Smoke alarms are an important part of keeping your family or your tenants safe during a fire. 

Our team of electricians can help with the installation of wireless or hardwired smoke alarms in both residential and commercial premises. Our electricians stay up to date on the latest legislation to ensure you have a warning in the event of a fire, and can keep your family safe. 

What smoke alarm rules do you need to know?

As of the 1st of January 2022, new smoke alarm rules came into effect for rentals. These same rules will come into effect for all homes, including owner-occupied residences, from January 1st, 2027. 

The Smoke Alarm rules under AS 3786-2014 include:

• They must be in each bedroom, in connecting hallways, and in appropriate exit pathways. 
• Every storey of a house requires smoke alarms in likely exit pathways, even if there are no bedrooms on that level. 
• They must be installed in the most likely path of travel to exit a dwelling.
• They must be either hardwired or powered by a non-removable 10-year battery. 
• They must be interconnected with all other smoke alarms in the house. 
• They must be photoelectric and not contain an ionisation sensor.

• They must be replaced every ten years and operate correctly when tested. 

You can find out more information about the legislation on the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services website.

Different rules apply to smoke alarms and fire suppression systems in commercial buildings. As these need to be custom designed to meet relevant legislation please contact us for further information. 

Do you need an electrician to install your smoke alarms?

Although you can install your own wireless smoke alarms, hardwired alarms will need to be installed by a licensed electrician. We do recommend checking with a qualified installer before choosing to install anything yourself, as you run the risk of installing smoke alarms incorrectly, in the wrong location, or using an alarm that may be illegal under current legislation. 

Smoke alarm controllers: an easier way to turn off your smoke alarms

Tired of trying to find a chair or broom to turn off a smoke alarm in the middle of the night? An affordable and simple solution is available, and it’s called a smoke alarm controller.  Installed on your wall, the device includes test, silence, and locate buttons so that you can keep your smoke alarm controls at arm’s reach. Interconnected with all your smoke detectors, this is a device designed to take the pain out of false alarms. 

Ask our team about having the controller installed as part of a smoke alarm installation package. 

How often should smoke alarms be checked, cleaned, or serviced?

You should test your smoke alarms at least once every twelve months to ensure they’re working. You can do this by simply pressing the test button. 

If your own an investment property, smoke alarms must be cleaned and tested within 30 days of a lease renewal, or a new tenant moving into the premises. 

Ready to install a smoke alarm?

Our professional team can manage the placement and installation of your smoke alarms in just a few hours. Contact us to book a time to bring your home in line with upcoming legislation changes and keep your family safe.