SMOKE ALARM LAWS - SECURE YOUR FINANCIAL
INVESTMENT BY ACTING NOW
As you may be aware, from 1st January 2022 new smoke alarm legislation for Queensland rental
properties will be enforced. Changes encompass type, number, and interconnectivity
of smoke alarms. Rental properties that have not been upgraded by the deadline will not be
permitted to enter new leases, meaning rental properties may sit vacant indefinitely with no rental
income.
Among the over 550,000 investment properties in Queensland, the vast majority are yet to be
upgraded with just 19 months until the deadline. The experts predict that there will simply not be
enough technicians or smoke alarms available to meet this quota by the deadline. We expect the
demand to start increasing from June this year and reach a critical state by January 2021.
These laws will affect you as the property owner. Do not run the risk of falling victim to the inevitable
price gouging caused by smoke alarm shortages as the deadline approaches. Join the group of astute
investors whose properties will be safe and legally compliant. Please contact your Property Manager
today if you would like us to arrange an obligation free quote to upgrade your property.
Who does the new legislation affect?
The new legislation only affects class 1a buildings (e.g. houses/townhouses) and class 2
buildings (e.g. units/apartments). It does not include short term stay dwellings such as holiday
units, motels, dormitories, caravans or other buildings. These other buildings are covered by
the requirements of the Building Code of Australia (BCA). For detailed definitions of building
classifications, refer to the BCA.
Does this affect me if I am building my house or unit now?
Any new dwelling that had an application to be constructed submitted after 31 December 2016
will need to comply fully with the new legislation. The installation requirements state that hard-
wired 240-volt photoelectric 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; and all smoke
alarms must be interconnected. Additional information is available in the Smoke Alarm Installation
Information Sheet.
What if I am having a major renovation done to my dwelling?
If your dwelling is undergoing a major renovation and a building certifier has been engaged to
assess and approve the building work, the building certifier will determine what smoke alarms
are required in the dwelling in line with all relevant legislation.
What am I required to have in my home now in terms of smoke alarms?
All existing dwellings, at a minimum, are required to have a smoke alarm: 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. Dwellings constructed after 1997 are
required to have 240 volt hard wired smoke alarms, all others may be battery operated. Dwellings
constructed after 2014 are required to have their smoke alarms interconnected to each other.
Do I have to change anything now?
Yes, if your smoke alarms are old or not working. From 1 January 2017 for all existing dwellings.
If the smoke alarms are older than 10-years or if they fail to operate when tested they
must be replaced. If they are replaced they must be replaced with photoelectric smoke alarms and
powered by what is currently there (i.e. if they are powered by 240-volt they must be replaced with
240-volt smoke detectors, otherwise battery operated photoelectric are fine). All smoke alarms that
are required by legislation, when necessary, must be replaced with Australian Standard 3786–2014
compliant smoke alarms.
When do I need to install more smoke alarms and interconnect them?
From 1 January 2022 for dwellings being leased, re-leased or sold. From 1 January 2027 for all other
dwellings. The smoke alarms installed after these dates will be required to be powered by either
hardwired 240-volt or 10-year tamper proof battery and be interconnected by either wired or
wirelessly to all other required smoke alarms in the dwelling. All smoke alarms that are required by
legislation must be AS3786–2014 compliant smoke alarms.
Where will smoke alarms need to be installed?
From 1 January 2022 for dwellings being leased, released or sold or 1 January 2027 for all other
dwellings, 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.
Additional information is available in the Smoke Alarm Installation Information Sheet.
Where do smoke alarms need to be installed in a room?
While the centre of the room if the preferred location for smoke alarms, this is not a requirement.
On a flat ceiling they must be 300mm from corners or lights and 400mm from anything that may
blow air such as air conditioner heads or the edge of the blade of a ceiling fan.
Can I install battery operated smoke alarms?
All new constructions and major renovations require hardwired 240-volt smoke alarms.
An existing dwelling with 240-volt smoke alarms must replace them when required with
240-volt photoelectric type smoke alarms. An existing dwelling with battery operated smoke alarms
may replace them when required with battery operated photoelectric type smoke alarms that meet
the Australian Standard 3786–2014. From 1 January 2022 for dwellings being leased/released or
sold, or 1 January 2027 for all other dwellings, all battery-operated smoke alarms must be 10-year
tamper proof battery smoke alarms.
What does interconnected mean?
Interconnected smoke alarms are connected to other smoke alarms in the dwelling either
directly or wirelessly. This means that if one smoke alarm detects smoke, they all sound.
Will I have to run new wiring in my home to interconnect the smoke alarms?
Smoke alarms can be interconnected any way that allows all smoke alarms to sound when one
is in alarm (i.e. when one activates, they all sound). This can be done by physically wiring together or
using wireless technology (or a combination of both). Wireless technology is available for both 240-
volt and battery-operated smoke alarms.
Who do I get to install my smoke alarms?
Any person can legally install a battery powered smoke alarm. 240-volt smoke alarms connect to the
electricity supply and must be connected by a licenced electrician.
What are the smoke alarm installation responsibilities of a landlord and tenant in a
rental property?
The landlord is responsible for the installation of smoke alarms that comply with legislation.
Additional information on installation is available in the Smoke Alarm Installation Information
Sheet.
Who is responsible in a rental property to clean and test the smoke alarms?
Within 30 days before the start of a tenancy in a domestic dwelling, the lessor/landlord must
test and clean each smoke alarm in the dwelling. During a tenancy in a domestic dwelling, the
tenant must test and clean each smoke alarm in the dwelling, at least once every 12 months.
A renewal or extension of an existing tenancy agreement is also deemed to be the start of a
new tenancy agreement. For example, if the tenant stayed for 6 months and another tenant moved
in the lessor would need to test and clean the smoke alarms within 30 days prior to the new lease
starting. Even if the tenant only stayed for 2 months the lessor would still need to test and clean
prior to the new lease taking affect. Test has a definition in the legislation, and it is by pressing the
'test' button or as stated in the manufacturer's instructions. Clean also has a definition in the
legislation and that is "in the way stated in the manufacturer's instructions", which is normally
vacuuming.
How do I maintain (test and clean) a smoke alarm?
Test the smoke alarm by pressing the 'test' button or as stated in the manufacturer's
instructions. Clean "in the way stated in the manufacturer's instructions" which is normally
vacuuming.
Do you need to be qualified or licenced to test and clean smoke alarms?
There is no legal requirement for any qualification or certification to test or clean a domestic
smoke alarm. Some real estate agents may outsource smoke alarm maintenance to another
company with associated fees paid by the landlord. The real estate may request a "certificate of
compliance" from these companies as proof of service. This is not a legal requirement but may be
part of the real estate agent's internal process.
Does the smoke alarm have to be to a particular Australian Standard?
All smoke alarms that are required to be installed or replaced by the legislation must be a
photoelectric type smoke alarm that complies with Australian Standard 3786–2014.
How do I know if a smoke alarm meets Australian Standard 3786–2014?
Australian Standard 3786–2014 requires the smoke alarm to have on the body of the smoke
alarm the words "AS3786–2014". These words may not appear on the packaging. Check the
packaging has the Australian Standard symbols on it and if in doubt ask the person selling the
product if the smoke alarm complies with the 2014 standard.
Does the domestic smoke alarm legislation apply to a motel?
The new domestic smoke alarm legislation only applies to domestic dwellings (e.g. houses,
townhouses, apartments, units). It does not apply to motel buildings. The requirement of any
building to have fire safety installations installed (such as electronically monitored smoke detectors)
is determined by a building certifier before construction of the building based on the requirements
of the Building Code of Australia (BCA), the size and type of building and the year it was constructed.
Through the years, as technology develops, the installations required by the BCA will change.
The BCA requirements however are not retrospective and a building only has to comply with
the requirements at the time of construction. This is why a newer motel building will have
different fire safety installations than an older one. To ascertain the requirements for a
particular building the original building papers (plans, approvals, etc.) must be referenced. If
they are not available a building certifier would need to be engaged to make a determination
based on the age, size, classification etc. of the building.
Can the domestic smoke alarm legislation be enforced?
Yes. The regulatory authority of the domestic smoke alarm legislation in Queensland is the
Fire and Emergency Services (QFES), under the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990 and
the Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008. The only delegated authority to administer this
legislation is an "authorised officer" of the QFES. QFES is currently the only entity that has the
statutory powers to initiate enforcement action under the Fire and Emergency Services Act
1990 and no other individual or entity have these statutory powers. However, the domestic smoke
alarm legislation was introduced to provide early occupant warning to all occupants of a dwelling in
the event of a fire. This early warning combined with a practised fire escape plan ensures all
occupants can safely exit the dwelling to a place of safety. Therefore education will be the focus
rather than enforcement.
Why should I replace my ionisation smoke alarm now, when it is still functioning well?
Ionisation smoke alarms may not operate in time to alert you early enough to escape a
smouldering fire. Smouldering fires are the major cause of fatalities in house fires.
Who do I get to install my smoke alarms?
Avoid unscrupulous traders
Unscrupulous traders may try to take advantage of the new requirements for smoke alarms.
They might: try to sell you non-compliant smoke alarms say incorrect things about the law to get you
to buy more expensive smoke alarms, or tell you the law says you have to have more smoke alarms
installed than you really need. It is illegal for a business or trader to sell you something that is false
or misleading. You should also double-check any information passed on to you by your real estate
agent or body corporate manager. There are extra rules for door-to-door and telephone sales. Find
out more about buying smoke alarms by visiting the Consumer rights, complaints and scams
website.
False activations of hardwired interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms
If hardwired interconnected photelectric smoke alarms are activating and there is no identifiable
cause for the activation (eg. dust), the issue could be related to either the power supply or incorrect
installation. Hardwired smoke alarms refer to devices which are connected to the household 240
volt supply. (There are a number of reasons for false activations originating from battery operated
alarms such has maintenance i.e. dirt trapped in the alarm, age of the device or a faulty device.)
In some regional or remote areas in Queensland, fluctuations in the power supply travelling to your
house or from electrical/electronic equipment in your home may cause false activations of
hardwired smoke alarms. This is also known as ‘dirty power’ and solar energy may also cause these
fluctuations in power supply. To overcome this problem, a filter can be installed on the switchboard
to reduce the impact of these fluctuations in power supply. Incorrect installation of smoke alarms
can also cause false activations of hardwired interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms.
Manufacturers have specific instructions which must be followed when installing interconnected
photoelectric smoke alarms. Smoke alarms should not be connected to lighting circuits with
dimmers as this will cause false activations. To reduce the instance of false activations, homeowners
should discuss the installation of hardwired (240v) smoke alarms with a licensed electrician who can
provide advice and solutions.
Contact us for more information. If you have a specific question or require further
clarification, please email Barrettgroupservices@gmail.com or alternatively,
SmokeAlarms@qfes.qld.gov.au. If you don’t have access to email please phone 0403 330 132 or
alternatively the Queensland Government helpline on 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
New and UpComing Electrical Legislation in QLD
Important Notes
Build Date means the date reasonably estimated by a Barrett Group Services technician to be the
date on which the building at the inspection address was built.
Class 1a building means a single dwelling property being;
i) A detached house; or
ii) One or more attached dwellings, each being a building, separated by a fire-resisting wall,
reasonably estimated by a Barrett Group Services technician as such.
Class 2a Building means a property containing 2 or more sole-occupancy units each being a separate
dwelling, reasonably estimated by a Barrett Group Services technician as such.
Current Requirements means the legislation requirements stipulated by the Queensland Fire and
Emergency Services Act 1990. Building Fire and Safety Regulation 2008; and the Electrical Safety Act
2002 applicable to existent (pre-2002) smoke alarms and smoke alarm installations and related
electrical work (if applicable). Considerations around compliance of the smoke alarms at the
inspection address are the types of smoke alarms and smoke alarm installations, build dates,
including dates of significant renovations and building classes.
New Requirements means the legislative requirements stipulated by the Queensland Fire and
Emergency Services Act 1990; Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008 ; and the Electrical Safety Act
2002 to be in place by 1st January 2022 for rental properties and related electrical work (if
applicable). Considerations around compliance of the smoke alarms at the inspection address are
the types of smoke alarms and smoke alarm installations, build dates, including dates of significant
renovations and building classes.
Smoke Alarm Compliance is not a building compliance certificate
Barrett Group Services is not a building certifier. Building compliance certificates relate to
compliance with building plans and approvals granted by local, state and federal governments under
various building acts and related construction and renovation requirements. Building certificates and
other types of certificates relating to construction and renovation safety, issued by building
certifiers, or other safety officials. Please check with your building certifier or other safety officials
regarding the compliance requirements of your building or property, and the relevant dates, and
exemptions or exceptions you may be entitled to under the governing laws and regulations.
Qualified Compliance Report
In certain instances, there may be legislation that is current and in force but stipulates the
introduction of new compliance requirements. These requirements may be phased in over time and
the legislation may allow a grace period o periods to facilitate the introduction of the new
compliance requirements. Barrett Group Services;
i) May service smoke alarms or smoke alarm installations that are not required for
compliance, if those smoke alarms or smoke alarm installations are not faulty and not
expired;
ii) Will remove smoke alarms and smoke alarm installations that are not required for
compliance, if those smoke alarms and smoke alarm installations are faulty or are
expired; and
iii) Does not replace smoke alarms and smoke alarm installations that are not required for
compliance, if these smoke alarms or smoke alarm installations are faulty or are expired,
as part of your service.
Replacing an expired or faulty not required for compliance smoke alarm with a new compliant
smoke alarm does not constitute a replacement and separate charges apply.
Smoke alarm compliance certificate
This report certifies compliance or non-compliance of the mentioned smoke alarms and smoke
alarm installations at the mentioned inspection address with the mentioned legislative requirements
for smoke alarms and smoke alarm installations for the Building class building in force on the
inspection date in the state or territory where the mentioned inspection address is situated. If an
electrical contractor licence number appears on the compliance report, this report also certifies that
in so far as the relevant smoke alarm and smoke alarm installations are electrical installations or
electrical equipment and their installation, removal, repair, inspection or testing are electrical
working as defined in the relevant legislation , at the inspection address and on the inspection date;
i) Such electrical installation, to the extent that it is affected by the electrical work, has
been tested to ensure it is electrically safe and is in accordance with the requirements of
the wiring rules and any other standards applying to the electrical installation under the
current requirements; and
ii) Such electrical equipment, to the extent it is affected by the electrical work, is
electrically safe in terms of the current requirements.
Barrett Group Services is not a building surveyor and does not know the relevant date that a
property was built or renovated. The Barrett Group Services’ trained technicians use reasonable
efforts to estimate the building class and if relevant, the build date and is not aware of any
substantial or other renovations. If applicable, it is the property owner or its agent’s
responsibility to notify Barrett Group Services of the date when the property was built or
substantially renovated and its classification.
​
SMOKE ALARMS FAQ
​
Who does the new legislation affect?
The new legislation only affects class 1a buildings (e.g. houses/townhouses) and class 2
buildings (e.g. units/apartments). It does not include short term stay dwellings such as holiday
units, motels, dormitories, caravans or other buildings. These other buildings are covered by
the requirements of the Building Code of Australia (BCA).
For detailed definitions of building classifications, refer to the BCA.
Does this affect me if I am building my house or unit now?
Any new dwelling that had an application to be constructed submitted after 31 December 2016
will need to comply fully with the new legislation.
Installation requirements
Hard-wired 240-volt photoelectric 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; and
all smoke alarms must be interconnected.
Additional information is available in the Smoke Alarm Installation Information Sheet.
What if I am having a major renovation done to my dwelling?
If your dwelling is undergoing a major renovation and a building certifier has been engaged to
assess and approve the building work, the building certifier will determine what smoke alarms
are required in the dwelling in line with all relevant legislation.
What am I required to have in my home now in terms of smoke alarms?
All existing dwellings, at a minimum, are required to have a smoke alarm:
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.
Dwellings constructed after 1997 are required to have 240 volt hard wired smoke alarms,
all others may be battery operated.
Dwellings constructed after 2014 are required to have their smoke alarms interconnected
to each other.
Do I have to change anything now?
Yes, if your smoke alarms are old or not working.
From 1 January 2017 for all existing dwellings…
If the smoke alarms are older than 10-years or if they fail to operate when tested they
must be replaced.
If they are replaced they must be replaced with photoelectric smoke alarms and powered
by what is currently there (i.e. if they are powered by 240-volt they must be replaced
with 240-volt smoke detectors, otherwise battery operated photoelectric are fine).
All smoke alarms that are required by legislation, when necessary, must be replaced with
Australian Standard 3786–2014 compliant smoke alarms.
When do I need to install more smoke alarms and interconnect them?
From 1 January 2022 for dwellings being leased, re-leased or sold.
From 1 January 2027 for all other dwellings.
The smoke alarms installed after these dates will be required to be powered by either hard-
wired 240-volt or 10-year tamper proof battery and be interconnected by either wired or
wirelessly to all other required smoke alarms in the dwelling. All smoke alarms that are
required by legislation must be AS3786–2014 compliant smoke alarms.
Where will smoke alarms need to be installed?
From 1 January 2022 for dwellings being leased, released or sold or 1 January 2027 for all
other dwellings
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.
Additional information is available in the Smoke Alarm Installation Information Sheet.
Where do smoke alarms need to be installed in a room?
While the centre of the room if the preferred location for smoke alarms, this is not a
requirement. On a flat ceiling they have to be 300mm from corners or lights and 400mm from
anything that may blow air such as air conditioner heads or the edge of the blade of a ceiling
fan.
Can I install battery operated smoke alarms?
All new constructions and major renovations require hardwired 240-volt smoke alarms.
An existing dwelling with 240-volt smoke alarms must replace them when required with
240-volt photoelectric type smoke alarms.
An existing dwelling with battery operated smoke alarms may replace them when
required with battery operated photoelectric type smoke alarms that meet the Australian
Standard 3786–2014.
From 1 January 2022 for dwellings being leased/released or sold, or 1 January 2027 for
all other dwellings, all battery operated smoke alarms must be 10-year tamper proof
battery smoke alarms.
What does interconnected mean?
Interconnected smoke alarms are connected to other smoke alarms in the dwelling either
directly or wirelessly. This means that if one smoke alarm detects smoke, they all sound.
Will I have to run new wiring in my home to interconnect the smoke alarms?
Smoke alarms can be interconnected any way that allows all smoke alarms to sound when one
is in alarm (i.e. when one activates they all sound). This can be done by physically wiring
together or using wireless technology (or a combination of both). Wireless technology is
available for both 240-volt and battery operated smoke alarms.
Who do I get to install my smoke alarms?
Any person can legally install a battery powered smoke alarm.
240-volt smoke alarms connect to the electricity supply and must be connected by a licenced
electrician.
What are the smoke alarm installation responsibilities of a landlord and tenant in a
rental property?
The landlord is responsible for the installation of smoke alarms that comply with legislation.
Additional information on installation is available in the Smoke Alarm Installation Information
Sheet.
Who is responsible in a rental property to clean and test the smoke alarms?
Within 30 days before the start of a tenancy in a domestic dwelling, the lessor/landlord must
test and clean each smoke alarm in the dwelling. During a tenancy in a domestic dwelling, the
tenant must test and clean each smoke alarm in the dwelling, at least once every 12 months.
A renewal or extension of an existing tenancy agreement is also deemed to be the start of a
new tenancy agreement.
For example if the tenant stayed for 6 months and another tenant moved in the lessor would
need to test and clean the smoke alarms within 30 days prior to the new lease starting. Even if
the tenant only stayed for 2 months the lessor would still need to test and clean prior to the
new lease taking affect.
Test has a definition in the legislation and it is by pressing the 'test' button or as stated in the
manufacturer's instructions.
Clean also has a definition in the legislation and that is "in the way stated in the
manufacturer's instructions", which is normally vacuuming.
How do I maintain (test and clean) a smoke alarm?
Test the smoke alarm by pressing the 'test' button or as stated in the manufacturer's
instructions.
Clean "in the way stated in the manufacturer's instructions" which is normally vacuuming.
Do you need to be qualified or licenced to test and clean smoke alarms?
There is no legal requirement for any qualification or certification to test or clean a domestic
smoke alarm.
Some real estate agents may outsource smoke alarm maintenance to another company with
associated fees paid by the landlord. The real estate may request a "certificate of compliance"
from these companies as proof of service. This is not a legal requirement but may be part of
the real estate agent's internal process.
Does the smoke alarm have to be to a particular Australian Standard?
All smoke alarms that are required to be installed or replaced by the legislation must be a
photoelectric type smoke alarm that complies with Australian Standard 3786–2014.
How do I know if a smoke alarm meets Australian Standard 3786–2014?
Australian Standard 3786–2014 requires the smoke alarm to have on the body of the smoke
alarm the words "AS3786–2014".
These words may not appear on the packaging. Check the packaging has the Australian
Standard symbols on it and if in doubt ask the person selling the product if the smoke alarm
complies with the 2014 standard.
Does the domestic smoke alarm legislation apply to a motel?
The new domestic smoke alarm legislation only applies to domestic dwellings (e.g. houses,
townhouses, apartments, units). It does not apply to motel buildings.
The requirement of any building to have fire safety installations installed (such as
electronically monitored smoke detectors) is determined by a building certifier before
construction of the building based on the requirements of the Building Code of Australia (BCA),
the size and type of building and the year it was constructed. Through the years, as
technology develops, the installations required by the BCA will change.
The BCA requirements however are not retrospective and a building only has to comply with
the requirements at the time of construction. This is why a newer motel building will have
different fire safety installations than an older one. To ascertain the requirements for a
particular building the original building papers (plans, approvals, etc.) must be referenced. If
they are not available a building certifier would need to be engaged to make a determination
based on the age, size, classification etc. of the building.
Can the domestic smoke alarm legislation be enforced?
Yes. The regulatory authority of the domestic smoke alarm legislation in Queensland is the
Fire and Emergency Services (QFES), under the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990 and
the Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008. The only delegated authority to administer this
legislation is an "authorised officer" of the QFES. QFES is currently the only entity that has the
statutory powers to initiate enforcement action under the Fire and Emergency Services Act
1990 and no other individual or entity have these statutory powers.
However, the domestic smoke alarm legislation was introduced to provide early occupant
warning to all occupants of a dwelling in the event of a fire. This early warning combined with
a practised fire escape plan ensures all occupants can safely exit the dwelling to a place of
safety. Therefore education will be the focus rather than enforcement.
Why should I replace my ionisation smoke alarm now, when it is still functioning well?
Ionisation smoke alarms may not operate in time to alert you early enough to escape a
smouldering fire. Smouldering fires are the major cause of fatalities in house fires.
Who do I get to install my smoke alarms?
Avoid unscrupulous traders
Unscrupulous traders may try to take advantage of the new requirements for smoke alarms.
They might:
try to sell you non-compliant smoke alarms
say incorrect things about the law to get you to buy more expensive smoke alarms, or tell
you the law says you have to have more smoke alarms installed than you really need.
It is illegal for a business or trader to sell you something that is false or misleading. You should
also double-check any information passed on to you by your real estate agent or body
corporate manager.
There are extra rules for door-to-door and telephone sales. Find out more about buying smoke
alarms by visiting the Consumer rights, complaints and scams website.
False activations of hardwired interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms
If hardwired interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms are activating and there is no identifiable cause for the
activation (eg. dust), the issue could be related to either the power supply or incorrect installation. Hardwired smoke
alarms refer to devices which are connected to the household 240 volt supply.
(There are a number of reasons for false activations originating from battery operated alarms such has maintenance
i.e. dirt trapped in the alarm, age of the device or a faulty device.)
In some regional or remote areas in Queensland, fluctuations in the power supply travelling to your house or from
electrical/electronic equipment in your home may cause false actvations of hardwired smoke alarms. This is also
known as ‘dirty power’ and solar energy may also cause these fluctuations in power supply. To overcome this problem,
a filter can be installed on the switchboard to reduce the impact of these fluctuations in power supply.
Incorrect installation of smoke alarms can also cause false activations of hardwired interconnected photoelectric
smoke alarms. Manufacturers have specific instructions which must be followed when installing interconnected
photoelectric smoke alarms. Smoke alarms should not be connected to lighting circuits with dimmers as this will cause
false activations.
To reduce the instance of false activations, homeowners should discuss the installation of hardwired (240v) smoke
alarms with a licensed electrician who can provide advice and solutions.
Contact us for more information
Contact us for more information. If you have a specific question or require further
clarification, please email SmokeAlarms@qfes.qld.gov.au. If you don’t have access
to email please phone the Queensland Government helpline on 13 QGOV (13 74 68).