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By 1 January 2027, all Queensland homes must have photoelectric smoke alarms complying with AS 3786:2014. Alarms must be interconnected, installed in every bedroom, on each storey, and in hallways between bedrooms and living areas. Hardwired alarms need backup power or use sealed 10-year battery alarms.
Queensland's smoke alarm legislation is among the strictest in Australia. The rules aim to protect lives by ensuring every home has working, interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms in the right locations.
Ionisation smoke alarms are banned. Only photoelectric technology meets the standard.
All alarms must meet this Australian Standard for smoke alarm performance and safety.
When one alarm sounds, all alarms in the home must sound. Wired or wireless interconnection is allowed.
Alarms must be less than 10 years old from the date of manufacture.
All smoke alarms must be tested at least once every 12 months and operate correctly when tested.
Hardwired smoke alarms must be installed by a licensed electrician.
Important: The legislation is governed by the Fire Services Act 1990, Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008, and Building Regulation 2021. For authoritative guidance, visit Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.
Queensland law specifies exact locations where smoke alarms must be installed. Missing even one location puts your home out of compliance.
| Location | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Every Bedroom | 1 alarm inside each bedroom | This is mandatory, regardless of bedroom size |
| Hallways to Bedrooms | 1 alarm in hallways connecting bedrooms to other areas | If no hallway exists, install one between the bedroom and the living areas |
| Every Storey | At least 1 alarm on each storey | Includes garage levels and basements |
| Storeys Without Bedrooms | 1 alarm on the most likely exit path | Applies to garage-only levels or storage areas |
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.
Always test the interconnection after installation. One alarm should trigger all others. Also, check that alarms are free of air conditioning vents and ceiling fans, as these can affect smoke detection.
Queensland law 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 also reduce 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 Queensland. 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.
Queensland 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 must be a non-removable 10-year battery. This option is required for new builds and major renovations. If you replace a hardwired alarm, the new one must also be hardwired.
| 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 |
| Replacement Rule | Hardwired-in means hardwired-out |
Standalone alarms with sealed 10-year lithium batteries are acceptable for existing dwellings. The battery cannot be removed or replaced during the life of the alarm. These alarms must still be interconnected, either by wiring or wirelessly.
Existing Dwelling Rules: A compliant solution for existing homes can combine hardwired and sealed 10-year battery wireless units, provided all alarms are interconnected.
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.
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 a smoke detector 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.
Queensland's smoke alarm laws rolled out in stages. Different property types had different deadlines. Here's what you need to know.
| Date | Property Type | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January 2017 | New builds and major renovations | Photoelectric interconnected alarms are required |
| 1 January 2022 | Rental properties and properties being sold | Must have compliant alarms before lease or sale |
| 1 July 2024 | Newly registered caravans and motorhomes | Photoelectric alarms are required on registration |
| 1 January 2027 | All existing private homes, units, and townhouses | Universal compliance deadline |
| 1 January 2027 | All Queensland-registered caravans | Photoelectric alarms with a 10-year battery are required |
Act Now: With the 1 January 2027 deadline approaching, demand for compliant alarms and licensed electricians will surge. Buy your smoke alarms now at Sparky Direct and book your installation with your electrician early to avoid delays and higher costs.
Use this calculator to estimate the number of smoke alarms required for your Queensland property. Select your configuration and get instant recommendations for both wireless and hardwired options.
Sparky Direct stocks a range of Queensland-compliant smoke alarms from trusted brands. All products meet AS 3786:2014 and come with 10-year 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 as they will show you a close-up of some of our most popular Queensland-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 Queensland.
Proper maintenance keeps your smoke alarms working when you need them most. Queensland law requires annual testing, and regular cleaning extends alarm life.
Test all smoke alarms at least once every 12 months. 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 | Every 12 months minimum | 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.
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 Queensland law. Rental properties must have been compliant since 1 January 2022, well before the universal 2027 deadline.
Landlords must install and maintain compliant photoelectric interconnected 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 report any alarm faults to the landlord promptly. They cannot tamper with, remove, or disable alarms. Tenants should test alarms regularly, though annual testing remains the landlord's legal obligation.
When selling a property, compliant smoke alarms must be installed before settlement. Buyers often request an electrical safety certificate confirming compliance.
Queensland takes smoke alarm compliance seriously. While the focus is on education and prevention, penalties apply for deliberate non-compliance or failure to meet deadlines.
Local councils and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services can inspect properties. If smoke alarms don't meet requirements, property owners receive a notice to comply. Continued non-compliance after a notice can result in fines.
Many insurance policies require smoke alarms to be compliant. If your home doesn't meet Queensland's legal requirements, your insurer may reduce or deny a claim following a fire. Always check your policy and ensure your alarms comply.
Get Compliant Now: Don't wait until the 2027 deadline. Install your compliant smoke alarms today and gain peace of mind knowing your family is protected and that your home complies with the law.
Ready to Get Compliant?
Shop Queensland-compliant smoke alarms at Sparky Direct. Fast shipping across Australia, expert advice, and competitive trade pricing. Don't leave it until 2027.
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: 29 October 2025
Big changes are coming. Under new laws, every home in Queensland — whether it's owner-occupied or rented — must have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms.
To comply, alarms must be installed in every bedroom, in hallways, and on every level of the home.
Property owners should act now. Delaying could mean higher costs and limited supply as the deadline gets closer.
Yes, in Queensland, smoke alarms must be hardwired or powered by a non-removable 10-year battery and interconnected with every other smoke alarm in the house. All homes must comply with the new legislation by January 1, 2027.
You can buy AS 3786:2014–compliant alarms directly from Sparky Direct, with fast delivery and expert advice for homeowners and electricians alike.
Press and hold the test button until all interconnected alarms sound. Do this at least once a year to ensure the system works. Some brands offer wall controllers to test and silence alarms.
From 1 January 2027, all Queensland homes must have photoelectric smoke alarms that comply with AS 3786:2014. These alarms must be interconnected and installed in every bedroom, hallway, and storey.
You’ll need one in every bedroom, one in each hallway connecting bedrooms to living areas, and at least one per storey, including garage or basement levels. Use our Calculator at Sparky Direct
All alarms must be interconnected, meaning when one activates, all sound together. Interconnection can be wired or wireless, ensuring full-home coverage.
Yes. Sparky Direct stocks photoelectric smoke alarms from brands such as RED, Clipsal, PSA, Legrand, and MATelec, all certified to AS 3786:2014 and suitable for Queensland compliance.