CHOOSE THE RIGHT SMOKE ALARM TO KEEP

YOUR FAMILY SAFE

From 1st January 2027, Queensland’s deadline for household smoke alarm compliance matures, and it’s very important to ensure  your dwelling meets the Australian Standards AS 3786-2014. We’re here to help you understand the new requirements—and give you peace of mind that your smoke alarm obligations are met. This is not just a safety issue, it could affect your home insurance too.

Below is a list of the top 5 things to check when you are installing a new smoke alarm in your home

What are the top 5 things each home owner should look for in a smoke alarm?

1.  Photoelectric Smoke Alarm

The new law states that all the smoke alarms need to be photoelectric. This means they pick up smoldering smoke and will provide the earliest detection and set off the alarm faster. This will give you and your family the most about of time to escape or attend to the issue.

2. Lifespan and warranty

A good smoke alarm should come with a warranty of at least 5 years or more, and have a lifespan of at least 10 years.

3. Reputable brand

Choose a smoke alarm which has been manufactured by a reputable brand and recognised in Australia. This will help ensure you are getting a device which has met other strict safety standards. We recommend brands such as Brooks and Clipsal. In our 20 + years of experience, we have found that Brooks alarms simply give far less false alarms! We all want to avoid any unnecessary 3am wake ups!

4. Battery Back Up

There needs to be a plan B when it comes to safety in case the mains power is out, so a battery back up for a smoke alarm is a must. Look for a 10 year lithium battery. Brooks provide wireless options which also allow for clean installation and avoids the need for costly wiring.

5. Easy Testing and Maintenance

Smoke alarms should be tested by the home owner regularly and be easy to do so with a touch of a button. Check that the smoke alarm at your home is easily tested and works correctly. In addition to this, a licensed electrician can conduct a more thorough testing, cleaning and maintenance as well as provide a compliance certificate for insurance purposes.

By focusing on these features, you will be making sure that you are choosing the best and most reliable protection for your home and family.

REMEMBER: Smoke alarms should only be installed by a qualified electrician.

Some FAQs around Smoke Alarms can be answered HERE

What is required by Law?

  • At least 1 smoke alarm is required on each level of a home.
  • There must be a smoke alarm in any passageway or corridor leading to bedrooms.
  • If a corridor or passageway does not lead to a bedroom, but could be an escape path, then a smoke alarms should be fitted in this path.
  • In Queensland, all bedrooms should contain photoelectric smoke alarms.
  • All smoke alarms in the home should be interconnected.
  • All homes, units and apartments need to be compliant by 1st January, 2027 for your insurance and safety.

 

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