Smoke Alarm Installation |
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Are You Ready for the New QLD Smoke Alarm Legislation?
To enhance safety for homeowners and tenants, the
Queensland Government is introducing new legislation regarding smoke alarms in residential properties.
These new regulations will apply to both landlords and homeowners. Rental properties must comply by 2022, while owner-occupied homes must meet the requirements by 2027.
DB Electrical is here to help you ensure your property meets the requirements well before the deadlines, safeguarding you, your family, and your home.
Key Changes to Smoke Alarm Legislation:
By January 1, 2027, all existing private homes, townhouses, and units will be required to have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms. Registered caravans and motorhomes must also be fitted with a photoelectric smoke alarm.
Since January 1, 2017, all smoke alarms must comply with Australian Standard 3786-2014, meaning existing smoke alarms need to be replaced with interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms.
Your Queensland property’s smoke alarms must be:
- On each storey
- Installed in every bedroom.
- In hallways connecting bedrooms to the rest of the dwelling.
- Hardwired (e.g., 240V) to the mains power supply with a secondary power source (i.e., non- removable 10-year battery) or powered by 10-year non-removable batteries with a photoelectric smoke alarm.
- Interconnected, so if one alarm sounds, they all do.
- Compliant with Australian Standard AS3786:2014.
From January 1, 2017, any smoke alarms more than 10 years old must be replaced with new photoelectric smoke alarms.
For Homeowners (Owner-Occupiers):
By January 1, 2027, all private homes, townhouses, and units must have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms.
For Landlords:
Within 30 days before a new tenancy begins, landlords must test and clean each smoke alarm in the property. Some real estate agents may outsource smoke alarm maintenance to third-party companies, which may incur additional costs for the landlord. While a "certificate of compliance" from these companies may be requested, it is not a legal requirement but could be part of the real estate agent’s internal process.
Landlords who fail to comply with the legislation could receive an infringement notice.
For Renters:
As a renter or tenant, the landlord is responsible for installing compliant smoke alarms. However, renters are required to test and clean the smoke alarms at least once a year. Testing is as simple as pressing the “test” button, and cleaning usually involves vacuuming the alarms per the manufacturer’s instructions.
You do not need to be a licensed professional to clean or test domestic smoke alarms.
Selling or Leasing a Property:
All homes or units being sold must have photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms. This obligation applies when the initial sale contract is signed after December 31, 2021.
If the sale contract is signed after this date, the seller must upgrade the property to the updated smoke alarm standard before the transfer occurs. The seller must supply a compliance declaration to the buyer during the property transfer process. A licensed electrician must install interconnected smoke alarms and issue a certificate of testing and compliance as per the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013.
Caravans and Motorhomes:
From July 1, 2024, all newly registered or transferred Queensland caravans and motorhomes must have a photoelectric smoke alarm installed on the ceiling.
By January 1, 2027, all other Queensland registered caravans and motorhomes must also comply.
Maintaining Smoke Alarms:
Smoke alarms need to be regularly dusted or vacuumed to ensure they continue functioning properly. Accidental alarms, which occur without the presence of fire, can be disruptive and dangerous if the alarm batteries are removed or the interconnected system is disabled.
To maintain your smoke alarms:
- Test them regularly to ensure proper functioning.
- Vacuum to remove dust that might affect the sensors.
Professional Smoke Alarm Services:
If you’re unsure whether your current smoke alarm setup complies with the regulations or what needs to be done, DB Electrical is here to help. Our expert electricians will:
- Assess your existing smoke alarm system.
- Test your smoke alarms.
- Advise you on any upgrades needed.
- Install new photoelectric smoke alarms, if necessary.
For help with your responsibilities as a homeowner or landlord, call
DB Electrical at
07 3889 7788 today.
Additional information on installation is available in the
Smoke Alarm Installation Fact Sheet.
Smoke Alarms FAQs
Q. Why do smoke alarms need to be interconnected?
A. Interconnected alarms mean that if one alarm detects smoke, they all sound at once. That gives everyone in the home the best chance of hearing it quickly — even if the fire starts in another room or on another level. It’s a simple feature that can buy you precious time to react and get out safely.
Q. Why do smoke alarms need to be hardwired with a battery backup?
A. Hardwired alarms run off mains power, and the battery backup keeps them working during a blackout. That “two power sources” setup is more reliable long-term and helps make sure the alarm still does its job when you need it most.
Q. What are the current smoke alarm regulations?
A. Queensland’s smoke alarm rules have been rolling out since 2017 and include requirements around photoelectric alarms, interconnection, and placement. The details can change depending on whether it’s a rental, owner-occupied home, or a sale/transfer, so it’s worth checking the official fact sheet or having your setup assessed if you’re unsure.
Q. Do you need to be an electrician to install smoke alarms?
A. For hardwired (240V) smoke alarms, yes — they must be installed and repaired by a licensed electrician. Battery-powered alarms (including 10-year lithium types) can be installed by residents, as they don’t involve mains wiring.
Q. Can you install a smoke detector yourself?
A. You can install battery-powered smoke alarms, including 10-year lithium battery models, yourself. If you want hardwired and interconnected alarms, that needs to be done by a licensed electrician.
Q. What is a photoelectric smoke alarm?
A. Photoelectric alarms are designed to pick up smouldering, smoky fires quickly. They use a light sensor in a chamber — when smoke enters, it triggers the alarm. They’re widely recommended because they respond well to the types of fires that commonly occur in homes.
Q. Which type of smoke alarm is recommended in Queensland?
A. Photoelectric smoke alarms are recommended, including by Queensland fire authorities, because they tend to respond faster to smoky fires and generally cause fewer nuisance alarms than older styles. They also align with Queensland’s updated smoke alarm requirements.
Q. What kind of smoke alarm is suitable for the deaf or hearing impaired?
A. There are specialist smoke alarms that use visual alerts (strobe lights) and can also connect to vibration pads (placed under a pillow or mattress). These options are designed to make sure the alert is still noticed during sleep.
Q. Do smoke alarms need to meet a specific Australian Standard?
A. Yes. Smoke alarms required under the legislation must be photoelectric and comply with Australian Standard AS 3786–2014.
Q. How can I tell if a smoke alarm meets Australian Standard 3786–2014?
A. Check the device itself (or packaging) for the marking “AS3786–2014”. If it’s not clearly marked, it’s worth confirming before relying on it for compliance.
Q. Where should smoke alarms be installed in a room?
A. The preferred spot is near the centre of the ceiling, but the key is installing it on the ceiling and keeping it clear of edges and airflow disruptions. As a general guide, keep it at least 300mm from corners/lights and about 400mm away from things that affect airflow (like air conditioners or ceiling fan blades). Sloped ceilings and exposed beams can have special requirements.
