Search Results:
Search Results:
Search Results:
Search Results:
South Australia requires photoelectric smoke alarms complying with AS 3786:2014. Alarms must be installed on each storey and in hallways between sleeping and living areas. New builds need 240V hardwired alarms with interconnection when multiple alarms are installed.
South Australia mandates photoelectric smoke alarms in all residential properties. The law focuses on ensuring homes have working alarms in the right locations to provide early fire warnings.
Ionisation smoke alarms are prohibited. Only photoelectric technology meets SA requirements.
All alarms must meet this Australian Standard for smoke alarm performance and safety.
New builds and extensions with multiple alarms must interconnect them since 1 May 2014.
Alarms must be less than 10 years old from the date of manufacture.
Test all smoke alarms monthly using the test button to ensure they work properly.
Hardwired 240V smoke alarms must be installed by a licensed electrician.
Important: SA legislation is based on the National Construction Code and State regulations. For authoritative guidance, visit SA Housing Safety or consult your local council.
South Australia specifies minimum locations for smoke alarms based on when your property was built and whether it's being sold or rented.
| Location | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hallways to Bedrooms | 1 alarm in hallways or corridors serving bedrooms | Essential for warning sleeping occupants |
| Every Storey | At least 1 alarm on each storey or level | Includes all levels, even those without bedrooms |
| Between Sleeping and Living | Position to warn occupants in bedrooms | Follow manufacturer spacing requirements |
Mount alarms on ceilings where practicable. Position them according to manufacturer instructions and National Construction Code guidance. Keep alarms away from dead air spaces where walls meet ceilings and away from air conditioning vents.
When installing multiple alarms, ensure interconnection cables are correctly wired. Test all alarms together to verify one alarm triggers all others in the system.
South Australia requires photoelectric smoke alarms. These detect smoke using light beam technology, making them faster at detecting smouldering fires compared to ionisation alarms.
Photoelectric alarms respond faster to slow-burning fires, which produce thick smoke before flames appear. They also reduce false alarms from cooking, making occupants less likely to disable them.
Uses an infrared light beam to detect smoke particles. Best for detecting smouldering fires that are common in residential properties.
Ionisation alarms are prohibited in South Australia. 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.
South Australia allows different power options depending on when your property was built and whether you're doing renovations.
Properties built after 1 January 1995 require 240V mains-powered alarms. These connect to household power and must be installed by a licensed electrician. A backup battery is recommended but not always mandatory for older properties.
| Feature | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Primary Power | 240V mains connection |
| Backup Power | Recommended 9V or rechargeable backup battery |
| Installation | Must be installed by a licensed electrician |
| New Builds After 1995 | 240V mains power is mandatory |
Standalone alarms with sealed 10-year lithium batteries are acceptable for existing properties and retrofits. The battery cannot be removed or replaced during the alarm's life. These alarms can be wireless interconnected if multiple units are installed.
Existing Property Rules: A compliant solution for existing homes can combine hardwired and sealed 10-year battery wireless units, provided interconnection is achieved where multiple alarms are installed.
Interconnection ensures that when one alarm detects smoke, all alarms in the home sound simultaneously. This gives occupants more time to escape, especially if fire starts in a remote part of the house.
Since 1 May 2014, interconnection is required in new Class 1 and Class 2 buildings and new extensions where more than one smoke alarm is needed. This applies to new construction and major renovations.
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.
South Australia's smoke alarm laws evolved over time. Different property types have different requirements based on when they were built or sold.
| Date | Property Type | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| After 1 January 1995 | New dwellings | 240V mains-powered alarms required |
| After 1 February 1998 | Property purchases | Purchasers have 6 months from title transfer to install compliant alarms |
| From 1 May 2014 | New builds and extensions | Interconnection required where more than one alarm is installed |
| Ongoing | All residential properties | Photoelectric alarms only; ionisation alarms prohibited |
Act Now: Don't wait for a property sale or transfer. Install compliant photoelectric smoke alarms today to protect your family. Buy your smoke alarms now at Sparky Direct.
Use this calculator to estimate the number of smoke alarms required for your South Australian property. Select your configuration and get instant recommendations for both wireless and hardwired options.
Sparky Direct stocks a comprehensive range of South Australia-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 retrofits | 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
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 AS 3786:2014 requirements.
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 some of our most popular South Australia-compliant smoke alarms. These videos are available on every smoke alarm in our range via their unique product pages.
Remember that hardwired 240V smoke alarms must be installed by a licensed electrician in South Australia.
Proper maintenance keeps your smoke alarms working when you need them most. South Australian guidelines recommend monthly testing and regular cleaning to extend alarm life.
Test all smoke alarms monthly by pressing and holding the test button until the alarm sounds. If interconnected, all alarms should sound. If any alarm fails to respond, replace it immediately.
Clean alarms at least every six months. Dust and debris can block sensors, leading to false alarms or failure to detect smoke. Vacuum or gently wipe alarms 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 |
| Replace Batteries | Annually or as needed | Replace 9V batteries in hardwired alarms (sealed battery units don't need this) |
| 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.
Important: Fire services are not permitted to disable sounding alarms in unattended residences. If you have a false alarm, you must attend to it yourself or arrange for someone to do so.
Landlords have specific obligations under South Australian law. Rental properties must have compliant smoke alarms installed and maintained in working order.
Landlords must install compliant photoelectric smoke alarms in all required locations. 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 report any alarm faults to the landlord promptly. They cannot tamper with, remove, or disable alarms. Tenants should test alarms regularly, though maintenance remains the landlord's responsibility.
When purchasing property after 1 February 1998, buyers have 6 months from title transfer to install compliant smoke alarms. Many buyers install alarms before settlement to ensure immediate compliance.
South Australia introduced specific smoke alarm requirements for caravans and motorhomes. These rules ensure mobile dwellings have the same fire protection as fixed homes.
Newly registered caravans and motorhomes must have photoelectric smoke alarms with 10-year sealed batteries. This also applies to any change of ownership or transfer of registration.
All caravans and motorhomes registered in SA must comply, even if they haven't changed owners. This gives existing owners time to upgrade.
If a caravan or motorhome remains stationary for 60 days or more (parked at a site or in use on a property), it must have a photoelectric smoke alarm with a 10-year non-removable battery. The sealed battery cannot be swapped during the alarm's life.
Caravan Owners: Ensure your mobile dwelling has a compliant photoelectric smoke alarm. Visit our smoke alarm range for suitable 10-year battery alarms.
Ready to Get Compliant?
Shop South Australia-compliant smoke alarms at Sparky Direct. Fast shipping across Australia, expert advice, and competitive trade pricing. Protect your home today.
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