Search Results:
Search Results:
Search Results:
Search Results:
In Victoria, all smoke alarms must be photoelectric and comply with AS 3786:2014. Homes built after 1 August 1997 require hardwired alarms with battery backup. Place one alarm on every storey between sleeping areas and the rest of the home.
Victoria mandates smoke alarms in all residential properties. The legislation aims to provide early fire warning and save lives. All alarms must comply with Australian Standard AS 3786:2014, ensuring they meet performance and reliability standards.
Important: Victoria's smoke alarm requirements differ based on when your home was built. Newer homes have stricter requirements, including hardwired power and interconnection. For official guidance, visit the Victorian Government website.
The legislation covers alarm types, installation locations, power sources, and maintenance. Understanding these requirements helps homeowners, landlords, and electricians ensure compliance and safety.
Victorian smoke alarm legislation specifies clear requirements for alarm technology, power, placement, and maintenance. These rules vary depending on when your home was built or substantially renovated.
All smoke alarms must use photoelectric sensors. Ionisation alarms are prohibited in Victoria.
Every alarm must meet this Australian Standard for smoke alarm performance and reliability.
At least one smoke alarm must be installed on every level of the home.
Position alarms between sleeping areas and living areas to provide early warning to occupants.
Replace smoke alarms every 10 years from the date of manufacture, not installation.
Test smoke alarms monthly using the test button and clean them every six months.
Victoria requires photoelectric smoke alarms because they detect smouldering fires earlier than ionisation alarms. Smouldering fires produce thick smoke before flames appear, giving occupants more time to escape.
Photoelectric alarms use an infrared light beam to detect smoke particles. When smoke enters the chamber, it scatters the light, triggering the alarm. This technology is more effective for detecting slow-burning fires, which cause most fire deaths in Australian homes.
Required by law in Victoria. Best for detecting smouldering fires that produce smoke before flames. Less prone to false alarms from cooking.
These alarms use radioactive material and are slower to detect smouldering fires. They are not permitted in Victorian homes.
All smoke alarms sold and installed in Victoria must carry AS 3786:2014 certification. Check the alarm body or packaging for the Standards Australia mark. This certification confirms the alarm has passed rigorous testing for sensitivity, alarm volume, and reliability.
Victoria specifies minimum locations for smoke alarms based on providing early warning to sleeping occupants. Proper placement can mean the difference between escape and tragedy.
| Location | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Every Storey | At least one alarm on each level | Includes basements and garages |
| Between Bedrooms and Living Areas | Position alarms to warn sleeping occupants | Typically in hallways connecting bedrooms to other rooms |
| Ceiling Mount Preferred | Mount on ceilings where practicable | Follow manufacturer guidelines for clearance from walls and corners |
| Avoid Dead Air Spaces | Keep alarms away from corners and dead zones | Smoke may not reach alarms in dead air spaces quickly |
While the law specifies minimum requirements, best practice includes placing alarms inside each bedroom and in living areas. This provides maximum coverage and faster warnings in all areas of the home.
In kitchens, bathrooms, and garages where smoke alarms may false alarm, consider installing heat alarms instead. These detect rapid temperature rises and are less prone to false activations.
Power requirements for Victorian smoke alarms depend on when your home was built. Newer homes must use hardwired alarms, while older homes have more flexibility.
If your home was built or substantially renovated after 1 August 1997, smoke alarms must be hardwired to 240V mains power with a battery backup. The backup can be a replaceable 9V battery or a rechargeable battery. A licensed electrician must install hardwired alarms.
| Feature | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Primary Power | 240V mains connection |
| Backup Power | 9V battery or rechargeable backup |
| Installation | Licensed electrician required |
| Replacement Rule | Hardwired must be replaced with hardwired |
Older homes can use sealed 10-year battery photoelectric alarms. These alarms have non-removable lithium batteries that last the life of the alarm. When the battery expires, replace the entire unit.
Best Practice: Even if your older home allows battery alarms, upgrading to hardwired interconnected alarms provides better protection and complies with modern standards.
Interconnection means when one smoke alarm detects smoke, all alarms in the home sound simultaneously. This provides faster warnings throughout the entire property.
For homes built or substantially renovated after 1 May 2014, if more than one smoke alarm is required, they must be interconnected. Interconnection can be achieved through wired connections or wireless radio frequency technology.
Hardwired alarms connect via a dedicated interconnect wire. Up to 24 alarms can link on the same circuit. This method is reliable and doesn't require batteries for the interconnection signal. A licensed electrician must install wired interconnection.
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 or impossible.
No signal interference, no batteries needed for interconnection, proven reliability in all home layouts.
Easy retrofit installation, no new cables required, ideal for multi-storey homes or complex layouts.
Victoria's smoke alarm legislation evolved over time. Different rules apply depending on when your home was built or renovated.
| Date | Requirement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Before 1 August 1997 | Basic smoke alarm requirement | All dwellings and substantial renovations must have photoelectric alarms |
| After 1 August 1997 | Hardwired with backup required | 240V mains power with battery backup mandatory for new builds |
| After 1 May 2014 | Interconnection required | If more than one alarm is needed, they must be interconnected |
| 1 July 2024 | Caravan and motorhome requirements | Registered caravans need photoelectric alarms with 10-year batteries |
Use this calculator to estimate the number of smoke alarms required for your Victorian property. Select your configuration and get instant recommendations for both wireless and hardwired options.
Sparky Direct stocks a comprehensive range of Victoria-compliant smoke alarms from trusted brands. All products meet AS 3786:2014 and come with 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 Victorian property. Contact us for personalised advice.
Watch these videos to see close-ups of our most popular Victoria-compliant smoke alarms. These videos are available on every smoke alarm product page.
Hardwired smoke alarms must be installed by a licensed electrician in Victoria.
Regular maintenance ensures your smoke alarms function correctly when needed. Victorian regulations require monthly testing and periodic cleaning.
Test all smoke alarms every month by pressing and holding the test button until the alarm sounds. If interconnected, verify that all alarms sound together. If any alarm fails to respond, replace it immediately.
Dust and debris can block sensors and cause false alarms. Every six months, 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 when chirping | Replace 9V batteries in hardwired alarms with backup |
| Check Manufacture Date | Annually | Replace alarms over 10 years old from manufacture date |
| Verify Interconnection | Monthly | Ensure all alarms sound when one is triggered |
Replace smoke alarms every 10 years from the date of manufacture, 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 in Victoria have specific obligations under the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021. These regulations ensure rental properties have working smoke alarms at all times.
Ensure smoke alarms are installed and working before a tenancy begins. Provide written instructions on operation and testing.
Test alarms at least once every 12 months. Replace batteries as needed and treat malfunctions as urgent repairs.
Replace batteries in hardwired alarms with battery backup when they chirp or fail testing.
Treat faulty smoke alarms as urgent repairs requiring immediate attention.
Tenants must not tamper with or remove smoke alarms. They must report any faults or malfunctions to the landlord promptly. While testing the alarms is good practice, the legal obligation for annual testing remains with the landlord.
From 1 July 2024, registered caravans and motorhomes in Victoria must have smoke alarms. This requirement aims to protect occupants in these increasingly popular accommodation options.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Alarm Type | Photoelectric with 10-year non-removable battery |
| Mounting | Ceiling-mounted where practicable |
| Annexes | Install alarms in annexes used for sleeping |
| Quantity | At least one alarm per registered caravan or motorhome |
Ready to Get Compliant?
Shop Victoria-compliant smoke alarms at Sparky Direct. Fast shipping across Australia, expert advice, and competitive trade pricing.
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