Home safety guide
Queensland smoke alarms:
ready for 2027?
By 1 January 2027, all existing private homes, townhouses, units and manufactured homes in Queensland must have compliant interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms.
The essentials
What does compliant mean?
A compliant Queensland system uses photoelectric alarms that are interconnected, so when one alarm detects smoke, every alarm in the home sounds.
- Photoelectric alarms only - no ionisation sensor.
- Every alarm interconnected with the others in the dwelling.
- Alarms marked as complying with Australian Standard AS 3786-2014.
- Hardwired alarms must be installed by a licensed electrician.
- Existing hardwired alarms must be replaced with hardwired alarms when due for replacement.
Placement
Where are alarms required?
Every bedroom
Each bedroom needs its own compliant photoelectric alarm.
Connecting hallways
Install alarms in hallways connecting bedrooms with the rest of the home, or between bedrooms and the remainder of the storey where there is no hallway.
Every storey
Each storey needs coverage, including the most likely exit path on a level without bedrooms.
Selling or leasing? Queensland homes being sold or leased have already been subject to the updated interconnected photoelectric requirements since 1 January 2022.
Plan early
What should you do now?
- 1
Check your current alarms
Look for the AS 3786-2014 marking, check the manufacture or replacement date, and identify whether the alarms are interconnected.
- 2
Map the required locations
Count bedrooms, hallways and storeys so the system covers every required area.
- 3
Book the upgrade before the rush
Planning ahead gives you time to choose the right system and avoid the expected demand close to the deadline.
Need a smoke-alarm assessment?
TSF can assess your home and install a compliant hardwired interconnected system.
This is general information, not legal advice. Requirements can depend on the property and existing installation.
Queensland Government smoke alarms ↗Queensland Fire Department guidance ↗