Technical information on alarms

The Australian Standard covering smoke alarms is AS3786-1993. This comprehensive document covers

SECTION 1 - SCOPE AND GENERAL
  1.1  SCOPE
  1.2  APPLICATION
  1.3  'Not applicable'
  1.4  INTERPRETATIONS
  1.5  REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
  1.6  CLASSIFICATION
  1.7  DEFINITIONS
  1.8  INTERPRETATION OF SPECIFIED LIMITING VALUES
SECTION 2 - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
  2.1  GENERAL
  2.2  POWER SUPPLY
  2.3  BATTERIES AND BATTERY CONNECTIONS
  2.4  MATERIALS AND COMPONENTS
  2.5  DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
  2.6  MOUNTING FACILITIES
  2.7  SENSITIVITY ADJUSTMENTS
  2.8  CONNECTING FACILITIES
  2.9  ELECTRICAL SAFETY
  2.10 SELF TEST FACILITY
  2.11 RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
  2.12 LIGHT EMITTING DIODE (LED) SOURCE LAMPS
  2.13 'Not applicable'
  2.14 ALARM SILENCING MEANS
  2.15 ALARM SIGNAL
SECTION 3 - PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
  3.1  GENERAL
  3.2  SENSITIVITY
  3.3  ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
  3.4  ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
  3.5  SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL
  3.6  STRENGTH OF SCREW THREAD AND FIXINGS
SECTION 4 - PRODUCT INFORMATION AND MARKING
  4.1  GENERAL
  4.2  INSTRUCTIONS
  4.3  PACKAGING
SECTION 5 - ASSESSMENT OF COMPLIANCE
  5.1  GENERAL
  5.2  DOCUMENTATION
  5.3  CRITERIA OF ACCEPTANCE AND TEST SCHEDULE

Abstract

Specifies the requirements for the design and performance of electrically operated smoke alarms containing detection and alarm facilities. It also allows, but does not require, for the inclusion within the smoke alarm facilities for inter-connection with other units or accessories. Where such facilities are included, the Standard specifies requirements for the connection interface. It is not intended that this interface be used for connection to remote monitoring stations. The Standard applies to smoke alarms for installation within residential accommodation where connection to remote monitoring is not required.

Scope

This Standard specifies requirements for the design and performance of electrically operated smoke alarms containing both detection and alarm facilities.
This Standard allows, although it does not require, the inclusion within the smoke alarm of facilities for interconnection with other similar units, or accessories. Where such facilities are included, this Standard specifies requirements for the connection interface. However, such an interface is not intended for connection to fire control stations.
This Standard applies to smoke alarms intended for installation within residential accommodation where connection to fire control stations is not required.

Application

A network of interconnected smoke alarms shall not be substituted for installations which require compliance with AS 1670.
The test methods included in this Standard are intended to assess the suitability of smoke alarms solely for residential applications.

History

First published as AS 3786-1990.
Second edition 1993.

SAI GLOBAL AS 3786-1993 Smoke alarms



Most smoke alarms in Australia have an output of 3000Hz at 84dB. Which you can sample for yourself hear here. (Please make sure you have your volume a low as it can be irritating) http://onlinetonegenerator.com/.

To give you an idea of the volume you can see where 84dB falls on this chart

 Image source