Updating your smoke alarms might not be at the top of your to-do list, but new legislation in Queensland and New South Wales means every homeowner will need to act soon. Leaving it until the last minute could result in unnecessary stress, limited availability of installers, and the risk of non-compliance. Taking steps now with the help of a professional electrician in Brisbane ensures your home is safe, compliant, and ready well before the deadline.
What is the New Law?
By 2027, every private dwelling in Queensland and New South Wales, whether it’s a house, unit, townhouse, villa, caravan, or motorhome, must be fitted with interconnected, photoelectric smoke alarms. These alarms will need to be located in each bedroom, in hallways connecting bedrooms to the rest of the house, and on every storey of the property. The legislation is designed to improve safety, providing residents with more time to escape in the event of a fire.
What is a Photoelectric Smoke Alarm?
Photoelectric smoke alarms provide a significant safety advantage over traditional ionisation alarms because they’re far more effective at detecting slow, smouldering fires, which are often the most dangerous. Using advanced technology to sense tiny smoke particles in the air, they identify threats earlier and trigger faster alerts, offering a safer and more reliable option for today’s homes.
How Does it Work?
A photoelectric alarm works by directing a light beam through a sensing chamber, and when smoke enters, it disrupts that beam and triggers the alarm. This technology allows the device to respond quickly to slow-burning fires, such as those caused by overheated wiring, appliances, or furniture. When interconnected, these alarms activate throughout the entire property, ensuring everyone is alerted and given valuable time to evacuate safely.
Compliance Deadlines
The new legislation is being phased in, with all rental properties and new builds already required to comply. For existing homeowners, the deadline is January 1, 2027. While that may seem far away, electricians are expecting a surge in demand as the date draws nearer. Acting early ensures you won’t be left scrambling to meet the requirements.
Getting New Smoke Alarms Installed
Upgrading your home’s smoke alarms isn’t just about ticking a compliance box—it’s about protecting your family and property. Having interconnected alarms professionally installed ensures they’re placed in the correct locations and tested to meet legislative standards. Once installed, these alarms will remain compliant for 10 years, providing long-term safety and peace of mind.
Book Your Smoke Alarm Compliance Inspection
The best way to make sure your property meets the requirements is to book a smoke alarm compliance inspection. A licensed electrician will assess your home, recommend the right number and placement of alarms, and carry out the installation. With the right system in place, you’ll know your property is safe and fully prepared for the upcoming legislation.
Get Ready Now for a Safer Future
The new smoke alarm laws are designed to save lives, and preparing ahead of the 2027 deadline will keep your home safe while avoiding the rush. Interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms provide superior protection, giving families more time to act in an emergency. Updating now ensures compliance, safety, and peace of mind for the next decade.
