Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are a vital device in every home. The QLD Government has strict rules to ensure smoke alarms are installed and operating correctly.

First, here are some import consideration for using photoelectric (PE) smoke alarms:

1. Know what to do in case of a fire
Make sure everyone in your home knows what to do in case of a fire. Create a fire escape plan and practice it regularly.

2. Test smoke alarms regularly
Test your smoke alarms at least once a month by pressing the "test" button. If the alarm doesn't sound, replace the battery or the entire smoke alarm.

3. Keep smoke alarms clean
Dust and debris can interfere with a smoke alarm's ability to detect smoke, or an even bigger issue can be false alarms. Inspect your smoke alarm each month. Check to see it is free from dirt, dust and insects. In QLD, insects love to get inside smoke alarms and will cause false alarms. So if you’re waking up in the middle of the night to no fire, call our electricians the next morning! A small amount of surface spray around the perimeter of the alarm should deter insect ingress. Manufacturers also recommend you vacuum or brush the alarm with a soft brush to remove dust, dirt or kitchen grease.

4. Replace smoke alarms regularly
Smoke alarms have a limited lifespan of 10 years, so it's important to replace them regularly. Check the manufacturer's instructions to see how often you should replace your specific model.

5. Install smoke alarms properly
Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Install them on the ceiling or high on a wall, away from corners, vents, and air ducts, you will find more info on our smoke alarm fact sheets.

6. Consider interconnected smoke alarms
Interconnected smoke alarms communicate (either wired or wirelessly) so that if one alarm detects smoke, all alarms in the home will sound. This can provide early warning in case of a fire. These are already mandatory for rental properties and will soon be mandatory for all homes in Queensland.

7. Consider other fire safety measures
Smoke alarms are an important part of fire safety, but they are not a guarantee of safety. Consider other fire safety measures such as installing a fire extinguisher in your home and learning how to use it, and avoiding smoking inside your home.