Developed through research by Victoria University, Brisbane-based Watch Smoke Alarms is now distributing 520Hz smoke alarms that are proven to be ten-times more likely to wake sleeping children.

Unlike standard high-pitched smoke alarms, the 520Hz square wave creates a “dissonant” sound of a mix of tones across frequencies that the human ear is most sensitive to, making it far harder to ignore or sleep through.

Research led by Professor Dorothy Bruck at Victoria University found that these alarms are six to ten times more effective at waking children, seven times better for people with hearing loss and significantly improve escape times for older adults and those under the influence of alcohol.

“Traditional smoke alarms failed to wake 77% of children, 56% of hearing-impaired individuals, and 62% of young adults with even moderate blood alcohol levels (0.05 BAC). I’m incredibly grateful to see this research finally being used in Australian homes,” Dorothy says.

“However, I can’t help but feel frustrated that it’s taken nearly 20 years for this technology to be available to homeowners in Australia. Every year of delay has potentially cost lives that could have been saved with more effective alarm systems.”

The 520 Hz alarms are being distributed by Brisbane-based Watch Smoke Alarms, and general manager Chris McDonald says: “Unlike Queensland, where homes must have fully interconnected smoke alarms, including in bedrooms, the rest of Australia continues to rely on ineffective alarm systems that fail to wake the most vulnerable people when it matters most.”

“We are urging policymakers to follow Queensland’s lead in mandating interconnected alarms.”

Queensland currently mandates fully interconnected alarms in every bedroom, providing early warnings and greater safety for occupants.

“Queensland has set the gold standard, and we need every other state and territory to step up and introduce stronger smoke alarm laws. With lives at stake, home owners should install interconnected alarms and upgrade to 520 Hz models now,” Chris says.