Residual current devices are installations that promote safety by shutting down the electrical power supply for the affected circuit. It maintains the same flow of electricity flowing into and out of the circuit. Its primary function is to prevent an electrical shock or conditions that could lead to an overload of current and start a fire.

Circuit breakers are connected to the fuse box inside the building. It is connected to a specific breaker or fuse. Its primary function is to prevent a power overload and common short circuits in the breaker box. They interrupt the power supply whenever too high of a volume of current is flowing to the specific breaker. This prevents electrical shock and common electrical fires attributed to higher energy flow.

Initially a shop front isn't required, however to be successful and sell at the best possible price a store is required in 3 years. This is also another investment and have the business pay off your store.

From initial enquiry the average is around three months, this includes a Discovery Day(meet the team that wants you to be successful), your professional advice, training, marketing setup and equipment ordering.

Due to pressurized extinguishers being transported and the health and safety risk FCF utilize the VW Caddy and Hilux utes.

Branding is important and we recommend starting with a VW Caddy as you are driving around a mobile billboard for the business.

On average FCF targets 20% growth as a sustainable health growth range. Some franchisees wish to grow faster and the support team assist in 50% to 100% growth.

The more effort you put in the more you can earn. One key part to ensure that you are gaining the most out of your investment is to take up the study sessions each month as these are designed to build your knowledge base and in turn find more non-compliant issues with clients sites. On the Successful FCF Franchise Page we can see some basic figures from John and Carmen's journey. To find out how much Jacobs  Franchise Territory is earning as a self-managed business fill out the information tab and find out.

FCF has a marketing team of three people who perform a range of duties to assist in gaining local work for your territory. National clients is a growing section with FCFs structure allowing for competitive national pricing.

In the initial training we will let out all the secrets in how to gain work with your role and the supports office role to ensure we make the phone ring.

The initial investment is $31500 and $41500 ex gst. However another $25000 is needed for capital (which includes your wages), setting up a home office and professional advice.

Franchise lite is one week and Franchise Full is two weeks in beautiful Hervey Bay Qld. An information overload is crammed into the time at the support office. Training doesn't stop at FCF as information is key to a successful business and ongoing support is always available. FCF have had franchisees come back for more field time training at no cost to further their skill set in specific fields.

FCF has a sliding royalties scale. With our data we know when a pay point in a franchisees growth occurs and lowing royalties allows your business more cash flow to fund the next growth stage. This goes from 8% to 2%. A marketing fee is also set up and aims to stay below $500 per month. The fee is inputted by the franchisees each year to the needs of our marketing.

This is your business and if you decide it's time to sell the franchise agreement sets out the process. We do recommend having at least two years notice before selling so that we can ensure great figures for a great return.

You don't have to be an electrician and FCF with some short courses can help you run a very successful business.

Post codes, 5000 plus businesses, 10000 plus residential dwellings and income demographics. Our Territories are large and have the potential to have $1m plus turn overs.

Research has been done in the American market into the potential to franchise, however FCF will only look to stay within the Australian standards and not take the business global.

Combination RCDs are a combination of a circuit breaker and another form of the residual current devices. They reduce the probability of electrocution. They also prevent equipment and appliance damage due to excessive currents. While they aren't standard requirements, they provide added protection in larger buildings.

RCDs, or Residual Current Devices, monitor the flow of electricity as it enters a building from the main switchboard. If an imbalance in the circuit is detected, the device cuts the power to avoid severe injury or electrocution. The requirement of having two devices allows the circuits to be evenly divided so some lights and power outlets will continue to operate if one device cuts the electrical supply.

Buildings constructed anywhere in Australia since the year 2000 should already be fitted with two devices. Homes on the real estate market, residential complexes, and businesses have to be updated in order to be in compliance with the law, as of 2009. Failure to comply can result in hefty fines.

It is the responsibility of homeowners, business owners, property managers, landlords, and real estate agents to ensure that two RCDs are fitted into buildings. The real estate agents are obligated to inform sellers of the law, and the property managers have to inform clients of the requirement, and document that they have done so to protect themselves from liability.

A land transfer on any property cannot be completed unless the building has been fitted with the required two switches. A licensed electrician is the only professional allowed to fit the switches to the switchboard. People living in rented properties, apartment complexes, or dormitories should check the property for compliance. If there are not two devices, notify the landlord or property manager immediately. If the situation is not corrected inn a timely manner, report the issue to the Department of Energy Safety.

Portable residual current devices are used when power tools or similar appliances are operated. The device plugs into the power board in the building. It interrupts the current if too much power is flowing through it. This prevents the potential for electric shock and damage to the connected device.

Power point devices are constructed of a plate design. They allow the workers to connect devices via an outlet. Each of these devices have tested and reset buttons for easy testing and shut off. They are installed in workshops and areas in which water is present such as kitchens and bathroom facilities.

RCD testing has to be completed every three months, and documented, to remain in compliance. There is a test button on the device that has to be pressed to determine if the switch is working correctly. It is working properly if the power goes off. if the power does not go off, an electrician has to be called to re-test the switch, repair it, or replace it. It is strongly recommended that all homeowners, even those not selling the property have the devices installed for safety. The cost of installing residual current devices is nominal, especially compared to the safety of family members.

RCD Regulations Australia indicate that the company must have at least two residual current devices connected to the main switchboard. However, compliance regulations could vary based on the size of the building and the current flowing to each section of it. If regulations aren't followed, the company could incur a fine of no more than $100,000.

RCD Regulations Australia indicate that the company must have at least two residual current devices connected to the main switchboard. However, compliance regulations could vary based on the size of the building and the current flowing to each section of it. If regulations aren't followed, the company could incur a fine of no more than $100,000.

Residual Current Devices, or RCDs. are safety switches that prevent people from getting electrocuted in homes and businesses. The device monitors the flow of electricity as it enters a property from the main distribution panel. A surge of electricity, or an imbalance of electrical power, can cause injury or death. If an imbalance in electricity is detected, the switch automatically cuts off the electricity. The installation of at least two RCD Safety Switches in a building allows the electrical circuits to be evenly divided. That increases safety two-fold by preventing electrocution, and allowing some lights and power to remain on in the building.

New buildings constructed since the year 2000 should already be fitted with two RCDs to be in compliance with building regulations. Existing buildings cannot be sold or rented without first being fitted with two of the devices. Homeowners, for example, have to show documentation regarding safety switches before a house can be transferred to a buyer. Real estate agents are required to make sellers of any property aware of this law when placing buildings on the market. Landlords have to ensure that buildings are fitted with two switches before the property can be rented. Property managers also have responsibilities under the law. They are required to check residential properties for compliance and notify the building owner if switches have to be installed. If the owner does not correct the situation, managers have to report that to Energy Safety. Those who do not comply are subject to significant fines.

A licensed electrician is required to install the switches. Testing of the switches should be completed every three months. That can be done by homeowners, landlords, property managers, and even tenants. It is a simple process that ensures the switches are operating properly. Each switch has a test button that is designed to be pushed in and released quickly. If the electricity is interrupted, the switch is working. It is recommended that people turn off computers and televisions when testing RCD switches. Clocks, timers, and programmable thermostats will have to be reset after testing is completed. It is important to test switches because any that need to be repaired or replaced will not prevent injury, electrocution, or property damage from electrical fires.

More information about Fire Extinguishers available here: Fire Extinguisher Services

According to the recent Australian Standard AS1851-2012, and the AS1851-2005, every Fire Extinguisher should be tagged and examined on a biannual basis. Based on the extinguisher model, it might require an overhaul (recharge and pressure test) every year, or over longer intervals.

More information about Fire Extinguishers available here: Fire Extinguisher Services

In Queensland, the QBCC (Queensland Construction and Building Commission) requires 'Inspect and Test' licenses under the category of 'Hose Reels and Portable Fire Equipment' for:

Bear in mind that these rules only relate to the maintenance of fire safety equipment and systems in buildings. They are not applicable to fire safety equipment and systems in vessels or vehicles, or to buildings not included in Australian Building Code legislation.

In other territories and states, it is the owner of the Fire Extinguisher who is responsible for checking the qualifications of the person who services their equipment. To help with this, FPA Australia advises that technicians ought to hold the appropriate nationally acknowledged qualification, with suitable competency units. For servicing extinguishers, this is the Fire Protection Testing and Inspection Certificate II (or the older Asset Maintenance Fire Protection Equipment Certificate II). The competency units should relate to servicing Portable Extinguishers.

More information about Fire Extinguishers available here:  Fire Extinguisher Services

Safety regulations stipulate where Fire Protection Equipment needs to be located in a building.

Each state has different legislation and requirements FCF understand and monitors changing standards to ensure your compliance.

Detection of a potential fire in the early stages of the combustion process allows an early evacuation of personal and an opportunity to save the building from a catastrophic outcome.

FCF design, install and maintain fire detection systems of all types that are best suited to your application.

• Conventional or Addressable Detection Systems in all brands
• Aspirated Smoke Detection Systems
• High Sensitivity Air Sampling Systems
• Beam Detection Systems

Once a system is placed into commission, various elements can affect the operation of the system. FCF not only perform all required testing to the manufacture's specifications and Australian Standards but also ensure that minimum disturbance from false alarms is a key focus. Choosing the right provider for your system is also key to the operating of Fire Detection System.

Additional to the Fire Detection System is the Occupant Warning System. With multiple functions, having a functional and operating system is key to personnel early warning, evacuation and for fire wardens to communicate via the Red Warden Phones.

FCF tests and maintains all types of warning systems to ensure they are in key operating condition.

Inspecting and testing Smoke Alarms and ensuring compliance of your home, rental and business, is a legal requirement. FCF ensures that each time we attend site our technicians follow the Australian Standards and inspect for:

• Battery Date
• Decibel Levels are in range
• Cleaning of each smoke alarm
• Simulated Smoke Test
• Replacement of failed or Faulty Alarms
• Detailed asset list including, tenant and technician signatures, location and type.

FCF clients also enjoy access to a portal that allows live data to be shared about your sites and history of the assets.

Smoke Alarms are proven life savers. They should be installed in places of commercial accommodation. It's essential and in many cases, a legal obligation for businesses to ensure their Smoke Alarms are working periodically.

Don't be caught out with legislation changes; QLD is leading the way in home safety. 2022 is the deadline for rental properties to meet the requirements of the changes. This will further impact the home owner market by 2027, who will also be required to meet the legislation. Advances in technology can see wireless systems used to interconnect and save the home owner money in electrical wiring.

Contact FCF today to find out your requirements and the available advancements in Smoke Alarms.

Portable Fire Extinguishers must be installed in all workplaces regardless of whether other fire protection measures are present. As an early response to a small fire, the successful performance of a Fire Extinguisher depends on appropriate placement, proper maintenance, and trained users (FCF Offers in-house or online training).

There are 6 main different types of Fire Extinguishers that can be installed in your business. We know the right type for your business as well as the quantity and location these extinguishers need to be placed. We also know the correct signage to display according to the Australian Standards. When it comes to fire safety, your business can't afford to get it wrong. Protect your staff and customers and ensure you are 100% Fire Safety Compliant.

There are different types of extinguishers; each designed to extinguish a specific class of fire. They are selected according to the potential fire hazard, the construction and occupancy of the building, and the asset to be protected. It is important to have the right type of extinguisher to fight the fire risk. Many premises have been installed with Water or Class A extinguishers. As the use of electronics has dramatically increased the risk of electrocution has also increased. Just because a Fire Extinguisher was in place originally, doesn't mean that it is suitable for your business now.

Consult an FCF Technician today.

• Evacuation routes must be clear of obstructions and final exits should be clear of obstructions for at least two meters. All final exits adjoined to other properties must be clear as well.
• All doors along the escape route must include proper hardware and be unlocked and unobstructed.
• All doors must be undamaged and current maintenance records for fire doors must be produced upon request.
• Fire and smoke walls must be free from unprotected penetration.
• Evacuation signs and diagrams must contain all required information and must be securely fastened and oriented.

• The business cannot exceed the number of occupants permitted at any times and must be calculated appropriately based on the type of building.
• Any occupancy notices that are issued must be complied with immediately and the business must ensure every staff member is aware of the occupancy number.

• Exit Signs and Emergency Lighting must be undamaged and current maintenance records must be kept and produced upon request.
• All Fire Extinguishers must be correctly maintained, and current maintenance records must be provided upon request.
• All Fire Hose Reels must be properly maintained, with maintenance records kept and able to be provided upon request.
• The Fire Detection and Alarm System must be operating properly with no faults being indicated and must be kept maintained and have proper maintenance records.
• The number of unwanted alarm activations must be below the average.
• The Evacuation System must be in auto mode with no zones in fault and must be properly maintained with records.
• The Sprinkler Booster installation must be undamaged and maintained with records that can be produced upon request.
• The on-site Fire Hydrant Booster must be undamaged, and all on-site Fire Hydrants must be undamaged with maintenance records properly kept.
• Current maintenance records must be provided upon request for Stairwell Pressurization, Smoke and Heat Ventilation Systems, Standby Power Supply, and Emergency Lifts.
• If any Critical Defect Notice has been received, it must be rectified within one month and interim measures have to be put in place for the safety of occupants.

• There must be a Fire and Evacuation Plan in place that is kept in the specified form.
• Fire and Evacuation plans must reflect alternative building solutions and must include procedures to help evacuate anyone with special needs.
• The plans must be kept current, reviewed annually, and available upon request.
• General evacuation instructions must be given to workers within two days of hire and then annually. Records for these must be available upon request.
• First Response Evacuation instructions must be given within one month of hire and then once every two years. Records for these must also be available upon request.
• Evacuation Coordination instructions must be given and records for the instructions must be available.
• Evacuation Practice must be conducted annually, and a Fire Safety Advisor must be appointed if there are more than 30 employees.

• Current Fire Safety Management Plans must be prepared and implemented.
• A copy of these plans must be kept in the building and be able to be accessed by anyone, without charge, when the business is open.
• These are some of the most important tasks a business owner should be aware of to ensure their building and the occupants is fire safe. Be sure to follow all of these to ensure your building is properly prepared and follows the law for fire safety. Any questions should be directed to a professional to ensure an accurate and legally sound answer.

If you need help to ensure you're Fire Safe in Australia, contact us today.

Fire Diagrams are sometimes confused with Fire Plans. The best way to tell the difference is that a Fire Diagram is the picture on the wall that shows the exit path and assembly point.

FCF have in house personnel that do the design and layout of your Fire Diagrams with the help of our field staff. Using the latest graphics software enables the layouts to be designed with minimal cost.

To ensure your Fire Diagram is correct, each time the building design and layout changes the diagram needs to be updated. Best practice is to ensure that the review period for diagrams is annual.

Have an FCF Team Member check your diagram.

Wheeled Portable Fire Extinguishers can be easily operated by one person and are differentiated from "hand portable" types often simply on the basis of their capacity or total weight. Wheeled units are available in a variety of sizes and extinguishing agents with capacities that range. Wheeled Fire Extinguishers are chosen for the higher capacity (volume), higher flow rates, extended firefighting range and extended discharge time.

For servicing or new units please contact FCF

Fire Hose Reels provide a reasonably accessible and controlled supply of water to combat a potential Class A fire risk. Fire Hose Reels should be installed close to an emergency exit and can be used depending on location to exit a building by following the hose back to the reel in the case of overwhelming smoke or visibility decreasing.

Various types of Fire Hose Reels are available to meet specific needs. With a standard fully extended length of 36 metres, Fire Hose Reels are designed to deliver a minimum of 0.33 litres of water per second. A four meter stream should be reached from the nozzle with the flow requirements being met.

Fire Hose Reels are required to be maintained with a service six monthly and annually. A fire Hose Reel can be installed either indoors or outdoors and is used to carry fire retardants (such as water or foam) in high pressure to extinguish a fire.

For servicing or new units please contact FCF

Normally located where Class F fire risks are found (kitchen, oils or fats area). A Fire Blanket cuts off a fire's supply of oxygen, smothering it either permanently or until more effective fire-fighting equipment can be employed.

Instructions on how to safely use a Fire Blanket is available via our Online First Response Training. Always read the instructions on the cover of your Fire Blanket before use.

Note: Fire Blankets are not designed for re-use! It is essential that you dispose of your Fire Blanket once it has been used and contact your service provider to supply and certify a replacement.

Fire Blankets are tested every six months and only requiring a level one stamp on the date tag as per Australian Standard 1851.

For servicing or new units please contact FCF

Located in many buildings the traditional EXIT sign has been replaced with the running man style. AS2293 is the Australian Standard that electricians and fire technicians follow in testing the different types of lighting systems available. Some of these systems are:

• Standalone  these luminaries are controlled and powered by batteries stored within the fitting.
• Central Power  these luminaries are powered from a battery bank stored locally on the premises Not a common system due to battery storage and costs.
• Monitored these luminaries are powered by batteries stored within the fitting, however controlled and monitored via management portal. Various systems are available and with WIFI becoming common place the technology is always advancing.

Emergency Exit Signs are installed to guide personnel and fire brigade out of a building. Australian Standards determine where Emergency Lights should be placed within a building. We know where and how many Emergency Exit Lights need to be installed in your building. These lights also need to be serviced and maintained periodically.

FCF became concerned with Emergency and Exit Lighting failure rates in 2012 as manufacturers competed with offshore built lights and the lower cost to market entry. For a client the lower prices seem reasonable, however the life span of the lights significantly decreased. Which in turn meant buying more lights.

Exclusive 5 Year Warranty - After doing a lot of industry research, FCF partnered with a suitable supplier that didn't alter their products just to simply suit a more competitive market. With the customer's interests in mind from both a manufacturer and installer viewpoint, the 5 Year Exclusive Warranty was developed to ensure FCF clients got more value for money from their Emergency and Exit Lighting systems. This means that only FCF Clients can have confidence that approved Emergency Exit Lights supplied by FCF are longer lasting and backing this claim by offering a 5 Year Warranty instead of the usual industry standard of 2 years.

We are a service company engaged to deliver the best products for our clients.

Call today for a quote and let's calculate the difference together.

The Building Code of Australia stipulates the requirements for personnel to exit a building. After normal operating of business, at times exit paths can become blocked or items placed in the egress path that could cause injury.

FCF perform egress checks alongside regular testing of assets to minimize the labour costs of inspecting egress paths.

See today how FCF can further assist your business

From construction to test and inspect, FCF ensures your sites compliance. Having certifiers means that quality technicians/carpenters are giving the right advice for your building.

Call FCF for your Fire Penetration needs

Inspection, Test and Maintenance

The inspection, testing and maintenance of Fire Water Storage Tanks is critical to fire safety, consistent with AS2304-2011 and AS1851-2012. These water tanks provide the essential stored water for Fire Pumps and Suppression Systems.

Our services are based around the latest technologies to be cost-effective, whilst minimising water supply disruptions. This includes:

• Internal inspection of all tank components with ROV, ensuring easy and safe access while tank remains in service
• Option for a diver is available with extra rudiments needed to ensure safety
• External inspection of water tank components

Other maintenance can be performed if the site doesn't have available maintenance staff to fix surface rust or built up soil against a fire tank.

Tank cleaning and repairs are also performed with tank specialists in the industry.

We provide an asset report and video with any recommended repairs.

Call FCF for your Water Storage Tank needs

Fires are no joke. They can virtually happen at any time and the damage to life and property in the instance that they occur, and we are not sufficiently prepared, can be absolutely devastating. As such, it is imperative that you have all the standard safety and security tools and features in place at your place of business. Doing so protects you the business owner, your employees, and your bottom-line. Such safety and security features include having both working Fire Extinguishers that are up to code (as outlined in the Australian Standard AS1851) and working Fire Sprinkler Systems that are up to code (as outlined in Australian Standards AS2118) in place.

Below, we take a closer look at Fire Sprinkler Systems, how they can affect your business, and what the AS2118 code requires.

A Fire Sprinkler System is a Fire Suppression System, common in industrial and commercial buildings, and installed to suppress and combat fires with water.

A Fire Sprinkler System works by being automatically activated if, and when, there is an increase in temperature. This is done through a temperature gauge that is constantly working to monitor average temperatures. Whenever the temperature increases, the Sprinklers are activated, and water is released. The water, as it is released from the Sprinklers, drowns out the surrounding fires.

The Fire Sprinkler Systems are effective due in large part to their simple design. The Sprinkler System's water attachment is attached to a water pump and piping system. The Sprinkler's piping system is installed into the ceiling of the building (the part between the ceiling and roof that is invisible to the naked eye while standing in the room) and the water-spraying fixture being visible from inside the room.

As stated prior, installing, and maintaining your business' Fire Sprinkler System is of utmost importance. Now that you know what Fire Sprinkler Systems are and how they can affect your business, the next step is having them professionally installed and maintained at your place of business. You can opt to install the most commonly used Fire Sprinkler System option, known as the Wet-Fire-Water System. It is easy to install, with installation taking only a couple of days to weeks under a registered and highly experienced professional. By utilising this option, you can minimise downtime in your business while making your workplace safer for yourself and your employees.

It is just as important to have your Fire Sprinkler Systems properly maintained as it is to have them properly installed. Again, hiring the trained and certified professional for fire equipment maintenance is the way to go.

Call FCF for your Sprinkler needs.

Hydrant and Sprinkler Pump Sets require more than just inspecting and testing. Following AS1851 is every fire company's responsibility. The FCF difference is ensuring that the motor that runs your fire equipment is in peak operating condition. This means keeping the hours down on your system. Did you know that the majority of Hydrant Pump Systems are stand alone and don't inform anyone off-site of their operation? Installing an Australian approved FCF Connect device allows you to know the second that the pump operates. This means that after hours when no personnel are around, they can be notified and switch the pump off saving hours on the pump. Those hours' means no drained diesel tank, fewer hours on the motor, less servicing required.

See why FCF is different today

Fire Hydrants are a critical part of the fire brigade's arsenal to defeat a fire. 6 monthly, annual and 5-year testing is of the utmost importance.

Many sites fall short when testing the five-year inspection. Reasons are council has decreased water supply, service provider missed the inspection or under-tested or trees have grown in front of handles. Why is the five yearly so important? Besides the obvious, water supply, clearance and gaskets changed; the major part is the Hydrostatic Test. This test pushes the pipe above the normal operating use so that in an emergency the fire authority can successfully flow water. During the Hydrostatic Test, pipes can burst and even lift up concrete carparks. Having a suitably experienced company performing this service is of the utmost importance.

Call FCF for your Hydrant needs.

• 6-monthly inspections (servicing/maintenance ) for up to 2 Fire Extinguishers with replacements 

• 6-monthly inspections of 1 to 5 Residual Current Devices (RCD’s)

• Rectification of Emergency and Exit light failures will be quoted.

• Emergency and Exit lights are not included in the under 50 Square meter subscription service and the client will need to choose the alternative service Site Size 51 – 300 Sqm subscription, or request a quote for their site.

• First Response Fire Training for up to 5 staff.

• An annual Electrical Items Tested and Tagged for a maximum of 25 items.

• 6-monthly inspectionsfor up to 4 Fire Extinguishers with replacements

• 6-month servicing of under 35 Emergency and Exit lights (All rectifications will be quoted)

• Testing of 1 to 5 Residual Current Devices (RCD’s)

• Evacuation Diagrams, up to 4 where you supply a marked-up site drawing. We will supply you a compliant evacuation diagrams in soft copy only. For you to print, laminate and install.

• First Response Fire Training for up to 10 staff.

• An annual Electrical Items Tested and Tagged for a maximum of 25 items

There are two options available to choose from that have different options for servicing your premises.  These prices are based on the size of your business and its specific needs.

Please read through the options listed when you go through the subscription page.

Yes, our helpful staff are available to answer any questions you may have in regard to the compliance at your site.

Please call our office on 1300 323 753.