Smoke alarm requirements in QLD

The new Queensland smoke alarm regulations represent a significant shift in fire safety standards for residential properties. Introduced to enhance protection for residents, these regulations mandate the installation of interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms in every bedroom, hallway, and on each level of a home. As compliance deadlines approach, it’s crucial for homeowners and landlords to understand the requirements and ensure their properties meet the updated safety standards. These changes aim to provide faster warnings in the event of a fire, potentially saving lives and reducing property damage across Queensland.

Quick overview

The new Queensland smoke alarm regulations require all homes, including townhouses and units, to install photoelectric smoke alarms that comply with Australian Standard 3786-2014. These alarms must be interconnected, so if one goes off, they all do. For property owners, landlords, and sellers, ensuring these alarms are properly installed is crucial, with compliance deadlines set for 2027. Tenants must maintain alarms, and special provisions apply to caravans, motorhomes, and those with hearing impairments. 

When do I need to install more smoke alarms and interconnect them?

Smoke alarms installed after the below milestone dates will be required to be:

• Powered by either hard-wired 240-volt or 10-year non-removable 10 year 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 do smoke alarms need to be installed?

Smoke alarms must be installed on every storey, specifically in each bedroom, hallways connecting bedrooms to other parts of the dwelling, or between bedrooms and living areas if no hallway exists.

If a storey has no bedrooms, at least one smoke alarm must be placed in the most likely exit path.

For caravans and motorhomes, smoke alarms can be installed on the ceiling, ideally near sleeping areas. If you sleep in the annexe, placing an alarm there is also recommended.

Do smoke alarms need to be installed by an electrical contractor?

All 230V hardwired smoke alarms must be installed by a licenced electrical contractor who can provide you with a Certificate of Compliance on completion of the work.

Can battery smoke alarms still be used?

Select your property type below to see if battery alarms can be used

More information is available on the Queensland Fire Department website

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