Everything You Must Know About The Mandatory Smoke Detector Installation

In the interest of safety, it is now mandatory to have smoke detectors installed in residential rental properties. All other residential properties must have compliant smoke alarms before 2027. The obligation to ensure working smoke alarms falls on all parties involved, including the landlord, the tenant and the rental agency. Although it is permissible to do the installation and maintenance by yourself, we recommend that a qualified electrician undertakes the smoke detector installation.

What Are the Precise Requirements for a Compliant Smoke Alarm Installation?

Queensland law states that smoke alarms are now mandatory in residential properties. There is a phased implementation, but it is better to be safe now than sorry later. It is also not necessary that the installation and maintenance be done by an electrician, but please note that QLD regulations state that only a qualified electrician may perform the required smoke alarm hardwire modification for connection to the mains.

A smoke detector may not be older than ten years and must be regularly tested and cleaned. Existing smoke detectors that do not pass testing must be replaced with new detectors that conform to the required specifications. If a residential property is sold, newly leased or existing lease renewed, all non-conforming sensors must immediately be replaced. From 2022 all detectors in residential rental properties must be compliant.
AS 3786-2014 defines the standard for the new smoke alarms. This standard dictates that the detector must be photo-electric in operation and not contain an ionisation sensor. The sensor must be less than ten years old and connected to the electrical mains or fitted with a non-removable battery with a minimum lifespan of ten years or both power source forms.
The smoke alarms must be interconnected so that one alarm will set off all the alarms. An alarm must be installed in each bedroom and hallways connecting the bedrooms and any other rooms in the house or flat. At least one alarm must be installed along the path of exit from the home.
The exact location of each smoke alarm within the room or hallway is prescribed, and there are hefty fines for non-compliance. The basic tenet is the prevention of false alarms while maximising the effectiveness of the detector. We are up to speed with the intricacies of the correct placement of the alarms, so it pays to contract us to install and maintain the whole system sensor smoke detector.

How Do Smoke Alarms Work?

You won’t need to understand the exact science behind smoke detectors unless you are inquisitive. Broadly, it’s enough to know that there are two main types of smoke detector: ionisation and photo-electric. We'll briefly discuss each. However, keep in mind that the ionisation type is not compliant with current legislation.

Ionisation smoke detectors. The working principle of these detectors is based on the small amount of radio-active material contained in the sensor. The radio-active material ionises the air between two electrically charged plates, allowing electricity to flow across the space. When smoke enters the chamber, it absorbs the alpha particles emitted by the radio-active material, causing the ionisation process to stop. This effectively acts as a switch that stops the flow of the electricity, triggering the alarm. The effectiveness of these detectors is limited to fast, raging fires and flames. The radio-active material is also an environmental concern, and the sensor requires a specialised recycling process and decontamination.
Photo-electric detectors. These detectors use a light source, and its intensity is measured by an optical receiver. When smoke enters the chamber, the particles scatter the light and this reduction is measured and triggers the alarm. It is a much simpler method of operation and responds quickly to smouldering fires, which are the real danger in homes. Dust could affect the process and cause false alarms. You’d be wise always to keep the detector clean and dust-free with a vacuum cleaner.
Carbon monoxide. Often referred to as the "silent killer", carbon monoxide is odourless, tasteless and colourless. It is produced through the incomplete combustion of organic materials, which will occur from a smouldering fire in a house. A working detector is essential for safety, and it can be installed as a separate unit or dual smoke carbon monoxide detector that we can install around the home.

Pacific Electrical Contractors have over ten years of experience as qualified and licensed electricians in Brisbane, Queensland. We undertake new electrical installations, renovations and safety inspections for residential, commercial and medical premises. We are intimately familiar with the new legislation regarding smoke detectors.

Contact us for the installation of a compliant smoke and carbon monoxide alarm system.