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Is your home compliant with the Queensland smoke alarm legislation?

We offer very competitive rates on all smoke alarm installations. We only install quality smoke alarms manufactured by companies like Red & Clipsal. Upgrade your smoke alarms today!

Smoke Alarms

Affordable Smoke Alarms for Gold Coast Residents

Smoke alarms are an essential safety feature that every Gold Coast home should have. In light of the potential devastation caused by a fire, it is vital to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. When it comes to fire safety, every second counts, that’s why we highly recommend installing smoke alarms in your home. A smoke alarm can detect smoke at its early stages, giving you and your family valuable time to evacuate and contact emergency services. It can literally be a lifesaver.

Smoke alarms are not just essential for safety, they are now a mandatory requirement in Queensland. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore all you need to know to stay compliant with the Queensland smoke alarm regulations. From the types of smoke alarms that are approved to the specific locations where they should be installed, we will provide you with the necessary information to make your property safe and secure.

Don’t wait for a tragedy to strike before taking action. Make the smart and responsible choice by equipping your home with photoelectric smoke alarms.  Our team of experienced and certified Gold Coast smoke alarm installers can provide you with high-quality, reliable smoke alarms that meet all safety standards and give you the peace of mind you deserve.

House on fire  - Smoke Alarms save Gold Coast family

Clipsal & Red: Trusted by Gold Coast Smoke Alarm Installers

RED Smoke Alarms
Clipsal Smoke Alarms

Gold Coast Smoke Alarm Installations

Our smoke alarm services include:

Smoke alarm replacements, including the upgrade from ionisation to photoelectric smoke alarms and the replacement of outdated units.

Installing 240-volt mains powered photoelectric smoke alarms to meet Queensland’s smoke alarm regulations.

The installation of wireless interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms with 10-year lithium batteries.

Wireless Smoke Alarm Controllers. Silence and test all of your smoke alarms from one convenient location.

Your safety is paramount, which is why we exclusively install industry-leading smoke alarm brands such as Clipsal and Red.

Qld Smoke Alarm Regulations

On January 1, 2017, new smoke alarm legislation was introduced. The Queensland smoke alarm legislation specifies the type of smoke alarm that must be used, where it must be placed, and how it must be connected.

Important Dates

From 1 Jan 2017 – New homes and substantially renovated homes must comply with the new Qld smoke alarm regulations.
From 1 Jan 2022 – Any home that is leased or sold must comply with the new legislation.
From 1 Jan 2027 – All remaining homes must comply with the new legislation.

Qld Smoke Alarm Legislation: What You Must Know

A smoke alarm must be located in every bedroom and in the passage way adjacent to that bedroom. If you have no bedrooms on a storey, you must install at least one smoke alarm in the most likely path of travel to exit the home.

All smoke alarms must be interconnected so that if one goes off, they all go off.

Smoke alarms must be photoelectric and must not contain an ionisation sensor.

Smoke alarms must be either 240v hard wired or powered by a non removeable 10 year lithium battery.

All smoke alarms must comply with (AS) 3786:2014.

Smoke Alarm Locations

Single Level Home Smoke Detector Layout
Double Storey Smoke Detector Layout

Smoke Alarm Location

Wherever possible, smoke alarms should be installed on the ceiling. Smoke alarms must not be installed in the following locations.

Within 300mm of a light fitting.

Within 300mm of the corner of the ceiling and a wall.

Within 400mm of a ceiling fan.

Within 400mm of an air-conditioning vent.

If the smoke alarm is being installed on a sloping ceiling, the smoke alarm must be installed greater than 500mm and less than 1,500mm from the apex .

Smoke Alarm Placement

Are Your Smoke Alarms Out of Date or Faulty?

Any smoke alarms that were manufactured more than 10 years ago must be replaced with photoelectric smoke alarms that comply with (AS) 3786-2014.

Any smoke alarms that don’t operate when the test button is pushed must be replaced with a photoelectric smoke alarm immediately.

Existing 240-volt hard wired smoke alarms that need to be replaced, must be replaced with 240-volt hard wired photoelectric smoke alarms.

RED Smoke Alarms

Owner Occupiers

You must replace any smoke alarm that is not working with a photoelectric smoke alarm that complies with AS3786-2014.

If any of the smoke alarms are more than 10 years old, they must be replaced with a photoelectric smoke alarm that complies with AS3786-2014. Only a licenced electrician can replace a 240v hardwired smoke alarm.

You should test and clean all smoke alarms at least once every 12 months. Cleaning normally consists of vacuuming the smoke alarm or brushing the smoke alarm with a soft brush to remove dust. Always test the smoke alarm after cleaning it.

No later than 1 January 2027 – You must install interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms to all bedrooms and any adjacent passageways. If the home has more than one level, you must also install at least one smoke alarm on each level in the most likely path of travel to exit the home.

Landlords

You must test and clean all smoke alarms no more than 30 days prior to the start of a new tenancy agreement.

You must replace any smoke alarm batteries than are either flat or almost flat no more than 30 days prior to the start of a new tenancy agreement.

If you are notified by the tenant that a smoke alarm is not operating, you must replace the smoke alarm with a photoelectric alarm that complies with AS3786-2014.

If any of the smoke alarms are more than 10 years old, they must be replaced with a photoelectric smoke alarm that complies with AS3786-2014. If the smoke alarm is hardwired (240v) you will need to arrange to have a qualified electrician replace it for you.

No later than 1 January 2022 – You must install interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms to all bedrooms and any adjacent passageways. If the home has more than one level, you must also install at least one smoke alarm on each level in the most likely path of travel to exit the home.

Frequently Asked Questions

If your smoke detector is beeping every 30 to 40 seconds, the most likely cause is the smoke alarm battery needs to be replaced. If there is a power outage, a smoke alarm will also beep on a regular basis until the power is restored.

It is recommended that you test your smoke alarms once a month. To test your smoke alarms, press and hold the test/hush button. Initially, only the local alarm will sound, but after a few seconds, all of the other interconnected alarms should begin to sound. Repeat this procedure for each alarm.

You must have a smoke detector installed in every bedroom and in every adjacent passageway. You must also have at least one smoke detector installed on every level of your home. A single level four-bedroom home will typically require six smoke detectors. You will need one for each bedroom and often two for the passageway. This is due to the fact that the bedrooms may not all be adjacent to the same passageway, and some passageways can be quite long.

There are numerous smoke alarms on the market. Clipsal, Quell, PSA, Lifesaver, Brooks, Legrand, Matelec, and RED are some of the more popular brands. It’s difficult to say which smoke alarms are best. The two brands that we recommend are Clipsal & Red Smoke Alarms. We prefer to use these smoke alarms because we rarely have one fail, they are well made, they come with a decent warranty,  they look good and most people find that they are easy to maintain.

If your smoke alarm is randomly going off for no reason, and especially if your hardwired smoke alarm keeps going off at night, it can be very annoying. First and foremost, you must determine which alarm triggered the fault. When all of your smoke alarms are interconnected, this can be difficult. Normally, a red LED will be flashing on one of the alarms while the smoke alarms are sounding. If the smoke alarms are no longer sounding, look for one with a flashing led light. Every couple of seconds, the LED will flash. Remove any dust or cobwebs from this smoke alarm by vacuuming it. If the smoke alarm keeps going off, contact your local electrician to have the smoke alarm checked.

Wondering why smoke alarms beep or chirp? The primary reason why your smoke alarm is beeping every 30-40 seconds is a low smoke alarm battery. This serves as an alert to replace the battery promptly, ensuring that your smoke alarm stays operational. However, if the smoke alarm keeps beeping after a battery replacement, it may signify a defective unit. A malfunctioning smoke alarm can pose risks, so replacing it might be necessary.

New Constructions and Significant Renovations: All new construction projects and substantial renovations are required to incorporate hardwired 240-volt smoke alarms.

Existing Dwellings with 240-Volt Smoke Alarms: Existing dwellings equipped with 240-volt smoke alarms must replace them with 240-volt photoelectric smoke alarms when necessary.

Existing Dwellings with Battery-Operated Smoke Alarms: For existing dwellings with battery-operated smoke alarms, it is permissible to replace them with battery-operated photoelectric smoke alarms meeting the Australian Standard 3786–2014 when required.

Effective January 1, 2022, for properties undergoing lease or sale transactions and no later than January 1, 2027, for all other properties, it is mandated that all battery-operated smoke alarms must be equipped with non-removable 10-year batteries.

When it comes to fire safety, photoelectric smoke alarms have clear advantages over ionisation alarms. They are far more effective at detecting smoldering fires and are also a lot less prone to false alarms. Additionally, photoelectric alarms do not use radioactive materials, making them a safer choice. In summary, photoelectric smoke alarms offer superior fire detection performance and align with current safety standards.

If your smoke alarm displays a flashing red light approximately every 40 – 50 seconds, it is functioning correctly and in standby mode. However, if the red LED flashes every 5 to 10 seconds, the alarm is in fault mode and has been previously activated. This clear visual indicator helps homeowners easily identify the status of their smoke alarms

For 240 Volt smoke alarms, it’s crucial to replace the 9-volt battery annually, with the recommended choice being the Energizer 522 battery. On the other hand, 10 Year lithium battery powered smoke alarms eliminate the need for battery replacement, as their batteries are non-removable. However, if you hear a short ‘beep’ every 40 seconds from these alarms, it indicates that the battery has reached the end of its lifespan. In this case, it’s imperative to replace the entire smoke alarm promptly to maintain effective fire detection and ensure home safety.

Upgrade Your Smoke Alarms: Get a Free Quote Today!

Smoke alarms are an essential safety feature that every Gold Coast home should have. By understanding and adhering to the smoke alarm regulations, you can ensure the safety of your home and comply with the legal requirements. It is important to choose the right type of smoke alarms, install them in the recommended locations, and perform regular maintenance and testing.

We provide a hassle-free solution with free, no-obligation quotes. We are highly competitive within the industry, providing top-quality services at affordable rates. Whether you need to replace outdated alarms or ensure your property is compliant with the Qld smoke alarm laws, we’ve got you covered. Get in touch today and take the first step toward a secure and compliant home.

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