Category: Info

Smoke alarm laws vary slightly between each state and territory within Australia – it is unsurprising then that there is a great deal of misinformation regarding smoke alarm requirements, particularly in Queensland which is undergoing a graduated phasing in of new smoke alarm legislation.

In this new series of knowledge articles, freshly updated for 2024, we will dispel many of the smoke alarm myths and rumours and replace them with fact. Direct links to all government sources and referenced legislation will be included, ensuring readers can verify the authenticity of the information.

A question we’re often asked is ‘do smoke alarms in Queensland need to be hardwired?’ The short answer to this question is no not always, – it depends on the type of dwelling and situation. Although there are a lot of houses built that require hardwired smoke alarms, there are just as many that have the option to use non-removeable battery powered smoke alarms and still be 100% legally compliant. Continue reading below to find out when the law says hardwired smoke alarms must be used in Queensland (and conversely when lithium battery powered smoke alarms cannot be used)

What is a hardwired smoke alarm?

A hardwired smoke alarm is a smoke alarm which is physically hardwired into a dwelling’s 240 volt mains electricity supply. Unlike lithium battery powered smoke alarms, hardwired smoke alarms cannot be DIY installed as there is wiring involved and should always be installed by a trade qualified and licensed Electrician. Whilst they derive their power from the household mains electricity supply, hardwired smoke alarms must also have an internal battery back-up which allows for continuous operation should household mains electricity be temporarily disrupted (for example, if there is a power black-out during a thunderstorm – not uncommon in QLD!).

When must I install hardwired smoke alarms in QLD?

There are 3 main scenarios in Queensland when it is a statutory requirement for 240 volt hardwired smoke alarms to be installed in your home. They are as follows;

  1. If you are constructing a brand new home
  2. If you are performing a substantial renovation
  3. If you are replacing an existing hardwired smoke alarm

1) If you are constructing a brand new home

If you are constructing a brand new home in QLD then hardwired smoke alarms are required as part of the building approval process – Queensland’s Building Regulations 2021 (part 4 – smoke alarms for domestic dwellings) and Australia’s National Construction Code 2022 Volume Two and Part 9.5 of the associated Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) Housing Provisions detail minimum necessary standards for the construction of new domestic dwellings, including the standards for fire safety and smoke alarms.

Page 14 of Queensland’s Building Regulations 2021 states that when constructing a new home, the smoke alarms must be hardwired to the domestic dwelling’s electricity supply; and must be interconnected to every other smoke alarm installed in the dwelling.

2) If you are performing a substantial renovation

If you are performing a substantial renovation to your QLD property, then 240V hardwired smoke alarms must be installed as part of the renovation process. Division 5A (section 104RBA) of the QLD Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990 states that hardwired smoke alarms must be installed when a substantial renovation is being performed to an existing QLD dwelling. The Act goes on to define a ‘substantial renovation’ as work carried out under a building development approval for alterations, or if the total building works surpass 50 per cent of the dwelling’s volume over three years.

QLD Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) website also states that as part of a building approval process requiring a Building Certifier, all new homes and renovations should have the required smoke alarms installed pursuant to the requirements of the National Construction Code (NCC).

3) If you are replacing an existing hardwired smoke alarm

Division 5A (section 104RC) of the QLD Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990 states that if the smoke alarm being replaced was hardwired to the domestic dwelling’s electricity supply, then the replacement smoke alarm must also be hardwired to the dwelling’s electricity supply (i.e. you can’t remove a 240V hardwired smoke alarm and replace it with a battery powered smoke alarm).

Outside of the 3 scenarios described above, it is legal and perfectly acceptable in QLD to install smoke alarms which are powered by a non-replaceable 10-year battery and maintain compliance. As there is no wiring involved, battery powered smoke alarms can also be DIY installed. Both the QLD Government and the QLD Fire and Emergency Services state this on their websites at the links below.

If there are some existing hardwired smoke detectors in your home, a combination of both hard wired and wireless 10-year battery powered alarms can even be installed to meet compliance, while offering a more affordable DIY approach. For example, replace the existing 240V hardwired smoke alarms in your home with new 240V hard wired, and then in those extra locations around your home where smoke alarms are still needed (and none installed), you can install wireless 10-year battery powered smoke alarms and have them all interconnected with one another – compliance is achieved!

QLD Fire and Emergency Services state here; ‘An existing dwelling with battery operated smoke alarms may replace them when required with battery operated photoelectric type smoke alarms that meet the Australian Standard 3786–2014.

The QLD Government states here; ‘alarms should also be hard-wired to the 240v power supply OR powered by a non-removable 10 year battery’. and here ‘there are compliant smoke alarms available (e.g. wireless alarms) which don’t need electrical work to be carried out during installation. A licensed electrician will need to be engaged if the installation involves electrical work’.

Smoke alarms powered by a non-removeable 10-year battery offer an affordable solution to smoke alarm installation in your QLD property. Unlike hardwired alarms, there is no electrical wiring required which means they are often easier and more cost effective to install.

When purchasing smoke alarms with a non-removeable 10-year battery just be sure that they are the photoelectric type, they are less than 10 years old from manufacture date (it must be printed on the alarm), they comply with Australian Standard 3786:2014 and that you install them in all the prescribed locations in your home as required by the Building Fire Safety Regulations 2008 (Part5A).

We trust you found value in this article which explains the three instances in Queensland that mandate the installation of hardwired smoke alarms in residential homes. Beyond these three situations, it is entirely sound and permissible to undertake a do-it-yourself (DIY) installation of smoke alarms powered by a non-removable 10-year battery to achieve legal compliance.

We love talking smoke alarms! – feel free to call us with any questions 0478 596 402

Referenced legislation in this article:

Queensland Building Regulations 2021 (Part 4)

Australia’s National Construction Code 2022 Volume Two (note: formerly called the Building Code of Australia BCA).

Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) Housing Provisions Part 9.5 Smoke alarms

QLD Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990

QLD Fire and Emergency Services Website – smoke alarms for new builds or renovationshttps://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/prepare/fire/smoke-alarms/new-builds-or-renovations

Queensland Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008

The Queensland holiday season is synonymous with family fun and warm summer weather. However, amidst the festive cheer, it’s important to prioritize fire safety to ensure your celebrations remain merry and bright. Christmas fire safety is important during this time of year, as the combination of dry trees, electrical decorations, and other festive lighting can pose a potential fire hazard. Here are some essential tips to keep your family home safe and sound this Queensland Christmas season.

Mindful Tree Placement: Choose a fresh, green Christmas tree and keep it well-hydrated. Position it away from any potential heat sources. A dry tree can quickly become a fire hazard, so water it regularly and dispose of it promptly after the holidays.

Position your tree strategically – make sure it’s not blocking any exits. This ensures that, in the unfortunate event of a fire, everyone can easily evacuate the home.

Lights Check: Inspect all Christmas lights before decorating your tree and home. Discard any frayed or damaged cords and replace burnt-out bulbs promptly. Opt for LED lights, which emit less heat than traditional incandescent lights, reducing the risk of fire. Be wary of non-compliant cheap imports and ensure your lights have the appropriate Australian electrical safety regulatory compliance mark (RCM). Always turn off all Christmas lights and decorations before going to bed or leaving the house. This simple step not only conserves energy but also reduces the risk of electrical malfunctions that could lead to a fire.

Interconnected Smoke Alarms: Equip your home with interconnected smoke alarms inside every bedroom, hallway outside the bedrooms, and have at least one on each level of the dwelling. Press the test button on the alarm to check they are in good working order (i.e. so if one smoke alarm goes off, they all go off). Create a fire escape plan and share it with your family and any visitors who may be staying with you. Keep fire extinguishers handy, and make sure everyone knows their location and how to use them. Spending 10 minutes to review this information with your loved ones could avoid becoming a Christmas tragedy headline on the evening news.

Power Board Wisdom: Avoid overloading electrical wall outlets and power boards. Spread out the use of multiple appliances and decorations across different outlets to prevent overloading and subsequent overheating. Choose a power board which has in-built overload protection.

Candle Caution: Candles add a traditional warm glow to the festive atmosphere, but they can also pose a fire risk. Keep candles away from flammable materials such as window curtains, place them in stable holders, and never leave them unattended. Consider using realistic looking flameless LED candles as a safer modern alternative.

Cooking Vigilance: The holiday season often involves elaborate meals and festive cooking. Stay vigilant in the kitchen, and never leave cooking unattended. Keep flammable items, such as kitchen tea towels and oven mitts, away from open flames and other heat sources. Keep a fire blanket nearby to help extinguish any cooking flames on the stove top.

By following these Christmas fire safety tips, you can enjoy a festive and worry-free holiday season. Ensuring interconnected smoke alarms are installed and working means the joy of Christmas remains in our hearts without the threat of fire casting a shadow on the celebrations. Merry Christmas Queensland! Thank you all for your amazing support throughout 2023, and we look forward to another incredibly busy and productive year in 2024! Best wishes and Happy New Year to all!

Questions? We love talking smoke alarms! Feel free to call us 0478 596 402

Photoelectric Smoke Alarms Australia

www.photoelectricsmokealarms.com.au

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) have more helpful information about Christmas tree fire safety – watch the video below and refer to their information sheet which is available for download here.

The rise in the cost of living across Australia, and in Queensland in particular, has become a pervasive concern for individuals and families alike. Relentlessly rising electricity costs, fuel, food and insurance premiums means less available disposable income. While financial strain is a well-known consequence, a lesser-known and equally pressing issue is the impact of these pressures on residential house fire safety.

As families tighten their budgets to meet basic needs, the temptation to cut corners on home maintenance and safety measures becomes more pronounced. One area where this compromise can have severe consequences is fire safety. Neglecting home fire safety, by not installing or maintaining interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms, can significantly elevate the risk of house fires and leave a family exposed. Faulty appliances, aging electrical panels, outdated wiring and cheap electrical gadgets are other examples of potential fire hazards that may be overlooked in the quest to trim expenses.

In a recent article published in the Courier Mail newspaper, University of Wollongong fire expert Dr Owen Price said the rising cost of living was likely affecting fire risk within homes as many of the steps people could take to protect themselves required money.

“A lot of people realise they are at risk, but they often don’t do anything about it and when cost of living comes in it’s often lowest on people’s priorities,” he said.

Cash strapped families also tended to live in cheaper, older housing, which was more vulnerable to fire, Dr Price said.

Older buildings with outdated fire prevention measures, such as a lack of interconnected smoke alarms, or inadequate escape routes can pose a serious threat to residents. In such cases, the cost of living pressures directly translate into compromised safety.

The stress induced by financial strains can also lead to behavioral changes that impact fire safety. Individuals working multiple jobs or long hours may be more prone to fatigue, increasing the likelihood of negligence in daily tasks such as turning off stoves or unplugging electrical devices. Additionally, the inability to afford quality appliances and heating equipment may force individuals to resort to makeshift solutions, elevating the risk of electrical fires.

To mitigate these risks, it is crucial for individuals facing cost of living pressures to prioritize fire safety. This includes installing and maintaining interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms, performing regular checks of electrical systems, investing in quality appliances and avoiding cheap knock offs, and staying vigilant about potential hazards. Public awareness campaigns and community initiatives can further emphasize the importance of fire safety in the face of financial challenges, ensuring that individuals and families can navigate these pressures without compromising their well-being. The QLD Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) free ‘Safehome‘ initiative is one such example. QLD Firefighters will advise you on correct positioning of interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms and discuss fire safety concerns.

By fostering a culture of awareness and not neglecting preventative measures such as interconnected fire alarms, we can ensure that the cost of living crisis doesn’t come at the expense of our most precious asset – our safety and well-being. As Queenslanders, let us renew our commitment to safeguarding homes from the silent threat of fire that lurks within the shadows of the cost of living crisis.

Please feel free to use our discount coupon code GDAY$5 during the checkout process to help offset the cost of your next purchase of interconnected smoke alarms.

Fire safety at home is a universal concern, and no one should be left vulnerable in the event of an emergency. Members of society who are hard of hearing face unique challenges when it comes to fire safety, as they may not hear the high-pitched alarm sound of traditional smoke detectors. Conventional Australian Standard 3786:2014 smoke alarms are designed to produce 85dB at a distance of 3 meters. Whilst this is adequate to wake most people from sleep, it may not be enough to wake those of us who are hard of hearing. Fortunately, Red smoke alarms have paved the way for a cost effective solution with their strobe light and vibrating pad (model RHIS), making it possible for everyone to be alerted to fire hazards, regardless of their hearing ability.

Red smoke alarms strobe light and vibrating pad (model RHIS)

The Red smoke alarms strobe light and vibrating pad is an accessory which is designed to be wirelessly interconnected with other RF enabled Red smoke alarm and Red heat alarms.

The strobe light component emits a high intensity, powerful, attention-grabbing flash when the smoke alarm is triggered, ensuring visual notification during waking hours. Simultaneously, the vibrating pad placed under a pillow or mattress generates strong vibrations and provides a tactile response, alerting individuals whilst they sleep – watch our video below to see how it functions.

Wireless interconnectivity with other Red smoke alarms and Red heat alarms

The strobe light and vibrating pad model RHIS can be wirelessly paired with other Red smoke alarms + heat alarms to create a comprehensive interconnected home network. If any alarm within the network detects smoke or heat, all other networked alarms and the strobe light and vibrating pad will activate simultaneously.

Mains powered with rechargeable battery back-up

The Red smoke alarms strobe light and vibrating pad is mains powered and plugs into your standard household power socket in the wall. Additionally, it features a rechargeable battery back-up that provides uninterrupted operation during temporary power outages. It is important to note that the rechargeable back-up battery must be replaced after five years of use to maintain optimal performance.


Flexible installation options

The strobe light is suitable for wall mounting, offering easy installation with two included screw fixings and mounting bracket. Alternatively, it can be placed in a free-standing position such as bedside table or on a dresser. The vibrating pad is placed under a pillow, or inside the pillow case. As there is no electrical wiring involved the strobe light and vibrating pad can be easily DIY installed.

How much does the Red smoke alarms strobe light and vibrating pad cost?

The Red smoke alarm strobe light and vibrating pad model RHIS retails for $299. Add in the cost of a Red smoke alarm model R10RF ($79.95) and the total outlay becomes $378.95. Red smoke alarms provide a more cost effective solution, even when taking into account other government subsidised brands such Brooks and Bellman which are still more expensive by comparison.

Summary

Inclusive safety is a fundamental aspect of a well-functioning Australian society. Hard of hearing individuals should not be at a higher risk during fire emergencies. By incorporating the Red smoke alarms strobe light and vibrating pad (model RHIS), and following legislative requirements for smoke alarm installation, we can ensure that everyone, regardless of their hearing abilities, is protected from the dangers of fire. It’s a small step toward a safer, more inclusive world where everyone can rest easy, knowing that their homes are equipped with the best in Australian fire safety technology.