Smoke Alarm for New Building or Renovated Properties as per QLD Legislation
with effect from 1st Jan. 2022

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A Guide on Smoke Alarms for New Building or Renovated Properties as per QLD Legislation

From 1 January 2017

As part of a building approval process, requiring a Building Certifier, all new homes and renovations should have the required smoke alarms installed pursuant to the requirements of the National Construction Code (NCC) formally known as Building Code of Australia (BCA) and the Building Regulation 2006.

What are the standard requirements?

Smoke alarms in the dwelling must:

be photoelectric (AS3786-2014); and
not also contain an ionisation sensor; and
be hardwired to the mains power supply with a secondary power source (i.e. battery); and
be interconnected with every other smoke alarm in the dwelling so all activate together.

From 1 January 2022

on each storey
in each bedroom
in hallways that connect bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling
if there is no hallway, between the bedroom 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.
Smoke alarms must be hardwired, or for existing dwellings, they can also be powered by a non-removable 10-year battery.
To get everyone out safely during a house fire, it is essential to also have a well-practised fire escape plan.

From 1 January 2022, at the commencement of a new lease or lease renewal, you must ensure your dwelling / unit meets the requirements of the domestic smoke alarm legislation. This may involve installing interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms into the bedrooms in addition to the currently required smoke alarms. For further information see below.

Get Quote for Smoke Alarms Installation in Qld, as per Qld Legislation

As Required by Law for Smoke Alarm in Qld

When it is time for your property’s alarms to be upgraded, those alarms must:

be photoelectric and comply with Australian Standard 3786-2014
not also contain an ionisation sensor; and
be less than 10 years old; and
operate when tested; and
be interconnected with every other ‘required’ smoke alarm.

Any existing smoke alarm being replaced from 1 January 2017 must be a photoelectric-type alarm which complies with Australian Standard 3786-2014.

Smoke alarms must comply with the Standard AS 3786-2014. The body of the alarm must be marked with AS3786-2014.

Where should the Smoke Alarm be placed?

Where practicable smoke alarms must be placed on the ceiling.

Smoke alarms must not be placed within:

Avoid installing smoke alarms in dead air space. This is an area in which trapped hot air will prevent smoke from reaching the alarm. This space generally occurs at the apex of cathedral ceilings, the corner junction of walls and ceilings, and between exposed floor joists.

Smoke Alarm for New Building or Renovated Properties as per QLD Legislation with effect from 1st Jan. 2022