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:
- 300mm of a corner of a ceiling and a wall
- 300mm of a light fitting
- 400mm of an air-conditioning vent
- 400mm of the blades of a ceiling fan.
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.