re highly reliable, rarely false alarm, and their wide base plates cover up any old paint rings or mounting marks from previous units.


We also reconnected the interconnecting wiring, so if one alarm sounds, the others will too—just as they should.


Here’s a shot of the finished installation, looking sharp and up to code:

  • Check Alarm Expiry Date

    All smoke alarms expire 10 years after installation. Check the date printed on each unit and keep a record of when they’re due for replacement. Expired alarms won’t protect you properly, so make sure each one is checked and replaced on time—especially if they were installed at different times.

  • Understand False Alarms

    If your alarm blasts off randomly, it’s rarely the backup battery at fault. Battery changes won’t fix full false alarms. But if your alarm chirps once every 40 seconds, that’s a dead giveaway your battery needs replacing. Knowing the difference can save you stress—and sleep.

  • Check for Ionisation Type

    Older ionisation smoke alarms are less effective and more prone to nuisance alerts. Check your existing alarms and consider upgrading to photoelectric models. They detect smouldering fires faster and are the legal standard in QLD—perfect for Sunshine Coast homes.

  • Try Vacuuming the Alarm

    False alarms can be caused by dust, insects or debris inside the sensing chamber. Use a vacuum around the openings and vents of the alarm to clear any blockages. It’s a simple trick that often restores peace and quiet—without needing a full replacement.

Need Help With Smoke Alarms in Parrearra or the Sunshine Coast?

If you live in Parrearra (Kawana Island) or anywhere across the Sunshine Coast, QLD, the team at Smoke Alarmed is here to help with all your smoke alarm repairs and installations—fast, friendly, and hassle-free.


When you choose us, here’s what you can count on:

  • $0 call-out fee
  • Licensed electricians & smoke alarm experts
  • On-time arrival—or we pay YOU $100!
  • Real-time tracking via call or text, so you can see us coming turn-by-turn
  • Upfront fixed pricing—no hourly rates or sneaky surprises
  • Clean, tidy, professional service—boot covers, drop sheets, vacuums, the whole works

📞 Call us now on 1800 SMOKE ALARM (1800 766 532)
📩 Contact us today and get peace of mind with professional, prompt smoke alarm service.

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