New smoke alarm legislation is being rolled out in Queensland, so if you’ve heard about it, you might be wondering, do I need to replace my smoke alarms?
The answer is not a simple yes or no – as the approach to the new legislation is happening in stages.
And by 2027, smoke alarms in ALL Queensland dwellings will have to meet a range of new requirements.
At the time of publishing (June 2021), there are a few situations in which your smoke alarms must be replaced.
Smoke Alarm Replacement
There are two circumstances where smoke alarms in Queensland need to be replaced. They are:
- Immediate replacement is required for smoke alarms which don’t work when tested, and
- Any smoke alarm manufactured more than 10 years ago needs to be replaced.
If you fall into the above two categories, then any new smoke alarms which are fitted in place of an old one must be photoelectric and comply with AS3786-2014.
Existing alarms which are hardwired and need replacing, have to be replaced with hardwired alarms.
Smoke alarms which aren’t hardwired must be powered by a non-removable 10-year battery.
Replacing Smoke Alarms in Rental Properties
Are you the owner of a rental property or thinking about selling your property? If you said yes and haven’t updated smoke alarms to be interconnected and photoelectric you will need to do so soon.
From January 1, 2022, there will be new legislative requirements applied to new leases, existing leases which are renewed and dwellings being sold.
In leased and sold dwellings from this date, smoke alarms will need to be:
- Photoelectric and Compliant with (AS 3786-2014)
- Interconnected with all other smoke alarms in the dwelling. This ensures when one is activated, all of the alarms will be activated.
- Hardwired or powered by a non-removable 10-year-battery.
Smoke alarms will also need to be fitted in every bedroom, as well as hallways that connect bedrooms, and on each storey of the property.
A storey which doesn’t have a bedroom must still have at least one smoke alarm installed.
Find out more in this blog here.
Do I need to replace my smoke alarms?
Is it time for you to replace existing smoke alarms? Get in touch with Armitage Electrical and we’ll make sure your home complies with new legislation.
Call Cameron today on 1800 230 400.
Armitage Electrical are your fully qualified and licensed, trustworthy, professional and reliable electricians North Brisbane.
With all-inclusive up-front pricing, Armitage Electrical provides the highest quality electrical, maintenance or repairs on hot water systems, switchboard and mains upgrades, and pool and shed wiring for your home North Brisbane.
For an electrician you can trust to get the job done right, call Armitage Electrical on 1800 230 400 or enquire online here.
