Find answers to the most commonly asked questions on Quell products
Yes. All Quell® products are subjected to rigorous internal and independent testing. All smoke alarms are tested and approved in accordance with Australian Standards.
Not withstanding guarantees which cannot be excluded under Australian Consumer Law, Kidde Australia warrants that Quell products will be free from manufacturing defects for a minimum period of at least 1 year. Refer to the Product User Manual for the specified warranty period of your purchased product.
Faulty products should be returned to your place of purchase.
There are many models of smoke alarm that come with concealed long life batteries, you can check the base of the alarm to see what type of model you have. If the model of smoke alarm you have requires a battery to be replaced Quell® recommends replacing smoke alarm batteries annually. We suggest picking an annual event like the first day of Autumn, as your battery replacement day so that you don’t forget.
Quell® recommends replacing smoke alarm every 10 years or if the smoke alarm becomes physically damaged.
Yes, 240V powered smoke alarms must have back up battery according to Australian Standards. It is important to replace the battery regularly on models with replacable batteries.
Photoelectric Sensors
Photoelectric smoke alarms have been designed to detect the types of fires that can smoulder for hours before bursting into flames, those fires most commonly found in the home. Photoelectric sensors are capable of detecting the larger smoke particles produced by burning foam, rubber and synthetic materials.
Ionization Sensors
Ionisation smoke alarms are designed to detect fast flaming fires as well as other fires that produce smaller smoke particles. Ionisation sensors are suitable for detecting burning paper, wood and flammable liquids.
Photoelectric-type alarms aim a light source into a sensing chamber at an angle away from the sensor. Smoke enters the chamber, reflecting light onto the light sensor; triggering the alarm.
Ionization-type smoke alarms have a small amount of radioactive material between two electrically charged plates, which ionizes the air and causes current to flow between the plates. When smoke enters the chamber, it disrupts the flow of ions, thus reducing the flow of current and activating the alarm.
Yes. Regular cleaning of devices assists in preventing nuisance or unwanted alarms. We recommend you vacuum your smoke alarms monthly following the manufacturers instructions. This prevents dust build up and small insects making a home in your smoke alarm.
Interconnected smoke alarms communicate either via a wired or wireless connection between each device. When one smoke alarm activates, all other smoke alarms on the network will sound, providing increasing the probability of early notification for occupants in the event of an emergency.
CO alarms detect carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that cannot be seen and has no taste or smell. If you have a fuel burning appliance such as a gas cooktop, wood or has heater in your home, it is recommended that you have it serviced regularly and you install a CO alarm in the vicinity of the appliance.
Fire extinguishers cannot be disposed of in the general waste and most councils will not collect them in a hard rubbish collection.
Check with your local council for household chemical collection.
Fire extinguishers in the home should be turned upside down every 6 months to ensure the powdered does not set on the bottom of the extinguisher.
Every five years fire extinguishers should be pressure tested by a registered fire extinguisher service organisation.
If your extinguisher has be discharged, even partially, it should be replaced or refilled by a registered fire extinguisher service organisation.
An extinguisher showing signs of damage or rust should be replaced.
No, Quell does not have the facilities in Australia to provide a service to recharge your extinguisher.