Frequently asked questions
Have questions about your Red Smoke Alarms? Our FAQ page answers the most common queries about installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Find quick, clear answers to keep your smoke alarms in top shape.
Explore our FAQ section below for the information you need.
Most commonly asked questions
Red Smoke Alarms specialises in high-quality smoke detection systems designed to keep your home safe. Our products include a range of smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, heat alarms and smoke alarm Accessories.
If you look up at your unit you will see either one LED light (Wireless) or two LED lights (Hardwired) The hardwired alarm has one steady green light on it.
Legislation states that you must replace smoke alarms every 10 years, regardless of their condition. Smoke alarms have a limited lifespan, and their sensors can degrade over time, reducing their effectiveness.
Our product range includes both hardwired and battery-operated smoke alarms. Hardwired models are connected to your home’s electrical system and usually have a battery backup. Battery-operated models are easier to install and don’t require wiring.
That will depend on what State you live in. Check out our Smoke alarm calculator to help you work it out.
When an alarm sirens it produces a loud, continuous, and often high-pitched sound that is designed to quickly alert you. When an alarm beeps it emits a series of short, repetitive beeps at regular intervals.
R10RF/R10: Twist alarm anticlockwise ( this turns the alarm off) Hold the test/Hush button for 10 seconds to drain the remaining battery.
R9: Twist alarm anticlockwise (this turns the alarm off), Remove the battery Hold the test/Hush button for 10 seconds to drain remaining battery
R240: switch the button on the side and hang the alarm open. Remove battery Hold the test/Hush button for 10 seconds to drain remaining battery. Leave Alarm hanging open
R240RC: switch the button on the side and hang the alarm open. Slide the battery to the off position, hold the test/Hush button for 10 seconds to drain remaining battery. Leave Alarm hanging open.
No, we are a manufacturer only.
No, we only sell to electrical wholesalers. You can purchase through them. Check out our where to buy page to find the closest wholesaler to you.
You can reach our customer support team via email at service@kpsaustralia.com.au or by phone at 1300 316 552. We’re available Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM to assist with any questions or issues.
Yes, all our smoke alarms come with a 10 year manufacturer’s warranty.
We suggest installing a Red Smoke Alarm Controller for added convenience. This device enables you to test, silence, and pinpoint triggered smoke alarms without having to access them on the ceiling. Simply press the ‘locate’ button to quickly identify and address any faulty alarms.
Yes, all our smoke alarms meet or exceed national safety standards and regulations. We ensure our products are tested and certified by recognized safety organisations to provide reliable protection.
Yes, they are compliant with the current AS3786:2014 standard.
NCC2025 will be published around November 2024 and will come into effect on May 1, 2025 and expected to reference AS3786:2023.
Red Smoke Alarms have a date-code label on the bottom of the alarm which indicates the manufacturing date. The replacement date is 10 years after that. Red Smoke Alarms have a 10-year life, after which they should be replaced to ensure you continue to receive the best possible protection coverage.
Installation
All hired wired alarms must be installed by a licensed electrician. Battery Operated Smoke alarms are a simple twist-and-go system. You attached the base to the roof and simply twist the smoke alarm into the base to turn it on. Following the guidelines online or in the manual in terms of distance from the walls fans etc
No, Red Smoke Alarms are not made to be interconnected with other brands, and doing so will void your warranty.
It is advisable to mount on a ceiling in a central position. Avoid areas where there is no air circulation. E.g., Corners of rooms and keep away from items which may prevent the free flow of air. Place the unit at least 300mm from any light fitting or decorative object which might obstruct smoke / heat entering the alarm. Keep at least 300mm away from walls.
Yes, but do not mount Smoke Alarms tight into corners, place the top edge of your smoke alarm 500mm below the ceiling. Keep at least 300mm from room corners.
Yes, In areas with sloping or peaked ceilings install your Smoke Alarm 900mm from the highest point measured horizontally because “dead air” at the apex may prevent smoke from reaching the unit.
Push the test/hush button for 3 seconds.
Firstly, make sure all alarms are turned on. Then take one and push and hold the pairing button until the red light goes solid and then you double tap the subsequent alarms that you want to pair into the master. Follow instructions on Manual for more detailed instructions.
Maintenance
If your smoke alarm ‘chirps/beeps’ every 48 seconds, it usually indicates a low battery. Your smoke alarm will warn of a low battery for at least 30 days. If you have an R9 or a R240 you will need to replace the battery every 12 months. If you are getting a single beep from any other Red Smoke Alarms please contact our customer service team on: 1300 316 552 or service@kpsaustralia.com.au
If your smoke alarm goes off, first check for any signs of smoke or fire. If there’s no immediate danger, an environmental or installation issue may have set your alarm off. Once you have silenced your alarms. You will need to identify which alarm has triggered (Look for the alarm with the red flashing LED light every 5 seconds). You will need to eliminate all environmental factors. If this is a very recent installation call your installer to check on any installation issues. If it is an older installation please read through our diagnostic checklist and ensure you have eliminated any environmental issues.
False alarming is generally caused by environmental or installation issue.
This includes:
- Insects and insect ingress or dust
- Humidity
- Incorrect Installation examples
- Incorrect placement of the alarm ( to close to air con vent, fan, bathroom, laundry etc)
- incorrect cabling used (eg aircon cable)
- Power & Ripple effects
- shared circuit
- If alarms are hardwire interconnected AND have a RWB base on each of the hardwired alarms
Using the test button on your smoke alarm will ensure an accurate and complete test of your alarm(s) so you can feel confident that they are working properly. To test a smoke alarm, simply press and hold the Test/Hush button on the unit for 3 seconds. This will check the smoke alarm’s electronics and sounder. If the smoke alarm is operating correctly, you will hear the alarm sound. If you have a controller:- Push the test button on your controller.
To replace the battery, Hang he alarm from mounting base and remove the battery from compartment. Once the battery has been removed hold the test/hush button down for 10 seconds to drain any remaining power being held in the unit. Replace the old 9v battery with a new 9v battery from a reputable battery brand. The battery can only be inserted in one direction, please ensure the polarity is correct. . The smoke alarm can now be reinstalled back onto the mounting base.
It is very important that you regularly maintain your smoke alarms. At a minimum, we suggest:
Monthly: Testing. Press the ‘test’ button on your smoke alarm to ensure the electrical circuit, alarm, interconnection and battery are functioning properly. If the alarm doesn’t sound, the battery may be dead or there could be another issue that needs immediate attention.
Monthly: Cleaning. Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to gently clean all sides and the cover of each smoke alarm in your home. Take a cloth sprayed with insect repellent and wipe the outside of the alarm.
| Wireless (R10RF) | Hardwired (R240 or R240RC) | |
| Normal Operation | Red LED flashes once every 48 seconds | Solid Green Light + Red LED flash every 48 Sec |
| Improper Wiring Signal | N/A | Red LED flashes 3 times per 1 second with no sound |
| Fault Signal | Red LED flashes twice and beeps twice every 48 seconds | Red LED flashes twice and beeps twice every 48 seconds |
| Low Battery Signal | Red LED flashes once and beeps once every 48 seconds | Red LED flashes once and beeps once every 48 seconds |
| Triggered Alarm Signal | Red LED flashes every 5 seconds for 72 hours | Red LED flashes every 5 seconds for72 hours |
