In Tasmania, all homes must be fitted with a working photoelectric smoke alarm on every level. Smoke alarms must be compliant with Australian Standard 3786:2014. Photoelectric smoke detectors need to be installed in every corridor or hallway associated with a bedroom, or if there is no corridor or hallway, in an area between the bedrooms and the remainder of the building. This is a requirement of the National Construction Code of Australia
Smoke Detectors In Properties Built After 1 August 1997
Homes built or substantially renovated after the 1st of August 1997 require 240V hardwired photoelectric smoke detectors, and there must be at least one smoke detector on each level.
Smoke Detectors In Properties Built After 1 May 2014
All properties built or substantially renovated after the 1st of May 2014 must have 240V hardwired photoelectric smoke detectors and be interconnected, so that when one activates, they all activate.
Photoelectric Alarms And Australian Standard 3786:2014
This informative blog post will reveal key secrets about your photoelectric smoke alarm and compliance with the Australian Standard. Understanding these details is essential to ensure your photoelectric smoke alarm is legally compliant and offers reliable protection. Failing to meet the required standards could result in serious safety risks, as well as potential issues with insurance claims in the event of a fire.
All photoelectric smoke alarms sold in Australia must comply with Australian Standard 3786:2014. One of the most important sections, 4.22.1, outlines the mandatory markings and information that must be displayed directly on the smoke alarm itself. These markings provide critical details about the alarm’s compliance, performance, and proper usage.
Unfortunately, many cheap, non-compliant alarms sold online may lack the necessary markings, even if they falsely claim to meet Australian standards. If an alarm does not display this required information, it is technically non-compliant, putting your safety and insurance coverage at risk. Make sure you choose a trusted brand like ZEN Smoke Alarms to guarantee full compliance and peace of mind.
Photoelectric Smoke Alarm Marking Requirements
Have a look at the photoelectric smoke alarm on your ceiling to double check if it has the following information.
4.22.1 Smoke alarm
Each smoke alarm shall be legibly and indelibly marked with the following:
(a) The number and date of this Standard (i.e. AS 3786:2014).
(b) The name or trademark and address of the manufacturer or supplier.
(c) The model designation (type or number).
(d) The type of smoke alarm (type A or type B), e.g. photoelectric or ionization.
(e) The alarm condition aural signal pattern (ISO 8201 or ISO 7731).
(f) The date of manufacture which may be coded into a serial number or the batch
number.
(g) The recommended date for replacement, subject to normal, regular maintenance
NOTE: Provision may be made for a place to note the date for replacement of the smoke
alarm.
ZEN photoelectric smoke alarm with all required markings as per Australian Standard 3786:2014
Photoelectric Smoke Alarms With 10 Year Battery
For a battery-powered smoke alarm that includes a sealed, non-replaceable 10-year lithium battery, Australian Standard 3786:2014 mandates that a specific warning must be clearly displayed on the device. This ensures that users are aware that the battery cannot be removed or replaced and that the entire unit must be replaced at the end of its lifespan.
The required warning is:
WARNING: BATTERY NOT REPLACEABLE—SEE INSTRUCTION MANUAL.
This warning helps prevent tampering, ensuring the alarm remains fully functional for its entire 10-year lifespan. Always check for this marking to confirm that your smoke alarm meets Australian safety standards and provides reliable long-term protection.
ZEN photoelectric smoke alarm with 10 year battery – compliant with Australian Standard 3786:2014
Photoelectric Smoke Alarms – ‘DO NOT PAINT’ Marking
Additionally, a clear notice stating ‘DO NOT PAINT’ must be marked on the outer surface of the smoke alarm enclosure. The letters must be at least 3 mm high and remain plainly visible after installation to ensure homeowners do not accidentally cover or obscure them. This small yet important detail is a legal requirement under Australian Standard 3786:2014 and is often overlooked by cheap, non-compliant smoke alarms found in online marketplaces.
Many low-cost ‘knock-off’ smoke alarms may claim compliance with Australian standards but fail to include all required information. While this might seem trivial, insurance companies could verify these details when processing claims after a house fire. If your smoke alarm lacks the necessary markings or certification, your claim could be denied, leaving you with devastating financial and personal losses. Choosing a fully compliant, Australian Standard-certified smoke alarm like ZEN ensures your home is protected, and your insurance remains valid.
ZEN Smoke Alarm with required ‘DO NOT PAINT’ marking
Photoelectric Smoke Alarm Packaging – Essential Info
Section 4.22.2 of the Australian Standard 3786:2014 specifies the mandatory information and data that must be included on both the photoelectric smoke alarm’s packaging (the box it comes in) and in the user manual. This ensures that consumers receive clear, accurate details about the alarm’s performance, compliance, and proper usage.
Just like the markings on the smoke alarm itself, this packaging and manual information is not optional—it is a legal requirement. If this information is missing, the smoke alarm is technically non-compliant, meaning it does not meet Australian safety standards and may be unsafe or unreliable in an emergency. Always check for this crucial information before purchasing a smoke alarm to ensure it meets the highest safety standards.
4.22.2 Packaging
The point-of-sale packaging shall be marked with the following:
(a) The model designation (type or number).
(b) The type of smoke alarm (type A or type B) and an explanation of the meaning of the type designation (e.g. photoelectric or ionization).
(c) The nominal sound level output.
(d) The alarm condition aural signal pattern (ISO 8201 or ISO 7731).
(e) For smoke alarms using 520 Hz alarm condition signal frequency, the nominal frequency.
(f) For type B smoke alarms, permanently marked with the trefoil symbol, and name of
radionuclide and activity. The markings shall be visible from the outside of the packaging.
(g) The maximum number of interconnectable smoke alarms.
(h) Statement if the smoke alarm is suitable for wall (vertical) mounting.
ZEN photoelectric smoke alarm packaging is compliant with Australian Standard 3786:2014
Summary
In summary, Section 4.22 of the Australian Standard 3786:2014 outlines the essential information that must be displayed on the photoelectric smoke alarm, its packaging, and the instruction manual. This ensures consumers receive accurate details regarding compliance, functionality, and installation. Adhering to these requirements is not optional—manufacturers and retailers must comply to sell smoke alarms legally in Australia.
In Queensland, legislation mandates that all smoke alarms must be photoelectric, interconnected, and conform to Australian Standard 3786:2014. Non-compliant alarms could lead to serious consequences, particularly in the event of an insurance claim after a house fire. Using certified, Australian Standard-compliant alarms like ZEN helps ensure your home meets legal and safety requirements, protecting both lives and property.
This new QLD smoke alarm legislationhas been implemented due to several fires which have tragically resulted in multiple fatalities in each instance.
Coronial inquest findings noted that had each property been fitted with functioning interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms in prescribed locations, the occupants may have stood a better chance of survival.
Early smoke / fire detection improves escape time from a burning building. During a fire emergency, it was not only the heat and flames themselves which presented a life-threatening hazard, many victims were first overcome by an accumulation of smoke and toxic fumes. The new QLD smoke alarm legislation lists prescribed locations for smoke alarm installation, and the types of smoke alarms which are permitted.
Russell Island House Fire – Brisbane 2023
In the early morning of 6th August 2023, Emergency Services were called to a house fire on Russell Island, just off Brisbane’s southeast coast. The cause of the house fire remains undetermined, however it resulted in the loss of six lives – five young boys and their father who returned to the inferno in an attempt to rescue his children. The fire also destroyed two neighbouring homes and left several people needing treatment for burns and smoke inhalation.
The landlord and home owner was subsequently charged and fined for failing to comply with QLD smoke alarm legislation as they had not installed legally required and compliant interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms in the Queensland rental property.
Slacks Creek House Fire – Brisbane 2011
Just before midnight on 23rd August 2011, an accidental fire ripped through a house in Slacks Creek, South Brisbane.
The fire was to cause the greatest loss of life in a domestic house fire in Australian history, with a total of 11 people (including many children) perishing due to smoke inhalation.
A finding from the 2014 Coronial Inquest stated that; ‘Once this particular fire started, it is likely that some or all of the deaths would have been prevented if the sleeping occupants had been quickly awoken and had realised that they needed to leave the house as quickly as possible … smoke alarms were either not present in the dwelling or were not maintained’.
Many recommendations from the Coronial Inquest were incorporated into the QLD Building Fire Safety (Domestic Smoke Alarms) Legislation Amendment Regulation 2016.
On 23rd June 2000 at 1am a disgruntled resident deliberately lit a fire inside the Palace Backpackers Hostel in Childers, southeast Queensland.
The fire spread rapidly throughout the old timber building and the hostel did not have working photoelectric smoke detectors or alarms. The result? 15 young people sadly lost their lives. The arsonist was captured by police and sentenced to life in prison. The devastating effect of this event is still evident on the local township to this day.
Why New QLD Smoke Alarm Legislation – Summary
The updated QLD smoke alarm legislation was introduced in response to several tragic incidents that claimed multiple lives and highlighted the need for improved fire safety measures. Devastating events like the Slacks Creek house fire in 2011, which killed 11 people from the same family, the Childers backpackers fire in 2000 that resulted in 15 deaths, and the Russell Island house fire in 2023, where a father and his five sons tragically lost their lives, served as stark reminders of the dangers of inadequate fire detection systems.
These heartbreaking incidents reinforced the importance of having photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms in all homes. The new QLD smoke alarm legislation ensures that when one alarm detects smoke, all alarms sound simultaneously, providing vital extra seconds for occupants to escape safely.
By complying with the updated QLD smoke alarm legislation, homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of fire-related fatalities and protect their loved ones. Upgrading to interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms is not just about meeting legal requirements—it’s about safeguarding lives. If you haven’t yet updated your smoke alarm system, now is the time to take action. Don’t wait for a tragedy to remind you of the importance of fire safety in your home and complying with the new QLD smoke alarm legislation.
Before buying a photoelectric smoke detector you should do your due diligence to ensure it is compliant to Australian Standard 3786:2014. The full name of the standard which encompasses photoelectric smoke alarms in Australia is ‘Australian Standard 3786:2014 Smoke alarms using scattered light, transmitted light or ionization’ (incorporating amendment 1 and 2). The first of this two part series will review Australian Standard 3786:2014 to assist your purchasing decision.
Australian Standard 3786:2014
Standards are documents that set out specifications, procedures and guidelines to ensure products are safe, consistent, and reliable. Australian Standard 3786:2014 is referenced by QLD’s Building Fire Safety Regulations 2008 – when a standard is referenced by state or national legislation, compliance with it becomes mandatory. It is interesting to note that although there is a newer Australian Standard 3786:2023 – it is not yet referenced by legislation – therefore Australian Standard 3786:2014 must still be complied with in the eyes of the law.
Australian Standard 3786:2014 is divided into several key components – the two of interest that will be reviewed in this article are ‘tests’ and ‘general requirements’.
Section 4.17 of the Australian Standard states that; ‘The smoke alarm shall be so designed that a sphere of diameter larger than 1.3 ±0.05 mm cannot pass into the sensor chamber(s)’. This requirement is intended to restrict the access of foreign bodies such as insects into the sensitive parts of the smoke alarm (to prevent nuisance alarms). It is known that this requirement is not sufficient to prevent the access of all insects; however, it is considered that extreme restrictions on the size of the access holes may introduce the danger of clogging by dust, etc.
How does this requirement translate into the design and manufacture of your photoelectric smoke detector? The image below shows the compliant internal component from a ZEN wireless interconnected photoelectric smoke detector. The polymer mesh screen surrounding the sensitive photoelectric chamber within the alarm contains thousands of tiny holes, each perfectly engineered, no larger than 1.3mm in diameter. The tiny holes prevent most insects from accessing the internal chamber whilst still allowing air (and smoke) to pass through.
ZEN photoelectric smoke detector internal smoke sensing chamber and mesh screen
Mesh screen surrounding the photoelectric smoke alarm internal sensor chamber
ZEN photoelectric smoke detector internal mesh screen – close-up image
As per Australian Standard 3786:2014 – holes must be no larger than 1.3mm diameter
In addition to this internal mesh screen around the perimeter of the photoelectric chamber, the wireless interconnected photoelectric smoke detector also has an outer grill which forms part of the housing of the alarm. The external grill also prevents larger foreign bodies from entering the alarm itself. Foreign bodies (i.e., insects) are a common cause of false / nuisance alarms because they can enter the sensitive internal components and disrupt the photoelectric light beam. This external grill ensures enhanced protection, preventing dust, debris, and insects from causing operational issues, ultimately improving the alarm’s reliability and longevity, and reducing the need for frequent maintenance.
We hope you have enjoyed this review of Australian Standard 3786:2014 and how it translates to the design of your photoelectric smoke detector. Whilst many photoelectric smoke detector retailers might profess to be aware of the standard, very few can claim to have read it from cover to cover or have a genuine understanding of what it really means, especially in practical applications. Understanding these details ensures you are choosing the best fire safety solution for your home or business, backed by solid compliance and quality assurance.
