Let's talk Smoke Alarms...

20 September 2019

Perhaps its time we talk about Smoke Alarms. With the looming deadline for landlords and prospective sellers to have smoke alarms up to standard to meet legislative requirements, now is the time to begin taking action in order to beat the last-minute rush.


Under the new laws, dwellings (houses, units, etc) in Queensland which do not meet the new requirements, will not be able to be sold or leased after January 1, 2022. To put that into perspective, from this point, roughly 800 rental properties a day across Queensland will need to be upgraded to beat the upcoming deadline.


To briefly summarise the legislation, each dwelling will require every bedroom, and any hallway that connects a bedroom with the rest of the dwelling, to be fitted with a Photoelectric Smoke alarm. There also must be at least one smoke alarm fitted to each storey of a house. All alarms must be interconnected.


They will also need to be hardwired to the property's’ 240-volt electrical supply or powered by a 10-year Lithium battery.

Whilst we are only discussing the target date for landlords and prospective sellers at the moment, please keep in mind, the new legislation will eventually affect everyone.

A smoke detector is surrounded by smoke on a black background.

The legislation timeframe, announced in 2016, was set to roll out over a 10-year period beginning January 2017;

  • For any new homes built or any significantly renovated dwellings, the legislation has already been in effect since 1st January 2017.
  • For anyone leasing a home (a landlord) or selling a home, the legislation will come into effect from 1st January 2022.
  • All owner-occupied dwellings will need to meet compliance by 1st January 2027.
  • ALL smoke alarms replaced in any dwelling after 1st January 2017 must be photoelectric alarms.

Will you meet the new requirements in time?

The team at ME Electrical are ready to help - To further discuss your needs, for a quote or to schedule your smoke alarm installation, please contact us.

CONTACT US
A person is holding a multimeter in their hand in front of a electrical panel.
11 March 2024
In today's world, electricity is the lifeblood that powers our daily routines. Whether it's brightening our living spaces with cozy lighting or keeping our appliances and devices humming along smoothly, we rely on it more than ever. But with this modern convenience comes a responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly – ensuring that our electrical systems are not only functional but also safe and reliable. Think about it – from the moment we flip a switch to the intricate wiring behind our walls, there's a complex network of electricity at play. And when it comes to installation, maintenance, or repairs, it's crucial to have someone with the right skills and expertise. That's where a qualified electrician steps in – they're like the unsung heroes behind the scenes, making sure everything runs smoothly and safely. So, in this blog post, ME Electrical explains the 6 reasons why having a qualified electrician for your home isn't just a matter of convenience – it's a fundamental step in protecting what matters most: your family, your home, and your investments. We'll explore how these professionals ensure safety and compliance with regulations, deliver top-notch workmanship, and even help preserve warranties – all while providing you with peace of mind.
A woman is sitting on a couch holding a remote control.
7 February 2024
In the sweltering heat of summer, few things are as appreciated as the cool, refreshing embrace of air conditioning. Your trusty air conditioning unit can work tirelessly some days and even nights to provide you with cool comfort. But like any machine, it needs tender loving care occasionally to keep performing at its best. Regular Air Conditioning maintenance is not just a good idea; it's crucial for the efficiency and longevity of your cooling system. In this blog, we'll delve into why Air Conditioning maintenance matters and offer some valuable tips for homeowners to keep cool and save big.
A man is using a drill to install a vent on a wall.
30 October 2023
As we move through spring, temperatures are soaring. Summer is approaching and the sweltering heat is soon to become unbearable. It is in the heat of an Australian summer that air conditioners emerge as our saviors, providing us with the much-needed relief and comfort.  However, there are many different kinds of aircon and you may want to put some thought into which one is right for you.
Two electricians are standing in front of a work ute in a warehouse.
4 September 2023
When you’re looking for an electrician you want a reliable and versatile team to make things as stress free as possible. That's where ME Electrical Brisbane steps in, offering a range of specialized services to cater to all your electrical needs. Let's delve into the extensive range of services we offer: Ab distinctio nihil et magni odio ut assumenda earum eum doloribus exercitationem et dicta cupiditate et praesentium maiores est animi labore. Est suscipit eaque et nemo nobis non voluptatem adipisci et eius nobis non distinctio cumque. Eos inventore amet sit dolorem aliquid ut veritatis fugit ad unde voluptatem a dolore quasi. Id voluptatibus error et dicta voluptatum qui voluptates deserunt qui totam consequatur quo praesentium iste.
A person is holding a wire in front of an electrical box.
by Electrical Continuity Group 27 June 2019
Electrical Switchboard Testing - have you had your annual check-up?
A smoke detector is surrounded by smoke on a black background.
8 March 2019
Are you up to date with Queensland’s Smoke Alarm Legislation? Have you taken precautions to protect yourself, your family and your home? From 1st January 2017, new laws regarding the installation of photoelectric smoke alarms in all Queensland homes came into effect. So what does the new smoke alarm legislation mean for you? The new legislation states that every residence/dwelling is required to be fitted with: Photoelectric smoke alarms An interconnected smoke alarm system Smoke alarms in all bedrooms Smoke alarms in hallways Smoke alarms need to be either a hardwired interconnected system installed by a licensed electrician, or a system of 10-year lithium battery alarms with wireless interconnectivity. When will this come into effect for you? The installation timeframe is set within a 10-year rollout and will vary depending on your situation. If you are building a new home or significantly renovating the legislation is already in effect for you and has been since 1st January 2017. If you are leasing a home (a landlord) or selling a home the legislation will come into effect from 1st January 2022. All owner occupied dwellings will need to meet compliance by 1st January 2027. All smoke alarms being replaced after 1st January 2017 must be photoelectric alarms.
A  display of Christmas lights.
by Electrical Continuity Group 13 November 2018
Only 6 more Monday's until Christmas! Now is the time that many will start pulling out their Christmas decorations and lighting to prepare for the festive season. As the holiday season approaches, it's essential for Australians to prioritise safety by adhering to our national safety regulations for Christmas lights. These guidelines are designed to prevent electrical dangers for an accident-free holiday. But how can you protect your home and loved ones from these risks? Check out our safety tips to make sure you don't get caught out whilst getting caught up in the silly season!
A close up of a broken electrical outlet with a bunch of wires coming out of it.
17 October 2018
It is important to remember you should never attempt DIY electrical work. We recommend getting a qualified electrician to check your wiring if you notice signs of rodent infestation around your home. Potential electrical disaster averted... this damage was caused by rodents having a little nibble. We were able to safely repair the damage and eliminate the unsafe environment.
A baby is sitting on the floor and playing with an electrical cord.
by Electrical Continuity Group 21 August 2018
Each year in Queensland around 70 kids under 15 end up in the emergency room because of an electrical injury. More than a third are under five. You can help prevent shocks and burns with these simple fixes at home. 
ME ELECTRICAL CAT SLEEPING ON A RADIATOR
by Electrical Continuity Group 28 April 2014
Here’s how you can save money on your home energy bills this winter.
More posts
Share by: