Non-compliant locations - QLD Relocation Disclaimer

Relocation Disclaimer

*The current positioning of one or more smoke alarms fails to meet the requirements of section 3.7.5.5 of the NCC 2019 Building Code of Australia (“BCA”) - Volume Two and as a result, the non-compliant smoke detector(s) in your property must be moved. Please note that when a Smoke Alarm is relocated or replaced, there may be residual damage from the original installation, or resulting from the relocation or replacement of the Smoke Alarm. Our technicians are not professional painters/plasterers but will make reasonable efforts to avoid causing further damage. Damage that may have been caused by the original installation or from the relocation or replacement can vary due to the type of original smoke alarm installed, the size of the cable hole and existing paint coverage and there may be discolouration from the original smoke alarm location or from plastering. If the smoke detector(s) are installed on a concrete ceiling our electrician will use conduit to reposition the smoke detector(s). Where you require repair, a quote for a professional plasterer/painter can be provided upon request. Any such work would be at your own additional cost.

 

Proper Positioning of Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms need to be located on (or near) the ceiling for optimum detection of smoke in a fire situation with special care taken to avoid non-compliant locations.

 

Non-compliant locations

Dead Air Space

A dead air space is an area in which trapped hot air will prevent smoke from reaching the alarm. This space generally occurs at the apex of cathedral ceilings, the corner junction of walls and ceilings and between exposed joists etc. (see diagram 1).

Smoke alarms may be located on the wall in accordance with 3.7.5.5(b). Diagram 1 provides location criteria and the dimensional relationship to building elements and the associated dead air spaces.

Where a smoke alarm is located on the ceiling it must be—

  1. a minimum of 300 mm away from the corner junction of the wall and ceiling; and
  2. between 500 mm and 1500 mm away from the high point and apexes of the ceiling, if the room has a sloping ceiling.

Where (a) is not possible, the smoke alarm may be installed on the wall, and located a minimum of 300 mm and a maximum of 500 mm off the ceiling at the junction with the wall.

Diagram 1:

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Excessive air movement
Near windows, doors, fans or air conditioners. Excessive air movement may prevent smoke and gases from reaching the smoke alarm or cause the alarm to siren.

Based on the QLD Govt website, smoke alarms must not be placed within:

  • 400mm of an air-conditioning vent
  • 400mm of the blades of a ceiling fan.
Light Fittings
Based on the QLD Govt website, smoke alarms must not be placed within:

  • 300mm of a light fitting
Steam
Avoid smoke alarms in or outside the bathroom as steam may cause the alarm to siren.

 

What do I need to do?

Detector Inspector has identified that one or more smoke alarms in your property fail to meet the requirements for proper positioning and need to be moved.

While Detector Inspector understands that the current positions of the smoke alarms may have been previously defined by a builder or qualified electrician in accordance with earlier standards, they, unfortunately, fail to meet the current standards.

A quote will have been issued to move the alarm, once accepted we will organise the work to be completed.

If you do not wish to use Detector Inspector to complete this work, please ensure your chosen technician adheres to the BCA requirements set out above.

If you choose to leave the smoke alarms installed in their current location please indicate this on the quotation. We will then continue servicing the property as normal without relocating the alarm.

Important information to note

Please note that Detector Inspector will not take responsibility for the working order of the smoke alarms if they are found to not operate effectively due to being located in dead air spaces

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