Smoke Alarm Requirements

Smoke alarm legislation changes in QLD

Queensland smoke alarm legislation has changed, requiring all substantially renovated residences and new properties approved after January 1st, 2017 to be fitted with interconnected, photoelectric smoke alarm systems.

• Smoke alarms must be located:

  • on each storey

  • in all bedrooms

  • in hallways that connect bedrooms to the rest of the house

  • if there's no hallway, between bedrooms and other parts of the storey

  • if there are no bedrooms on a storey, at least one smoke alarm must be installed in the most likely path of travel to exit the home

• All smoke alarms must be the photoelectric type.

• Smoke alarms must be either hardwired to your home's mains power supply with a battery backup, or 10-year non-removable lithium battery powered alarms.

• Smoke alarms are required to be interconnected with every smoke alarm in the dwelling so if one is triggered all activate together providing the best and earliest warning of a fire.

• Interconnection can be either wired or wireless.

Photoelectric smoke alarms only

Ionisation style smoke alarms should no longer be used to replace or upgrade old alarms.

Installation timeframes

The installation timeframe relevant for your property will vary depending on your situation.

• Any homes leased or sold from 1 January 2017 will need to meet compliance after 5 years

• All owner-occupied residents will need to meet compliance after 10 years.