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NSW requires photoelectric smoke alarms complying with AS 3786:2014 on every level where people sleep. Best practice includes alarms in bedrooms, hallways, and living areas with interconnection for maximum safety.
New South Wales smoke alarm legislation requires working smoke alarms in all residential buildings. The rules apply to houses, apartments, relocatable homes, and moveable dwellings where people sleep.
Ionisation smoke alarms are prohibited. Only photoelectric technology meets the standard.
All alarms must meet this Australian Standard for smoke alarm performance and safety.
At least one alarm on every level of the building, including levels without bedrooms.
Alarms must be less than 10 years old from the date of manufacture.
While not mandatory for existing homes, interconnected alarms provide the best protection.
Monthly testing is recommended. Landlords must test annually in rental properties.
Important: The legislation sits under the Environmental Planning and Assessment framework, specifically Clause 146A of the Act and Division 7A of the Regulation. For authoritative guidance, visit Fire and Rescue NSW.
NSW law specifies minimum locations for smoke alarms. The legal requirement is one alarm per level, but best practice recommends additional coverage.
| Location | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Every Level | At least 1 alarm on every level | This is the minimum legal requirement |
| Levels Without Bedrooms | 1 alarm on the most likely exit path | Applies to garage-only levels or storage areas |
Fire authorities recommend going beyond minimum requirements. Install alarms in bedrooms, hallways connecting sleeping areas to living areas, and on stairwells. This gives earlier warning and more time to escape.
Place an alarm in every bedroom for the earliest possible warning. This is especially important for children and older family members.
Install alarms in hallways between bedrooms and living areas. Add alarms in main living spaces for comprehensive coverage.
Mount alarms on ceilings where possible. Position them according to the manufacturer's instructions and 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 or ceiling fans.
Always test interconnected systems after installation. One alarm should trigger all others. Check that alarms are free of obstructions and positioned for optimal smoke detection.
NSW mandates photoelectric smoke alarms. These detect smoke particles using a light beam, making them faster at detecting smouldering fires compared to ionisation alarms.
Photoelectric alarms respond faster to slow-burning fires, which are the most common type of house fire. They produce fewer false alarms from cooking smoke, making people less likely to disable them.
Uses an infrared light beam to detect smoke particles. Best for detecting smouldering fires that produce thick smoke before flames appear.
Ionisation alarms are not permitted in NSW. They use radioactive material and are slower to detect smouldering fires.
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.
NSW allows two power options for smoke alarms. Your choice depends on whether you're doing new construction, a major renovation, or upgrading an existing home.
Alarms connect to 240V mains power with a secondary power source. The backup can be a non-removable 10-year battery or a rechargeable battery. This option is recommended for new builds and major renovations.
| 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 | Can be wired or wireless |
Standalone alarms with sealed 10-year lithium batteries are acceptable. The battery cannot be removed or replaced during the life of the alarm. These alarms can be interconnected wirelessly for best practice compliance.
Existing Dwelling Options: A compliant solution for existing homes can combine hardwired and sealed 10-year battery wireless units, provided all alarms are interconnected for maximum safety.
Interconnection ensures that when one alarm detects smoke, all alarms in the home sound simultaneously. While not mandatory for all existing NSW homes, it is considered best practice and is highly recommended by fire authorities.
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 make hardwired alarms communicate with battery-powered wireless units. This gives flexibility when upgrading older homes.
NSW smoke alarm requirements have been in place since 2006. The rules apply to all residential buildings where people sleep.
| Date | Property Type | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 1 May 2006 | All residential buildings | At least one working smoke alarm on every level |
| Ongoing | All properties | Photoelectric alarms complying with AS 3786:2014 |
Act Now: Ensure your home meets NSW requirements. Buy your smoke alarms now at Sparky Direct and book your installation with your electrician to ensure compliance and safety.
Use this calculator to estimate the number of smoke alarms required for your NSW property. Select your configuration and get instant recommendations for both wireless and hardwired options.
Sparky Direct stocks a comprehensive range of NSW-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 new builds and renovations
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 showing close-ups of our most popular NSW-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 New South Wales.
Proper maintenance keeps your smoke alarms working when you need them most. NSW fire authorities recommend monthly testing, and regular cleaning extends alarm life.
Test all smoke alarms at least once per 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. Vacuum or gently wipe alarms every few months using a soft brush attachment. Never use water or cleaning products directly on the alarm.
| Maintenance Task | Frequency | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Test Button | Monthly (best practice) | Press the test button and verify the alarm sounds |
| Clean Alarm | Every 3-6 months | Vacuum dust from vents using a soft brush |
| 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.
Landlords have specific obligations under NSW law. Rental properties must have compliant smoke alarms at the start of each tenancy.
Landlords must install and maintain compliant photoelectric smoke alarms. They're responsible for ensuring alarms work at the start of each tenancy, testing all alarms annually, replacing removable batteries annually where applicable, repairing faults within 2 business days, and replacing alarms that reach 10 years old.
Install compliant alarms in all required locations. Test all alarms to ensure they work. Provide tenants with information about alarm locations and testing procedures.
Test alarms annually. Replace alarms that reach 10 years old. Respond to tenant reports of faulty alarms within 2 business days. Arrange repairs or replacements promptly.
Tenants must report any alarm faults to the landlord promptly. They cannot tamper with, remove, or disable alarms. Tenants should test alarms regularly and allow entry with required notice for maintenance.
When selling a property, ensure compliant smoke alarms are installed. Buyers often request confirmation of compliance during the sale process.
Moveable dwellings, including caravans, campervans, and rigid annexes, must have smoke alarms installed.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Alarms | At least one alarm inside near sleeping area; another in any annex used for sleeping |
| Type | Photoelectric alarms meeting AS 3786:2014 |
| Power | 10-year non-removable battery |
| Features | Must have a hush button |
| Mounting | Ceiling-mounted where practicable |
Caravan and motorhome owners should ensure smoke alarms are installed before use. Check manufacturer guidelines for placement and maintenance.
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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