Smoke Alarms

Your home must have photoelectric (optical or photo-optical) alarms installed that detect visible particles of combustion. They respond quickly to a wide range of fires, in particular smouldering fires and dense smoke, for example burning furnishings and PVC coated wires. They are not as prone to “nuisance” cooking alarms and don’t contain radioactive material. Click here for more information on photoelectric alarms and how to identify them.

All existing and new Queensland dwellings require photoelectric interconnected smoke alarms that must be hardwired (with inbuilt back-up battery) or have a non-removable lithium battery that has a 10-year life. They must comply with Australian standards 3786-2014. This standard should be marked clearly on the packaging.

There are specific installation requirements for stairways, sloping ceilings and ceilings with exposed beams. To maximise smoke alarm operation and effectiveness, they should not be placed near windows, doors, fans, bathrooms, exhaust fans or air-conditioners. The law is very specific about the type of smoke alarms you must install and where you can locate them in your home, as follows:

• Photoelectric smoke alarms must be installed on each storey:
  • In every bedroom
  • In hallways that connect bedrooms with the rest of the dwelling
  • If there is no hallway, between the bedrooms and the rest of the home
  • At least one smoke alarm located in the probable path to the exit of the dwelling
• Smoke alarms must not be placed within:
  • 300mm of a corner of a ceiling or wall
  • 300mm of a light fitting
  • 400mm of an air-conditioning vent
  • 400mm of the blades of a ceiling fan

All existing smoke alarms that were manufactured more than 10 years ago must be replaced with photoelectric smoke alarms that comply with strict Australia standards. The date of manufacture should be stamped on the back of the alarm.

It’s possible to have a combination of hard-wired and battery operated smoke alarms installed; interconnectivity can be both wired and wireless. Specialty alarms are also available, including alarms for deaf and hearing-impaired clients or alarms with emergency lights and heat sensors. It’s important that you let us know about any special needs, so we can supply you with the correct product. For more information please follow this link.

To comply with legislation, interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms are required:

• From 1 January 2017: In all new dwellings and substantially renovated dwellings (this applies to building applications submitted from 1 January 2017)
• From 1 January 2022: In all domestic dwellings leased and sold
• From 1 January 2027: In all other domestic dwellings

Triforce Electrical and Air are smoke alarm install specialists. For help selecting the best smoke alarms for your property and a professional install, call us on 0412 922 265 or send us an email to discuss your requirements.