Did you know that when you sleep your sense of smell also sleeps? This means that if a fire starts within your home while you are sleeping you will not smell it!
The risk of toxic fumes can overcome you and your family in the event of a house fire is high without an adequate and operational smoke alarm system.
Although there are two types of smoke alarms on the market, the Jarvis Electrical team now only use and recommend Photoelectric Smoke Alarms.
Photoelectric Smoke Alarms are the only type of alarm endorsed by the Qld Fire and Emergency Service. Photoelectric alarms detect smouldering and free burning fires fast. They can see smoke and alert you early so that you can escape. Photoelectric alarms can also be interconnected meaning you will be alerted no matter where you are or where the fire starts.
Ionisation alarms are no longer recommended. They tend to “false alarm” more frequently leading them to be taken down, batteries removed or covered by the homeowner or tenant, rendering them useless. Ionisation alarms are now being phased out in Queensland.
Check out Smoke Alarms Installation page if you need help with your smoke alarms.
Are you up to date with the Queensland Smoke Alarm Legislation?
Here is what you need to know –
1st January 2017
All existing dwellings including those being sold or leased
- Existing smoke alarms manufactured more than 10 years ago must be replaced.
- Smoke alarms that do not operate when tested must be replaced immediately
- Existing hardwired smoke alarms that need replacing must be replaced with a hard-wired smoke alarm.
- All replacement smoke alarms must be of a photoelectric type and comply with Australian Standard 3786-2014.
- Any replaced 240volt smoke alarms must be replaced with another 240volt smoke alarm.
- A replacement for a battery powered smoke alarm may be a 240volt, 10year non-removable battery, or 9volt Alkaline.
Note: Existing landlords and tenant’s obligations regarding the installation and testing of smoke alarms continue.
New dwellings and dwellings being substantially renovated
- All new dwellings and dwellings being substantially renovated need to comply with the full breadth of changes outlined in the new legislation for 2027.
- New dwellings must be built with 240volt hard-wired alarms and interconnected smoke alarms in the required locations
1st January 2022
If a dwelling is sold, leased or an existing lease is renewed & government owned dwellings.
Smoke alarms in all dwellings must;
- Be of photoelectric type
- Be either hard wired or fitted with a 10-year, non-replaceable battery
- Be less than 10 years old
- Operate when tested
- Be interconnected with every other smoke alarm in the dwelling
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.
1st January 2027
All dwellings (including owner occupier)
Smoke alarms in all dwellings must;
- Be of photoelectric type
- Be either hard wired or fitted with a 10-year, non-replaceable battery
- Be less than 10 years old
- Operate when tested
- Be interconnected with every other smoke alarm in the dwelling
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.