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Understanding Australian smoke alarm regulations is important for ensuring that any properties that you own, occupy, or manage are complaint, and for keeping yourself or your tenants safe. As well as Australian smoke alarm standards, each state has its own smoke alarm requirements.
Keeping up to date with the latest legislation could prove to be life-saving. We advise using professionals such as Jarvis electrical to install or inspect your smoke alarms to ensure compliance. Call us today to see how we can help.
We have compiled everything you need to know about smoke alarm rules Australia into this complete guide. Read on for Australian smoke alarm regulations, and smoke alarm requirements for each state and territory.
Smoke alarm rules Australia
All residential and rental properties across Australia must be fitted with smoke alarms that comply with Australian Standards AS3786 and in accordance with the Building Code of Australia. All manufacturers and designers of smoke alarms are required to adhere to Australian Standards AS3786. Regular smoke alarm testing should be done when required.
Smoke alarms have to be installed in class 1a buildings (single dwellings) on or close to the ceiling on every story of the house. On storeys containing bedrooms, they must be installed between each part of the property that contains bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling, and in any hallway that serves a bedroom.
In class 1b buildings smoke alarms have to be installed in every bedroom, and in every hallway or corridor that is linked to a bedroom, or in an area between the bedrooms and the rest of the property. They must also be installed on every other storey of the property.
Class 1b properties are defined as boarding houses, guest houses, or hostels with a floor area of under 300m2 which usually houses less than 12 people, or a minimum of four single dwellings on one allotment that are used for short term holiday accommodation.
Smoke alarms must also be connected to the consumer mains power, and be interconnected if more than one smoke alarm is installed.
Smoke alarms should be fitted to the ceiling, or if this is not possible they may be fitted to the wall. If the smoke alarm is close to a corner, you should avoid placing it in dead air space that corners can create. Contact us to find out how we can help you to ensure that you are compliant.
If the smoke alarm beeping then you should not ignore it. In most cases, it needs a battery replacement but it may have other reasons too.
In addition to these rules, each state has its own legislation on smoke alarm requirements.
Smoke alarm legislation QLD
New legislation was introduced in Queensland on January 1st 2017, stating that all Queensland residences must be fitted with photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms in every bedroom and hallway, and on every level of the home. These smoke alarms must be mains powered.
You can contact Smoke Alarm installation Brisbane service providers for smoke alarm solutions or installations.
Smoke alarm legislation VIC
In Victoria, all homes built after 1st August 1997 must have mains powered smoke alarms. Any home constructed before 1st August 1997 must have a battery-operated smoke alarm. From 1st May 2014, all residential buildings, homes, and apartments are required to have interconnecting smoke alarms. The alarms should be supported by a home fire escape plan.
Smoke alarm legislation NSW
Since May 1st 2006, a minimum of one working smoke alarm must be installed on each level of a home, including owner-occupied, rental properties, mobile homes, caravans, and any residential building where people sleep.
Smoke alarm legislation TAS
From 1st May 2013, all residential homes in Tasmania must be fitted with smoke alarms. New legislation that came into effect on 1st May 2016 dictated that these alarms must be either mains powered or powered by a 10-year non-removable battery.
Smoke alarm legislation NT
As of 1st November 2011, all residential properties must have a working smoke alarm. You must replace your smoke alarm with a photoelectric alarm with 9-volt battery back up or a sealed 10-year lithium battery if any of the following apply:
- Your smoke alarm stops working
- You sell your home
- You start renting out your property or renew a tenancy
- You rent out your mobile home or caravan
Smoke alarm legislation ACT
All homes built after 1994 in Australian Capital Territory are required to have mains powered smoke alarms installed, as per the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 amendments which came into effect in 2017.
Smoke alarm legislation WA
Since 1997, any new properties or existing properties that have had significant renovations must have mains powered smoke alarms installed. From 2009, mains powered smoke alarms are required to be fitted in any residential buildings prior to sale, and since 2011 any rental properties.
Any new dwellings approved for construction from May 1st 2015 must have interconnected smoke alarms.
Smoke alarm legislation SA
Since February 1st 1998, any home or residential property that has been sold must have smoke alarms installed that are either mains powered or powered by a 10 year non-replaceable, non-removable battery.
Smoke alarm compliance certificate QLD
Form 16 is used to advise a building certifier that work has been inspected and complies with the appropriate standards and codes. This can include the installation of inspection of smoke alarms. Contact Jarvis electrical today for any smoke alarm installations or inspections, to ensure that you are compliant with smoke alarm rules Australia.