New smoke alarm laws now apply in Queensland

New and substantially renovated homes are now required to have interconnected Australian Standard (AS) 3786-2014 photoelectric smoke alarms in all bedrooms, in hallways where bedrooms are connected, and on each and every level of the residence.  This applies to homes where building applications were lodged after 1 January 2017.New and substantially renovated homes are now required to have interconnected Australian Standard (AS) 3786-2014 photoelectric smoke alarms in all bedrooms, in hallways where bedrooms are connected, and on each and every level of the residence.  This applies to homes where building applications were lodged after 1 January 2017.

Requirements for other homes will be phased in over 10 years.  Interconnected AS 3786-2014 photoelectric smoke alarms will be required from:

• 1 January 2022 in all homes leased and sold

• 1 January 2027 in all other homes.

To comply with new laws homeowners can install either hardwired 240V smoke alarms or non-removable 10-year battery smoke alarms.  However, any existing hardwired 240V smoke alarm must be replaced with a hardwired 240V photoelectric smoke alarm.  The installation of hardwired 240V smoke alarms must be performed by a licenced electrician.  In existing homes, it is possible to have a combination of smoke alarms, which can be 240V or battery operated and interconnectivity which can be both wired and wireless.