Smoke Alarm Legislation Queensland

New smoke alarm legislation will make Queensland households the safest in Australia in relation to fire safety.
The new legislation specifies that all Queensland dwellings will be required to have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms in all bedrooms, in hallways that connect bedrooms with the rest of the dwelling and on every level.

Having interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms in all areas of the home will give you an early warning of a fire and assist you to have a quick escape. When one alarm sounds off, all of the alarms will sound giving you the best chance of survival.
Old ionisation smoke alarms can be slow to react, and may not give you or your loved ones enough time to escape. That’s why the new legislation to install photoelectric smoke alarms has been introduced. Upgrading your smoke alarms today could save your life.

Smart Power Solutions supply and install only the best quality interconnected smoke alarms so you can have peace of mind your family will be safe.

  • Existing smoke alarms manufactured more than 10 years ago must be replaced with photoelectric smoke alarms which comply with Australian Standards (AS) 3786-2014. (Note: the date should be stamped on the back)
  • Smoke alarms that do not operate when tested must be replaced immediately.
  • Existing hardwired smoke alarms that need replacement, must be replaced with a hardwired photoelectric smoke alarm.
  • All existing private homes, townhouses and units will require photoelectric interconnected smoke alarms. These must be either a hardwired (eg. 240v) or non-removable 10 year battery powered type alarm.
  • The legislation requires smoke alarms must be installed in the following locations:
    • on each storey
    • in each bedroom
    • in hallways that connect bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling
    • if there is no hallway, between the bedroom and other parts of the storey;
    • if there are no bedrooms on a storey, at least one smoke alarm must be installed in the most likely path of travel to exit the dwelling.

   

  • Smoke alarms in the dwelling must:
    • be photoelectric (AS3786-2014); and
    • not also contain an ionisation sensor; and
    • be hardwired to the mains power supply with a secondary power source (i.e. battery); and
    • be interconnected with every other smoke alarm in the dwelling so all activate together.
  • The legislation requires smoke alarms must be installed in the following locations:
    • on each storey
    • in each bedroom
    • in hallways that connect bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling
    • if there is no hallway, between the bedroom and other parts of the storey; and
    • if there are no bedrooms on a storey, at least one smoke alarm must be installed in the most likely path of travel to exit the dwelling.
  • Smoke alarms must be hardwired, or for existing dwellings, they can also be powered by a non-removable 10-year battery.
  • To get everyone out safely during a house fire, it is essential to also have a well-practised fire escape plan.
  • For existing dwellings - From 1 January 2017
    • Existing smoke alarms manufactured more than 10 years ago must be replaced with photoelectric smoke alarms which comply with Australian Standards (AS) 3786-2014. (Note: the date should be stamped on the back)
    • Smoke alarms that do not operate when tested must be replaced immediately.
    • Existing hardwired smoke alarms that need replacement, must be replaced with a hardwired photoelectric smoke alarm.
  • For existing dwellings - From 1 January 2027
    • All existing private homes, townhouses and units will require photoelectric interconnected smoke alarms. These must be either a hardwired (eg. 240v) or non-removable 10 year battery powered type alarm.
    • The legislation requires smoke alarms must be installed in the following locations:
      • on each storey
      • in each bedroom
      • in hallways that connect bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling
      • if there is no hallway, between the bedroom and other parts of the storey;
      • if there are no bedrooms on a storey, at least one smoke alarm must be installed in the most likely path of travel to exit the dwelling.

       

  • For new builds
    • Smoke alarms in the dwelling must:
      • be photoelectric (AS3786-2014); and
      • not also contain an ionisation sensor; and
      • be hardwired to the mains power supply with a secondary power source (i.e. battery); and
      • be interconnected with every other smoke alarm in the dwelling so all activate together.
    • The legislation requires smoke alarms must be installed in the following locations:
      • on each storey
      • in each bedroom
      • in hallways that connect bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling
      • if there is no hallway, between the bedroom and other parts of the storey; and
      • if there are no bedrooms on a storey, at least one smoke alarm must be installed in the most likely path of travel to exit the dwelling.
    • Smoke alarms must be hardwired, or for existing dwellings, they can also be powered by a non-removable 10-year battery.
    • To get everyone out safely during a house fire, it is essential to also have a well-practised fire escape plan.