Interconnected smoke alarms - FAQs

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about our interconnected smoke alarm delivery and installation offer. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to submit a request by clicking here.

How do I calculate the number of alarms required for my property in QLD?

The number of interconnected smoke alarms required varies based on the layout of the home. The following provides the minimum number of alarms required based on the number of bedrooms and/or storeys at a property. It is provided as a guide only. For a fixed quotation, a site inspection will be required.

How can I get a fixed quote to have my Queensland property upgraded to interconnected smoke alarms?

Click here to enrol into our smoke alarm safety check ($129 incl. GST). We will attend the property and identify the number of alarms required in order to meet compliance requirements.

In QLD, why replace ionisation alarms when they are still functioning?

The new legislation mandates the installation of photoelectric type smoke alarms (instead of ionisation type) for safety reasons. Ionisation smoke alarms may not operate in time to alert the occupants early enough to escape a smouldering fire. Smouldering fires are the major cause of fatalities in house fires.

What are the rules relating to interconnected alarms in VIC, NSW, SA and QLD?

Victorian, New South Wales and South Australian legislation require compliance with the Building Code of Australia (BCA). The BCA provides technical provisions for the design and construction of buildings through the National Construction Code (NCC). In the case of fire safety requirements, BCA 2014 (E2.2a and Part 3.7.5) in summary requires that smoke alarms must:

Be installed in all Class 1a (single dwelling) and Class 2 buildings (apartments); Comply with Australian Standards (AS 3786)
Be mains powered and interconnected where the dwelling was constructed after 1 May 2014 and there is more than one alarm in the property.

Of note is the build date requirement of 1 May 2014. Properties built after this date, in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia must have interconnected smoke alarms where more than one is present. Learn more here.

In QLD, from 1 January 2022, before a new tenancy begins, an existing tenancy renews or the property is sold, smoke alarms in Queensland homes must be upgraded to meet the requirements of the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990. This means they must have photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms that are compliant with AS3786:2014 installed on each storey and in all bedrooms and hallways, powered by mains power or non-removable 10-year lithium battery. The consequences are severe. Properties may not be re-leased, rented or sold unless the smoke alarm upgrade is complete.

In QLD, what postcodes do you service?

For a full list of postcodes where we offer our service, click here

Does my office or study require a smoke alarm?

In Queensland, an office or study will require a smoke alarm unless there is a reason why the space could not also be used as a bedroom.

In other states, existing smoke alarms will be interconnected or new interconnected alarms will be installed to ensure each property is compliant with the smoke alarm legislation applicable in its state.

In QLD, what does the new legislation say about the requirements for the placement and number of smoke alarms?

From 1 January 2022, before a new tenancy begins, an existing tenancy renews or the property is sold, smoke alarms in Queensland homes must be upgraded to meet the requirements of the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990. This means smoke alarms must be installed on each storey:

in each bedroom; and
in hallways which connect bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling; or
if there is no hallway, between the bedrooms 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.

1300 134 563