The number of interconnected smoke alarms required is relative to the size, floor layout and what state the dwelling is located in. QLD legislation states that a smoke alarm must be installed;

• on each storey
• in each bedroom
• in hallways that connect bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling
• if there is no hallway, between the bedroom and other parts of the storey
• if there are no bedrooms on a storey, at least one smoke alarm must be installed in the most likely path of travel to exit the dwelling.

The example floorplan below was developed by the Queensland Fire Department and depicts required smoke alarm locations within a building – use this as a guide for determining your own requirements.

The ‘recommended placement’ section of our website also contains more information.

No, as our ZEN wireless smoke alarms have a non-removeable 10-year battery (not hardwired to 240v mains power) they can be easily DIY installed and do not require an electrician.

Please note however if you purchase one of our Emerald Planet 240V hardwired smoke alarms then yes it will need to be installed by a licensed electrician.

Yes they can! Whilst ZEN Smoke Alarm bundle packs arrive to you pre-interconnected as one group, alarms in a bundle pack can still be split up. For example, you may prefer to split a smoke alarm 10-pack bundle into two separate groups by having 5 alarms in one property and 5 in another property (each group functioning independently of the other). You can even purchase extra ZEN alarms to add into a bundle pack group and make it bigger. It’s fully flexible and up to you to decide.

Refer to our setup & install page for more information.

No. The interconnection is wireless and uses a radio frequency so that the alarms must be uniquely paired to one another. All alarms in one property are paired with a ‘master’ alarm, which is distinct from a ‘master’ alarm on any adjoining property.

No, we do not maintain a ‘bricks and mortar’ shopfront. Our listed address is an admin office only and we do not keep stock at this location. Maintaining a 100% online presence allows us to keep all overheads as low as possible – this is reflected in our smoke alarm pricing. If you require interconnected smoke alarms urgently and/or time critical please let us know prior to purchase and we can express post them to you at no extra cost!

Please refer to the Real Estate Institute of Queensland’s (REIQ) fact sheet below.

Our blog post also contains more helpful information about smoke alarm compliance when selling your property in QLD.

Wireless interconnected smoke alarms work by communicating with each other using a radio frequency (RF) signal, without the need to physically install hard cabling between each alarm. 

When one alarm detects smoke, it will wirelessly ‘talk’ to all other interconnected smoke alarms paired within the same network using the RF signal, so that all activate simultaneously (usually within 10 seconds of the initial detection). This provides a greater early warning and response time for occupants, especially in multi-story dwellings.

Our interconnected smoke alarms cannot be affected by other household RF devices (i.e. wireless smoke alarms situated in neighbouring properties) as the technology is purposely designed to eliminate any such interference during the unique network pairing process.

TV or A/C remote controls do not interfere with interconnected smoke alarms either as they typically use different technology (infrared IR vs radio frequency RF). Our ZEN interconnected smoke alarms do not use internet or home WiFi.

It is often impossible to tell if smoke alarms are interconnected just by looking at them with the naked eye. The best way to determine if your smoke alarms are interconnected is by testing them! Fortunately ours come with a dual test / hush button concealed in the centre of the alarm itself to make this easy. 

Simply press and release the centre surface of your ZEN alarm – if all alarms within the same network activate then it means the alarms are successfully interconnected (note it may take up to 10 seconds for all alarms to activate – this is normal). You may also use the optional remote control device to test your interconnected smoke alarms.  For further information on interconnecting and/or pairing your smoke alarms please go here setup & install.

Please refer to your state legislation or read one of our helpful blog posts – you will find these in the ‘latest news’ below this FAQ section. QLD legislation states that if an existing 240v hard wired alarm is to be replaced, it must be replaced with a 240v hard wired photoelectric smoke alarm.

The National Construction Code also states that any new dwellings being built or dwellings being substantially renovated must have 240v hard wired photoelectric alarms installed.

Read our helpful blog post for more information on the QLD rules surrounding hardwired vs battery powered smoke alarms.

Both brands comply to Australian Standard 3786:2014 and both brands are very good!

Emerald Planet smoke alarms also manufacture a 240V hardwired (mains powered) smoke alarm that can be interconnected with the Emerald Planet wireless 10 year battery powered smoke alarm – this is useful for some people who require a combination of both types in their property (QLD legislation says any existing 240v hard wired smoke alarms must be replaced with hardwired).

Emerald Planet smoke alarms are not compatible with ZEN Smoke Alarms, and vice versa (i.e. different brands cannot be interconnected together).

Some insurance providers can decline to quote your property if you don’t fulfil their underwriting criteria when it comes to fire protection. It is always recommended to install interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms and check with your insurance provider or insurance broker to make sure you meet the necessary requirements.