Did you know there’s a staged rollout of new smoke alarm legislation underway in Queensland? Smoke alarms provide an early warning system to help save lives, and these laws are about making homes in our state even safer for residents.
Every Queenslander should be aware of these new laws because not only are they in place to improve our safety – but because they apply to all of us!
The first stage of the three-stage rollout came into effect in 2017 and impacts anyone replacing a smoke alarm.
The second stage is set to take effect at the start of 2022, and effects landlords and people who are planning on selling their property.
The third stage of the rollout will take place in 2027 and will impact all dwellings in Queensland.
Smoke Alarm Laws Qld: First Stage from January 1 2017
Got an old smoke alarm, or one that doesn’t work? Under the new legislation you might need to get it replaced ASAP.
From January 1, 2017, owners and occupiers of existing dwellings have to replace smoke alarms that are:
- More than 10 years old, OR
- Don’t work when tested.
If your smoke alarms are no longer compliant, any new ones you install must be photoelectric. Plus, if your alarms are already hardwired, you’ll need a licensed electrician to hardwire any new detectors.
For dwellings being leased or sold from this date, the requirements are the same as above. Plus, landlords and tenants will also have to adhere to existing cleaning and testing regulations.
Any new buildings constructed from this date will have to comply with new laws as well.
Smoke Alarm Laws Qld: Second Stage from January 1 2022
The changes which begin at the beginning of 2022 impact people selling a dwelling and landlords.
Smoke alarms in dwellings being sold, leased or having lease renewed need to be:
- Photoelectric,
- Interconnected (so when one detector sounds, they all do),
- Less than 10 years old,
- Work when tested,
- Not contain an ionisation sensor.
Plus, it’s likely homeowners or landlords will have to install new smoke detectors before this cut-off date too, because there need to be smoke alarms:
- on every storey or level of a property,
- in every bedroom, and
- in hallways that connect bedrooms (if there’s no hallway then there has to be one in an open area that connects bedrooms)
More about smoke alarm legislation for rental properties in our blog here.
Smoke Alarm Laws Qld: Third Stage from January 1 2027
In a few short years, smoke alarms in all Queensland dwellings will need to be photoelectric, less than 10 years old and be interconnected with all of the others in the dwelling. They also must not contain an ionisation sensor.
Plus, by that date every dwelling will also need smoke detectors on every storey, in every bedroom, every hallway or open area that connects bedrooms.
All smoke alarms will also need to be hardwired, or powered by a non-removable 10-year-battery, or a combination of the two.
New Smoke Alarm Legislation Qld
You can view all the changes on the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service’s Info Sheet here.
Alternatively, if you’re ready to replace smoke alarms or have new ones installed, call our trusted electricians 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.
