Frequently asked questions

In QLD, the requirements relating to smoke alarms are changing. The new legislation aims to ensure that the types of smoke alarms, and how and where they are installed, is ideal for improving safety. In essence, the legislation will mean that all Queensland dwellings will have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms in all bedrooms, in hallways that connect bedrooms with the rest of the dwelling and on every level. Beginning on 1 January 2017, the changes will be rolled out over a period of 10 years.

Your obligations will vary depending on your circumstances.

If you are you renovating?

From 1 January 2017, all new dwellings and those undergoing substantial renovation must install interconnected, photoelectric smoke alarms that are hardwired to the mains power supply (and include a secondary power source). Smoke alarms must be installed in each bedroom, connecting hallway, and on every floor of the dwelling

If you are selling or leasing?

From 1 January 2017, all dwellings being sold, leased or having an existing lease renewed must replace existing smoke alarms with photoelectric ones, replace faulty smoke alarms immediately, and replace existing smoke alarms if they are more than 10 years old with complying photoelectric alarms.

From 1 January 2022, these dwellings must have interconnected, photoelectric smoke alarms that are hardwired to the mains power supply (including a secondary power source). Smoke alarms must be installed in each bedroom, connecting hallway, and on every floor of the dwelling.

As a landlord you are responsible for the installation of smoke alarms that comply with the legislation introduced 1 January 2017.

If you are you a homeowner?

From 1 January 2017, all existing dwellings must replace existing smoke alarms with photoelectric ones, replace faulty smoke alarms immediately, and replace existing smoke alarms if they are more than 10 years old with complying photoelectric alarms.

From 1 January 2027, these dwelling must install interconnected, photoelectric smoke alarms and must be either hardwired or powered by a non-removable 10 year battery. Smoke alarms must be installed in each bedroom, connecting hallway, and on every floor of the dwelling.

If you are renting?

Landlords are responsible for the installation of smoke alarms that comply with the legislation introduced 1 January 2017. However, during a tenancy the tenant must test and clean each smoke alarm at least once every 12 months.

In the past, use of Ionisation smoke alarms was traditionally considered best practice. However, the introduction of new government legislation beginning 1 January 2017 will see them phased out and replaced with photoelectric smoke alarms, which work by detecting visible particles of combustion. Photoelectric smoke alarms are effective at detecting a range of fire types. They are particularly effective at detecting, and responding to, the smouldering fires and resulting smoke that typically occur during house fires. Photoelectric smoke alarms are also less likely to react to a false alarm.

One of the most important aspects of the new legislation requires smoke alarms to be interconnected. Should a fire occur, interconnected smoke alarms will all activate and sound an alarm, meaning that all occupants of the dwelling will be warned regardless of their location and have greater opportunity of escaping unharmed.

We are committed to maintaining relevant standards and ensuring our installation procedures are safe and compliant.

As part of our packages, we offer:

• Safety certificates emailed out to clients demonstrating smoke alarm compliance.
• Any additional electrical wiring required for 240v smoke alarms will be installed to relevant standards and tested in accordance with AS/NZS3000:2018. Clients will receive results via email.
• Free push button RCD testing on all RCD protected circuits. Any RCD which fails testing can be replaced at $120 fixed fee.

It is essential that smoke alarms comply with the relevant Australian Standards (AS 3786:2014). This is why we use quality Clipsal or PSA products. We would generally install the following options:

• Clipsal (755PSMA4 240v Mains powered, photoelectric smoke alarm with battery backup)
• PSA (LIF5800/2 240v Mains powered, photoelectric smoke alarm with 9VDC battery backup)

A hardwired smoke alarm is connected to a dwelling’s mains power supply and has a battery backup. They are generally considered more reliable in the long term, as the battery backup will kick in should the power fail.

Wireless smoke alarm options are available. The most important thing to consider is that all smoke alarms in a dwelling will be interconnected. This can be achieved either by physically wiring units together, or by using wireless technology. Wireless technology is available for both mains powered and battery-powered smoke alarms, and the wireless option can make installation cheaper and less time-consuming.

Wireless smoke alarms must comply with the latest Australian Standards (AS3786:2014). However, wireless options must also take into account any relevant requirements identified in the new smoke alarm legislation introduced 1 January 2017. For example, in an existing dwelling, existing hardwired smoke alarms must remain hardwired if replaced.