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All Australian Capital Territory (ACT) homes must have working photoelectric smoke alarms on every level, complying with AS 3786:2014. Alarms must be installed in bedrooms or hallways connecting bedrooms to other areas. Interconnection is required in multi-level homes. Hardwired alarms require mains power with backup, or use 10-year sealed-battery alarms.
The Australian Capital Territory mandates working smoke alarms in all residential properties. These requirements are set under fire safety regulations and must be followed by all homeowners and landlords.
All smoke alarms must use photoelectric technology. Ionisation alarms are not permitted.
All alarms must meet this Australian Standard for smoke alarm performance and safety.
Install at least one alarm on each storey of your home, including basements and garages.
Multi-level homes require interconnection so all alarms sound when one is triggered.
Test alarms monthly by pressing the test button. Clean every six months.
Replace all smoke alarms that are 10 years past the manufacturer's date, not the installation date.
Important: These requirements apply to all residential dwellings in the Australian Capital Territory, ACT. For official guidance, visit the Access Canberra website or consult with a licensed electrician.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) law mandates photoelectric smoke alarms. These alarms detect smoke using a light beam, making them faster at detecting smouldering fires compared to ionisation technology.
Photoelectric alarms respond faster to slow-burning fires, which are the most common type of residential fire. They produce thick smoke before flames appear, giving occupants more time to escape. They also reduce false alarms from cooking smoke.
Uses an infrared light beam to detect smoke particles. Best for detecting smouldering fires that produce thick smoke.
Ionisation alarms use radioactive material and are slower to detect smouldering fires. They are not permitted in ACT.
All smoke alarms must carry certification showing compliance with AS 3786:2014. This standard ensures the alarm has been tested for sensitivity, alarm volume, and reliability. Check for the Standards Australia mark on the alarm body or packaging.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) smoke alarm regulations specify minimum locations for installing smoke alarms. Proper placement ensures early detection and maximum protection for all occupants.
| Location | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Every Level | At least 1 alarm on each storey | This includes basements, garages, and upper floors |
| Bedroom Corridor | In the corridor or hallway to the bedrooms | If no corridor exists, install one in each bedroom |
| Multi-Level Homes | Interconnection required | When one alarm sounds, all alarms must sound |
| Ceiling Mount | Mount on the ceiling where possible | Follow manufacturer spacing and NCC guidance |
Mount alarms on ceilings where possible. Position them according to the manufacturer's spacing requirements and the National Construction Code guidance. Keep alarms away from dead air spaces, such as corners where walls meet ceilings. Avoid placing alarms near air conditioning vents, ceiling fans, or areas with high humidity.
While the law requires a minimum locations, best practice is to install alarms in every bedroom and on each level. This provides maximum protection for your family.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) allows two power options for smoke alarms, depending on when your home was built and whether you're doing new construction or upgrades.
Dwellings built after 1 August 1997 must have hardwired smoke alarms. Alarms connect to 240V mains power with a secondary power source. The backup must be a non-removable 10-year battery or rechargeable battery system.
New dwellings and major renovations from 1 May 2014 must have hardwired interconnected alarms.
| Feature | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Primary Power | 240V mains connection |
| Backup Power | Non-removable 10-year battery or rechargeable backup |
| Installation | Must be installed by a licensed electrician |
| Interconnection | Required for new builds and major renovations from May 2014 |
Older dwellings built before 1997 may use battery-powered alarms. These must have sealed 10-year lithium batteries. The battery cannot be removed or replaced during the life of the alarm. These alarms can still be interconnected wirelessly.
Important: If you're replacing a hardwired alarm, the new one must also be hardwired. Always maintain the same power source type.
Interconnection ensures that when one alarm detects smoke, all alarms in the home sound simultaneously. This gives everyone more time to escape, especially if a fire starts in a remote part of the house.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) law requires interconnection in multi-level homes where more than one alarm is installed. This applies to new builds and major renovations from 1 May 2014.
Hardwired alarms connect via a dedicated interconnect wire. Up to 24 alarms can be linked on the same circuit. This method is reliable and doesn't require batteries for the interconnection signal.
Wireless alarms use radio frequency signals to communicate. When one alarm detects smoke, it transmits a signal to all other alarms in the network. This method works well for existing homes where running cables is difficult.
No signal interference, no batteries needed for interconnection, and proven reliability in all home layouts.
Easy retrofit installation, no new cables required, and ideal for multi-storey homes or complex layouts.
You can combine wired and wireless alarms in the same home. Use wireless base adapters to connect hardwired alarms to battery-powered wireless units. This gives flexibility when upgrading older homes.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) smoke alarm laws have evolved over time, with different requirements for different periods. Here are the key dates you need to know.
| Date | Property Type | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Before 1 Aug 1997 | Older homes | Battery-powered alarms permitted |
| After 1 Aug 1997 | New builds | Hardwired to mains power required |
| From 1 May 2014 | New builds and major renovations | Hardwired interconnected alarms are required |
| From 24 Aug 2018 | All rental properties | Alarms must comply with AS 3786:2014 |
| Current | All residential properties | Working photoelectric alarms on every level |
Act Now: Don't wait for an emergency. Ensure your home has compliant smoke alarms installed today. Buy your smoke alarms now at Sparky Direct with fast Australia-wide shipping.
Use this calculator to estimate the number of smoke alarms required for your ACT property. Select your configuration and get instant recommendations for both wireless and hardwired options.
Sparky Direct stocks a range of Australian Capital Territory (ACT) compliant smoke alarms from trusted brands. All products meet AS 3786:2014 and come with manufacturer warranties.
10-year sealed lithium battery | Wireless interconnection | Complies with AS 3786:2014 | Perfect for bedrooms and hallways | RF wireless links up to 24 alarms
240V with 9V backup | Interconnectable with up to 24 alarms | Complies with AS 3786:2014 | Can add wireless with RWB2 base | Ideal for post-1997 homes
Converts hardwired R240 alarms to wireless | Enables wireless interconnection | Powers from the host smoke alarm | Mix wired and wireless systems
Remote test and hush function | Works with RED wireless alarms | Perfect for high ceilings | Battery-powered handheld unit
We also stock photoelectric smoke alarms from Clipsal, PSA (Professional Safety Alarms), Legrand, and MATelec. All meet the requirements of AS 3786:2014.
Need Help Choosing? Our expert team can recommend the right smoke alarm solution for your property. Contact us for personalised advice.
Watch these videos for a close look at some of our most popular Australian Capital Territory (ACT) compliant smoke alarms. These videos are available on every smoke alarm in our range via their unique product pages.
Remember that hardwired smoke alarms must be installed by a licensed electrician in Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
Proper maintenance keeps your smoke alarms working when you need them most. ACT recommends monthly testing and regular cleaning to extend alarm life.
Test all smoke alarms at least once every month. Press and hold the test button until the alarm sounds. If interconnected, all alarms should sound. If any alarm fails to respond, replace it immediately.
Dust and debris can block sensors, leading to false alarms or failure to detect smoke. Vacuum or gently wipe alarms every six months using a soft brush attachment. Never use water or cleaning products directly on the alarm.
| Maintenance Task | Frequency | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Test Button | Monthly | Press the test button and verify the alarm sounds |
| Clean Alarm | Every 6 months | Vacuum dust from vents using a soft brush |
| Battery Replacement | Annually (if replaceable) | Replace 9V batteries at daylight saving time change |
| Check Manufacture Date | Annually | Replace alarms over 10 years old |
| Verify Interconnection | Annually | Ensure all alarms sound when one is triggered |
Smoke alarms must be replaced every 10 years from the manufacturer's date, not the installation date. Check the label on the back of the alarm for this date. Also, replace any alarm that fails testing or shows signs of damage.
Memory Tip: Change replaceable batteries at the end of daylight saving time each year. This helps you remember and ensures fresh batteries year-round.
Landlords have specific obligations under the law of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Rental properties must have compliant smoke alarms installed and maintained throughout the tenancy.
From 24 August 2018, all leased dwellings must have smoke alarms approved to AS 3786:2014. Landlords must install and maintain compliant photoelectric smoke alarms. They're responsible for ensuring alarms work at the start of each tenancy and replacing faulty or expired alarms during the lease.
Install compliant alarms in all required locations. Test all alarms to ensure they work. Provide tenants with information about alarm locations and testing procedures.
Replace alarms that reach 10 years old. Respond to tenant reports of faulty alarms. Arrange repairs or replacements within a reasonable timeframe.
Tenants must not remove batteries or disable alarms. They should report any alarm faults to the landlord promptly. Tenants can test alarms regularly, though maintenance and replacement remain the landlord's legal obligation.
When selling a property, ensure that compliant smoke alarms are installed. Buyers often request documentation confirming compliance with current Australian Capital Territory (ACT) regulations.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) also has smoke alarm requirements for caravans and motorhomes. These mobile dwellings need proper fire protection to keep occupants safe.
Install at least one photoelectric smoke alarm on the ceiling near the bed. A second alarm is recommended if an annex is used for sleeping. Position alarms according to the manufacturer's instructions.
A 10-year non-removable battery is recommended for caravans and motorhomes. This eliminates the need for battery changes and ensures constant protection.
Best Practice: Install photoelectric alarms with sealed 10-year batteries in your caravan or motorhome. Test them monthly and replace them after 10 years.
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About the Author
Andrew Aranovitch has been a licensed electrician for over 25 years, supplying electricians and renovators across Australia with compliant electrical products through Sparky Direct. Sparky Direct specialises in supplying products that comply with smoke alarm regulations and fire safety regulations.
Last updated: 30 October 2025