Interconnected Smoke Alarm Installation Brisbane
Photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms installed to Queensland's smoke alarm laws, before the 1 January 2027 deadline for every home.
From 1 January 2027, every Queensland home, including owner-occupied homes, must have photoelectric smoke alarms that are interconnected, in every bedroom, in hallways and on every level. We install compliant hardwired or 10-year lithium systems in a single visit and explain exactly what your home needs.
- Photoelectric to AS 3786:2014
- Hardwired & 10-year battery
- Landlords & sellers
- Compliance certificate
Not sure if your alarms comply?
Not sure whether your alarms meet Queensland’s rules? Send us a few details and we will arrange a licensed electrician to assess your home, explain what is needed and give you a fixed price. Most homes can be made fully compliant in a single visit.
- Owner-occupied homes before 1 January 2027
- Rental properties between tenancies
- Homes being prepared for sale
- Unit complexes and body corporates
Is your home compliant with Queensland's smoke alarm law?
Quick self-checkQueensland has the toughest smoke alarm laws in Australia, and they now cover almost every home. If you cannot tick every item below, your home does not meet the new standard yet.
- Photoelectric onlyEvery alarm complies with AS 3786:2014. There are no ionisation alarms anywhere in the home.
- InterconnectedWhen one alarm sounds, they all sound, through hardwiring or wireless interconnection.
- Every bedroomAn alarm inside each bedroom, not just in the hallway outside.
- Hallways & every levelIn hallways connecting bedrooms to the rest of the home, and on every storey.
- Under 10 years oldAny alarm more than 10 years old, or that fails when tested, must be replaced.
- Right power sourceHardwired, or powered by a non-removable 10-year battery. No 9-volt replaceable-battery alarms.
Selling or renting? These rules already apply to homes that are sold or leased. Owner-occupied homes must comply by 1 January 2027.
The Queensland smoke alarm timeline
2017
New & renovated homes
From 1 January 2017, new homes and substantially renovated homes needed compliant, interconnected photoelectric alarms.
2022
Homes sold or leased
From 1 January 2022, any home sold, or leased under a new or renewed lease, had to meet the full requirements.
2027
Every other home
From 1 January 2027, all remaining Queensland homes, including owner-occupied homes, must comply. That deadline is now only weeks away.
Avoid the end-of-year rush
- Electricians get very busy in the final months before a compliance deadline.
- Booking now means you choose the day, not whatever is left in late December.
- We can usually complete a whole home in one visit.
Where smoke alarms must go, room by room
Every bedroom
One alarm in each bedroom, mounted on the ceiling away from fans and air conditioner vents.
Bedroom hallways
In any hallway that connects bedrooms with the rest of the home.
No hallway?
Between the bedroom area and the rest of the home, on the path out.
Every storey
At least one on each level, including levels without bedrooms, ideally on the path of travel to the exit.
Living areas
Large open-plan spaces often need extra alarms so smoke is detected early.
Not in kitchens
Cooking fumes and steam cause false alarms. We position alarms nearby but clear of the cooktop.
Away from corners
Alarms go clear of corners, light fittings and dead air spaces where smoke does not reach.
Granny flats
Self-contained dwellings on the same block need their own compliant system.
Hardwired or 10-year battery?
Both options are compliant when they are photoelectric and interconnected. The right choice depends on your home’s construction and access.
| Hardwired (240V) with battery backup | 10-year lithium, wireless interconnected | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | Mains power with a backup battery | Sealed battery that lasts the life of the alarm |
| Interconnection | Wired or wireless | Wireless (RF) between alarms |
| Installation | Must be installed by a licensed electrician | Faster to install, with no new cabling |
| Best for | Renovations, new builds and homes with easy roof access | Homes with difficult roof access, slab ceilings or units |
| Replacement | Replace the alarm every 10 years | Replace the alarm every 10 years |
Where a home already has hardwired alarms, replacements must also be hardwired. We check what you have and recommend the most cost-effective compliant set-up.
Compliance corner: what the law actually says
AS 3786:2014
Photoelectric standard
All smoke alarms must be photoelectric and comply with AS 3786:2014. Photoelectric alarms respond well to the smouldering fires common in homes at night.
QLD FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES LEGISLATION
Location & interconnection
The law sets out where alarms must go and that all alarms in a home must be interconnected, so everyone hears the warning.
10-YEAR RULE
Age & testing
Alarms must be replaced within 10 years of manufacture, or sooner if they fail when tested. The date is printed on the alarm.
LANDLORDS
Tenancy obligations
Landlords must test and clean smoke alarms within 30 days before a tenancy starts or is renewed, and replace any that are flat or faulty.
After installation you receive documentation listing the alarms installed and their locations, which is useful for sale contracts, property managers and insurers. Pair it with safety switch testing for complete peace of mind.
Common smoke alarm mistakes we fix
- IONOld ionisation alarmsStill common in older homes, and no longer compliant. They need to be replaced with photoelectric alarms.
- 9VRemovable batteries9-volt battery alarms do not meet the new rules for homes being brought up to standard.
- XNot interconnectedSeparate alarms that do not trigger each other. One alarm sounding in a far bedroom may not wake anyone.
- LOCWrong locationsAlarms beside air conditioner vents, ceiling fans or in corners where smoke does not collect.
- 10+Expired alarmsAlarms past their 10-year date, or painted over during renovations.
- DIYDIY hardwiringConnecting alarms to mains power is electrical work. It must be done by a licensed electrician.
How your smoke alarm upgrade works
- CallTell us how many bedrooms, hallways and levels your home has.
- InspectionWe check your existing alarms, power and roof access.
- QuoteA fixed price for the full compliant system, with no surprises.
- InstallationOld alarms removed, new alarms installed, interconnected and tested together.
- CertificationDocumentation provided for your records, agent or buyer.
What Brisbane homeowners say
Fully Wired electricians, Alex and Lincoln, have just finished installing new smoke alarms in my home so now I’m strictly compliant with Qld. Govt. regulations. Alex and Lincoln were quick, tidy and cheerful and did an excellent job.
★★★★★June, Google review
It’s rare that Tradies will show up exactly on time – yet this is exactly what Matthew and Ollie did. Fast & efficient, installing a complete house of wired fire alarms and a new fan. I felt I had my whole morning back, no interruptions.
★★★★★Jason de Souza, Google review
Landlords & agents
Rental properties
- Compliant systems for leased homes
- Coordination with tenants and property managers
- Documentation for your records
Sellers & buyers
Selling a home
- Compliance before the contract goes out
- Fast turnaround for settlement deadlines
- Optional safety switch check at the same visit
Smoke alarm electricians near you
Smoke alarm FAQs
Do owner-occupiers really have to upgrade by 2027?
Yes. From 1 January 2027, all Queensland homes must meet the smoke alarm requirements, including homes lived in by their owners. Homes that are sold or leased already have to comply.
How many smoke alarms does my home need?
At least one in every bedroom, one in each hallway connecting bedrooms to the rest of the home, and one on every level. A typical three-bedroom single-storey home needs around four to five alarms.
Can I keep my existing hardwired alarms?
Only if they are photoelectric, under 10 years old, working and interconnected with every other alarm. Hardwired alarms being replaced must be replaced with hardwired alarms.
Are wireless interconnected alarms compliant?
Yes. Photoelectric alarms with a 10-year sealed battery and wireless interconnection meet the requirements and suit homes where running new cables is difficult.
How long does installation take?
Most homes are completed in a single visit, often within a few hours, depending on the number of alarms and roof access.
Do I need to test my alarms?
Yes. Press the test button monthly, and vacuum the vents occasionally. Replace any alarm that fails, and every alarm when it reaches 10 years old.
Related services
Beat the 2027 deadline. Book your smoke alarm upgrade now.
Call 1300 385 599 (Mon to Fri, 8:00am to 4:30pm) or request a quote online. Tell us your number of bedrooms and levels and we will give you a fixed price for a fully compliant system.
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