We want to remind you that in Queensland we have smoke alarm law changes that wil come into place on January 1, 2027.
The important thing about these rules is they apply to everybody who owns a home. We have seen a raft of changes come into effect since 2017 that targeted new builds and rental properties. The upcoming update will make them more sweeping in nature, meaning the rules will apply to every property in Queensland.
First and foremost, the laws are designed to keep you safe. They come with clear compliance requirements that every homeowner in the state needs to take note of and implement if they haven’t done so already.
Voltora Industries is here to help you stay on the right side of the law, and most importantly, keep your family and property safe.
Let’s look at what’s going to change on January 1 2027.
What’s Changing on 1 January 2027?
The new laws mean that every Queensland home must have smoke alarms that:
- Are photoelectric (not ionisation).
- Are interconnected – this means if one alarm is set off by smoke, all the alarms in the home will also instantly go off.
- Meet the Australian Standard AS 3786:2014.
- Need to be installed in every bedroom, in required living spaces and on exit paths.
For rental properties and homes being sold, these requirements already apply thanks to rules passed in 2017 and 2022.
Who Needs to Act?
If you’re a Queensland homeowner, the onus is on you to ensure your property complies with the new laws that will come into effect on January 1 2027. You could own a house in the suburbs, an acreage property or an apartment – the law applies to you and you need to meet t˙e deadline.
This isn’t just about having smoke alarms installed – its about making sure they meet the above requirements. You’re current detectors might be more than 10 years old, or they could be ionisation alarms. We recommend getting a professional electrician in to assess and see what steps you needs to take.
What You Should Do Now About the Smoke Alarm Law Changes
Don’t leave it to the last minute, because as the deadline approaches Brisbane electricians are going to get busier. You want to know your house is compliant and safe before the deadline rolls around. There are a couple of tests yu can do yourself that will help figure out if an upgrade is required:
- Test your alarms by pressing the button on each one. If no sound is emitted, you need to get them checked out.
- Check the manufacture date on the back. If it’s over ten years old, it won’t be compliant with the new laws and is a safety risk.
- Confirm the locations of your alarms. They need to be installed in all bedrooms and hallways or paths connecting bedrooms to exits. There also needs to be at least one on every level of the home.
- Check interconnection of the alarms by triggering one and seeing if the others go off too.
Why Photoelectric and Interconnected?
The upgrade to photoelectric alarms is a solid one that we’re definitely on board with at Voltora. They’re more advanced than ionisation alarms, and better at picking up smouldering fires. These are the types that will fill a room with smoke before the flames leap into action. You’ll also get fewer false positives from photoelectric alarms – they’re not as reactive to cooking smoke or steam.
Interconnected alarms are advantageous because they can buy you time if there’s a fire. If you’re working in the garage and a fire starts in the bedroom at the other end of the house, all alarms will be triggered. You will be notified and be able to act and get your family to safety.
Get in Touch with Voltora Industries
As electricians in Brisbane, we’re in the business of making your homes safer. Smoke alarms are a big part of that – they save lives and properties. The new laws aren’t just red tape – they’ve been designed to prevent tragedies and help you deal with emergencies fast.
While testing and checking dates is something you can do yourself, installing or replacing hardwired alarms requires a licensed electrician. Act now and get in touch with our team today. You’ll miss the last minute rush, and you’ll get the peace of mind of knowing your home is fully protected.
We look forward to talking soon and helping you out with your smoke alarm installation.
2027 Smoke Alarm Laws FAQs
What is the deadline for the new smoke alarm laws?
January 1, 2027.
Do I need an electrician to replace my smoke alarms?
Yes, for any hardwired smoke alarm replacement.
How many alarms do I need?
At minimum, every bedroom, hallways or connecting paths, and at least one on each storey.
Can I use battery alarms?
Yes, if there’s no hardwired unit being replaced. But hardwired alarms must be replaced with hardwired.
Can you explain the new smoke alarms to me in detail?
If you’d like more information than what we have provided above, our team would be happy to answer your questions.
Where can I learn more about the smoke alarm law changes?
You can visit the Queensland Fire Department website. Voltora Industries is here to help if you have questions.
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