How to get your Queensland home ready for the new smoke alarm laws

What are the new Queensland smoke alarm laws?

From 1 January 2027, smoke alarms in every Queensland home will have to be:

• Photoelectric. These use a light sensor to detect smoke and are much faster than ionisation models at detecting slow, smouldering fires – the most common type of house fire
• Interconnected, so that when one alarm detects smoke, all of the alarms in your home sound together
• Compliant with AS 3786-2014
• Placed on every storey, in every bedroom and in areas connecting bedrooms
• Installed by a licensed electrician if hardwired or powered by 10-year non-removable batteries if wireless. (note: battery-operated smoke alarms must also be photoelectric, interconnected and compliant with AS3786-2014.)

These rules apply to houses, townhouses, units and manufactured homes. Registered caravans and motorhomes will also need to have a photoelectric smoke alarm installed.

Under the new laws, smoke alarms only powered by a replaceable 9V battery are no longer compliant in Queensland. However, they can be used as a secondary or backup power source for a 240v hardwired alarm.

Rental properties are already subject to the updated laws, as well as properties being sold. The 1 January 2027 deadline is designed to make all owner-occupied homes compliant, too.

How to check if your alarms are compliant

Use this simple checklist to make sure your smoke alarms are compliant ahead of the changes.

• Age: Replace any alarms that are more than 10 years old
• Type: Check if your alarms have an ionisation sensor (look for specific labelling or a black and yellow radiation warning symbol). If they do, they’ll need to be replaced with photoelectric smoke alarms
• Standard: Look for AS 3786-2014 – this can be found on the smoke alarm, sometimes under the wall bracket
• Interconnection: See if other alarms go off when one is triggered
• Condition: Test your smoke alarms and replace any that no longer function properly

Where interconnected smoke alarms need to be installed

Along with the type of smoke alarms required, there are also new rules around where they need to be installed. You’ll need to have a smoke alarm:

• In every bedroom
• On every storey
• In hallways between bedrooms and other parts of the property (if there’s no hallway, alarms need to be installed between bedrooms and the rest of the storey. If there are no bedrooms on a particular storey, there must be a minimum of one alarm in the most likely exit pathway)
• Inside registered caravans and motorhomes, with at least one alarm located on the ceiling

Hardwired vs wireless smoke alarms

There are two basic types of smoke alarms: hardwired and wireless. Under the new Queensland smoke alarm laws, there are different rules affecting each one.

Hardwired smoke alarms are connected to your home’s electrical supply. These must be installed by a licensed electrician.

Wireless smoke alarms use batteries, and you may be able to install them yourself. However, they’ll need to be powered by 10-year non-removable batteries.

Simple smoke alarm maintenance tips

These maintenance tips will help ensure your smoke alarms remain effective.

• Test your alarms monthly: This can be done by pressing and holding the ‘test’ button for at least five seconds. You should hear a beeping sound if the alarm is working
• Keep them clean and free from dust: Wipe or vacuum your smoke alarms to remove dust and debris, ideally once a year
• Check the batteries or power supply: If your alarms are battery-powered, check the battery indicator and replace the batteries if needed. For hardwired alarms, verify that the power supply is connected and the alarm is receiving power
• Replace faulty or chirping alarms: If an alarm fails the monthly test or is making a constant chirping sound, check the manufacturer’s instructions and consider replacing it
• Replace them every 10 years: Even if they’re working properly and passing regular tests, you should replace your smoke alarms every 10 years so they keep operating effectively

Fire safety at home: make an escape plan before summer

A working smoke alarm is an essential part of fire safety, but it’s also worth having a plan if a fire occurs. Before summer, take some time to prepare.

• Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do if an alarm sounds – stay calm, get out, call Triple Zero (000) and don’t go back inside
• Identify escape routes from the bedrooms – this could be a window (if on the ground floor) or a hallway leading to an exit. Ideally, you want at least two escape routes in case one is blocked by fire or smoke. Also, make sure they’re free of obstructions
• Ensure all exits can be opened easily – leaving the keys in a designated spot can be helpful if you need to escape quickly
• Establish a meeting point outside the home – perhaps your letterbox or a nearby street sign
• Practise the plan a few times, especially if you have kids – this ensures everyone can act quickly and confidently if something happens

Are you ready for the changes?

Check your smoke alarms now and get ready before 1 January 2027. You’ll find a range of photoelectric smoke alarms, interconnected smoke alarm systems and other fire safety products at your local store, or find out more about fire safety.

You can also visit the Queensland Fire Department website for the latest advice.

Frequently asked questions

What are the Queensland smoke alarm requirements from 1 January 2027?

Smoke alarms in Queensland homes must be photoelectric and interconnected, comply with Australian Standard AS 3786-2014 and not contain an ionisation sensor. They must be hardwired or powered by a non-removable 10-year battery. Refer to the Queensland Fire Department for full and current requirements.

What does an interconnected smoke alarm do?

Interconnected smoke alarms communicate with each other, either through wiring or a wireless connection. When one alarm detects smoke and sounds, all the connected alarms sound, helping alert everyone in the home.

Where do smoke alarms need to be installed in a Queensland home?

Smoke alarms must be installed in every bedroom, in hallways or rooms connecting bedrooms, and on every storey of the home. Registered caravans and motorhomes must also have a smoke alarm installed on the ceiling.

Can I install a wireless smoke alarm myself?

Wireless smoke alarms with non-removable 10-year batteries can be installed without wiring. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and confirm that the alarm meets Queensland’s requirements. Hardwired smoke alarms must be installed by a qualified electrician.

How often should I test and replace my smoke alarms?

Test smoke alarms every month and keep them free from dust and insects. Smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old should be replaced, along with alarms that do not work, contain an ionisation sensor or cannot interconnect with the other alarms in the home.