Authors
John William Meklenburg, Timothy John Manchester, Kemal F. Moise, Brian Potts
Sponsor
Fire Protection Association Australia
Advisors
Stephen J. Weininger, Robert Kinicki
Term
March – May 2009
Abstract
A comprehensive report on smoke alarm effectiveness was completed for Fire Protection Association (FPA) Australia to aid fire protection officials around the world in drafting legislation that more accurately reflects the international de facto standard. Research shows that photoelectric smoke alarms are more effective than ionization units in most residential fire situations. The current warning tone was shown to be ineffective and should be replaced with a 520 Hz square wave pattern. Analysis of a successful (70% return rate) international survey indicates current compliance monitoring and enforcement practices are insufficient in many regions. A database was developed for FPA Australia through compilation of the survey responses.
Final Report
International Smoke Alarm Legislation & Technology in Residential Structures