Smoke Alarms

Functioning smoke alarms are an essential part of home fire safety.

A smoke alarm is a device that detects smoke and sounds an alarm. Unlike a detector, which only detects smoke, a smoke alarm provides an audible warning. In Queensland, it is mandatory for smoke alarms to be installed in all residential properties. A smoke alarm is a crucial component of safety and prevention in the home, offering early warning signs to protect your family and property.

Properly maintained smoke alarms save lives. It is that simple.

Make sure you know the Queensland Smoke Alarm Legislation and how it affects you.

Rented/Leased Properties MUST NOW BE COMPLIANT – it’s the law! A dwelling being leased/rented must have interconnected photo-electric only alarms that operate when tested, are less than 10 years old and are either hard-wired OR powered by a non-removable 10-year battery.

Owner/Occupied Properties MUST COMPLY BY 1 January 2027. All existing private homes, townhouses and units will require photoelectric interconnected smoke alarms by January 1, 2027. These must be either a hardwired (eg. 240v) or be powered by a non-removable 10-year battery..

To comply with the new legislation, Smoke alarms must be installed:-

  • on each storey with 1 in each bedroom AND in hallways which connect bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling.
  • If there is no hallway between the bedrooms and the other parts of the dwelling, OR if there are no bedrooms on a storey, at least 1 smoke alarm must be installed in the most likely path of travel to exit the dwelling.
  • If there are no bedrooms on a storey, at least 1 smoke alarm must be installed in the most likely path of travel to exit the dwelling.

Only PHOTO-ELECTRIC smoke alarms can be installed in Queensland

Queensland residents do not have a choice any more. The new legislation states that all smoke alarms installed or replaced MUST be Photoelectric.

Photoelectric smoke alarms (also known as optical) “see” the smoke i.e. are very good at detecting a smoldering fire. The new legislation has outlawed the use of Ionisation smoke alarms for all new houses or for use as replacements.

There is a subsidy available for deaf and hearing impaired people. It is funded by the Queensland Fire and Emergency services and managed by Deaf Services Queensland

Power Supply Options for Smoke Alarms

  • Hard-wired 240 volt smoke alarms with battery back up (either a 10-year Lithium battery or a 9v Alkaline battery) are connected to your home’s electrical system and need to be installed by a qualified Electrical Contractor. Your smoke alarms should be interconnected to provide the maximum level of protection – all smoke alarms sound off simultaneously if one alarm is activated ensuring all members of the household are alerted. It is illegal to replace existing hard-wired smoke alarms with battery-operated smoke alarms.
  • Battery-operated smoke alarms are solely operated by 10-year Lithium battery. Although battery-operated alarms can legally be installed by the home handyman, they still need to be maintained regularly to ensure that the battery is charged and the alarm working properly. If you purchase your own battery-operated smoke alarms, be sure to check they can be interconnected. And when installing them, make sure they are all interconnected (so if one goes off, they ALL go off).

When purchasing any smoke alarm ensure that it carries the Standards Australia Mark or is Scientific Services Laboratory labelled.

Maintenance of your Smoke Alarm

  • A short, low beep every 60 seconds indicates that battery power is low. Change any 9v batteries every 12 months by choosing a specific date and doing it on that same date every year. If your alarm has a 10-year Lithium battery and is beeping, your alarm may need replacing – contact your electrical contractor.
  • Test monthly by pressing the test button (carefully with a broom handle if necessary)
  • Vacuum regularly, at least once a month, to clean vents

Other Useful Information

New Smoke Alarm Legislation for QLD – and how it affects you
Evacuation Plan – Prepare and practice an escape plan with your family
Fire Safety at Home

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