Frequently Asked Questions

Smoke alarms must: 

• be Australian Standard 3786-2014; 
• be photoelectric and not also contain an ionisation sensor; 
• be hardwired or powered by a non-removable 10-year battery; 
• operate when tested; and 
• be interconnected with every other smoke alarm in the dwelling so all activate together. 

Smoke alarms must be installed on each storey: 

• in each bedroom; 
• in hallways which connect bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling; 
• if there is no hallway, between the bedrooms and other parts of the storey; 
• if there are no bedrooms on a storey, in the most likely path of travel to exit the dwelling; and 
• not within the prescribed exclusion zones – e.g. smoke alarms must be installed certain distances away from a corner of a ceiling and a wall, light fittings, air-conditioning vents, and ceiling fans. 

As an owner occupying homeowner you have until January 1st, 2027, to achieve compliance.

Yes. After January 1st, 2022, all properties need to be compliant with the new Qld smoke alarm legislation prior to the completion of the house sale. Failure to comply can allow for funds too be withheld by the purchaser to cover the cost of smoke alarm compliance works.

Yes. Queensland legislation requires smoke alarms inside every bedroom, in hallways connecting bedrooms to the rest of the house and on each level of the dwelling.

Check with your insurer. Discounts are being offered by insurance providers for early adopters, but we encourage all our clients to consult with their insurance provider and the product disclosure statement relevant to their policy. 

Hardwired refers to the alarms power source being connected to the house mains 240v power. Interconnection is the communication between the smoke alarms allowing them to activate together, so when one alarm is triggered, they all go off. All our alarms offer wireless interconnection. 

This depends on the number of bedrooms, storeys and layout. Most standard 3-bedroom homes require between 4–6 interconnected alarms. If you are unsure please check here.

If the smoke alarms are receiving 240v power, there should be a separate visible solid indicator light. If you are unsure, speak to one team – we’re here to help!

Alarm performance and safety of 10 yr Battery and Hardwired alarms are equal.

Photoelectric is a light-based sensor that detects combustion particles in the air. This sensor type is far quicker and more accurate than older ionisation type sensors.

Australia Post standard parcel service is 2-6 business days

No. Existing smoke alarms connected to a 240v power supply must be replaced with a 240v alarm and hardwired accordingly.  

If you have purchased a 240v alarm to be added to your Home Pack, Yes. These alarms must be installed by your local electrician. Otherwise, all other alarms can be installed by the homeowner.

No. QLD sellers are required to ensure smoke alarms are compliant with the current legislation prior to completion of the house sale. Once installation is complete, you can mark off the appropriate section of your Sales Contract and Form 24

No, if you are:

• Upgrading your existing home to meet the new legislation, any new required alarm locations can use 10-year sealed battery alarms 

Yes, if you are:

• Building a new property with approval date later than January 1st, 2017 
• Undertaking a significant renovation that requires council approval may trigger an upgrade to hardwired 
   

If you’re unsure, speak to our expert team here.

If your alarms are not photoelectric, not interconnected, or not installed in every bedroom and level, they are likely non-compliant. If you’re unsure, speak to our expert team here.

Yes, all smoke alarms regardless of power source have a 10 year service life from the date of installation and must be changed thereafter. 

Yes, routine maintenance is required. To get optimal performance out of your smoke alarm system, routine cleaning of dust and insect debris from alarms will be beneficial regardless of the brand of smoke alarms installed. Failure to conduct routine maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions can lead to shorter alarm service life and increased false alarm events. Ask us about our Service Plans, we can take care of it for you!  

Photoelectric smoke alarms use a light-based sensor. Household dust, insect debris, steam, excessive humidity fluctuations, cook fumes and unstable house electrical supplies are all issues that can trigger the smoke alarm.  As above, regular cleaning is best for any smoke alarm and normally alleviates any issues.