Smoke Alarm Compliance & Certification

Know What Passes
And What Needs Attention

Our compliance checks more than whether an alarm makes a sound

Alarm type, age and placement checked

Interconnection and operation tested

Clear written records for completed work

What Does “Compliant” Mean in Queensland?

For a Queensland dwelling to meet the upgraded smoke alarm requirements, its required alarms must be photoelectric, comply with AS 3786–2014, not contain an ionisation sensor, be less than 10 years old, operate when tested and be interconnected with every other required alarm in the home.

They must also be positioned correctly: in every bedroom, in hallways connecting bedrooms with the rest of the dwelling and on each storey. Where there is no hallway, an alarm is installed between the bedrooms and the remainder of the storey; where a storey has no bedrooms, at least one alarm is required on the most likely path to an exit.

The power source also matters. Depending on the property and existing installation, compliant alarms may be hardwired to mains power with a secondary source or powered by a sealed 10-year non-removable battery. Existing hardwired points cannot simply be disregarded when units are replaced.

Compliance and Certification FAQs

Queensland Fire Department does not require owners to register a home’s compliance with the department. Documentation depends on the work and purpose: we provide a record of our inspection or service, and electrical installation work carries the applicable electrical certificate. Sellers should confirm transaction documents with their conveyancer.

Yes. Queensland dwellings being sold have been subject to the upgraded interconnected photoelectric alarm requirements since 1 January 2022. The 1 January 2027 date is the final deadline for other existing owner-occupied dwellings.

Rental properties must already have compliant interconnected photoelectric alarms. Property managers or owners must also test alarms within 30 days before a new or renewed tenancy starts and meet the applicable battery and maintenance responsibilities.

Keep the invoice, service or inspection record, alarm product information, replacement dates and any electrical certificate issued for the work. These records make future maintenance, property management and sale enquiries easier.