What is the Smoke Alarm Legislation in Queensland?

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 smoke detector is surrounded by smoke on a black background.
A large fire is coming out of a wooden structure.

Why do I have to buy photoelectric smoke alarms?

Did you know that 78% of house fire deaths are between midnight and 8.00am? When you sleep, your sense of smell sleeps too.


Ionization alarms are known as a 'smelling' alarm as the smoke needs to fill the chamber and be sensed by the ion cycle to trigger the alarm in the same manner as needing an odour to fill your nostrils for your body to register a smell. The Ionisation smoke alarms are quite advantageous in detecting fast flaming fires, but most fire accidents at houses don’t happen this way. They also contain a small amount of radioactive substance and are prone to false alarms.   


Photoelectric smoke alarms use a new technology that can detect a fire at its early stages. They are suggested to be the 'seeing' alarms as they sense fires through light and interference of lights pathways, similar to how we notice items when they are put within our line of sight. They respond faster to fires, sounding off during the smouldering stage. The most common type of fire in a home environment is a smouldering fire – that is a fire that burns slowly with smoke, but no flame.  An added bonus of photoelectric smoke alarms is that they are less likely to trigger false alarms from cooking or bathroom steam. They are more sensitive detectors, meaning they are able to sense fires at the smouldering stage before it escalates.


A report based on research by Fire and Rescue and the CSIRO, into the effectiveness of photoelectric smoke alarms, showed stronger measures were needed to give residents time to escape. The research found that the death toll could be reduced by up to 50% if working smoke alarms were installed.  The interconnection of multiple alarms ensures that if one alarm detects smoke, all other alarms will activate to sound a warning, which has proven most effective in saving lives.


 How do I keep my smoke alarms working?

A hardwired smoke alarm is connected to a home’s 240v mains power supply and has a battery back-up.

If cooking smoke sets off the alarm, do not disable it. Turn on the your range hood, open a window or wave a towel near the alarm until the alarm stops beeping; or use the hush button (if fitted). Consider relocating the smoke alarm.


Once a month check by pressing the test button on your smoke alarm. If you cannot reach the button easily, use a broom handle.


Dust and debris can interfere with alarm functioning, so vacuum over and around your smoke alarm regularly.


Replace the backup battery on 240v alarms:

  • rechargeable batteries - refer to manufacturer instructions
  • non-rechargeable - replace annually.


Most alarms emit a short ‘BEEP’ sound when the batteries are low. This is your reminder to replace the battery.


Smoke alarms must never be painted.


Read the manufacturer instructions.


Hard-wired photoelectric alarms must be installed by an electrician.

Looking to learn some more?

You may have as little as 15 seconds to escape. Most fatal fires are preventable. Take precautions to protect yourself, your family and your home by creating a fire escape plan and ensure your smoke alarms are up to date.


For more information visit: https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/community-safety/smokealarms/Pages/default.aspx


If you'd like a health check on your smoke alarms get in touch with the team at ME Electrical.

CONTACT US
A person is holding a multimeter in their hand in front of a electrical panel.

The Importance of Hiring a Qualified Electrician for Your Home

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.

The Importance of Regular Air Conditioning Maintenance

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.

The Different Types of Air Conditioner

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.

Unleash the Power of ME Electrical - Your Ultimate Electricians

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 installing a smoke detector on the ceiling.

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 person is holding a wire in front of an electrical box.

Electrical Switchboard Testing

by Electrical Continuity Group • 27 June 2019
Electrical Switchboard Testing - have you had your annual check-up?
A display of Christmas lights.

'Tis the Season... for Christmas Light Safety

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.

Rodents and Electrical Wiring

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.

How to Make Your Home Safe for You and Your Family

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

Winter Energy Saving Checklist

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: