Category: Info

Just like every other Australian state and territory, it is mandatory in South Australia for working Australian Standard 3786 compliant smoke alarms to be fitted into every home. Fines can be imposed if alarms are not installed, and in rental properties the onus is on landlords to ensure the smoke alarms are working.

Smoke Alarm Laws In South Australia

The governing legislation for smoke alarms in South Australia is the Planning Development and Infrastructure (General) Regulations 2017.

The Planning and Development Infrastructure (General) Regulations 2017 call out minimum requirements for smoke alarms in dwellings. To summarise, they state that smoke alarms must comply with the Building Code of Australia (BCA);

Smoke Alarms In Existing Homes Or Residential Properties Built Prior To 1 Jan 1995

A battery powered smoke alarm may be installed in these premises subject to any change of ownership conditions.

When an existing house built prior to 1995 is sold, the owner then has 6 months from the date of title transfer to install photoelectric smoke alarms which are either 240 volt hardwired or are a 10 year life non-removeable lithium battery fire alarm.

Smoke Alarms In New Houses Or Residential Properties Built After 1 Jan 1995

The Building Code of Australia requires 240v mains powered photoelectric smoke alarms.

Smoke Alarms In Houses Or Residential Properties Built After 1 May 2014

The Building Code of Australia requires 240v mains powered photoelectric interconnected smoke alarms.

South Australian Smoke Alarm Legislation

South Australian Smoke Alarm Legislation has evolved over the years and requirements vary depending upon the age of your home and when it was constructed. The below flowchart is provided courtesy of the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service and may help you understand your smoke alarm requirements.

A direct link to the South Australian government website is posted below if you would like to read the full legislative document for yourself.

South Australian Planning, Development and Infrastructure (General) Regulations 2017

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ZEN Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

New Farm, QLD, 4005

Northern Territory Smoke Alarm Legislation

The governing piece of smoke alarm legislation in the Northern Territory is called the Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Regulations 1996 (as in force 1 October 2019).

N.T Fire and Emergency Regulations 1996 – Smoke Alarms

Part 2A of this regulation details requirements relating to smoke alarms, notably to do with the type of alarm, installation, maintenance and testing. A summary is provided below;

  • All owners of residential property must have working smoke alarms installed and tested annually.
  • Any existing ionization alarms must be replaced with the photoelectric type when they no longer work, the property is sold, or premises are rented out or a lease is renewed.
  • Within 30 days before the start of a tenancy agreement in relation to residential premises or a moveable dwelling, the owner of the premises or dwelling must test the smoke alarms and replace any that do not function.
  • The responsibility for testing the alarm in a tenanted property lies with the tenant (after the lease has started). The tenant must advise the owner or agent if the alarm does not work.

Section 13A (3) of the regulation states that an approved smoke alarm means a photoelectric type that:

(a) complies with Australian Standard 3786 and;

(b) is hard wired or is a sealed 10 year lithium battery fire alarm.

Where Do I Install Smoke Alarms In The Northern Territory?

The N.T regulations state that smoke alarms must be installed in residential premises according to the Building Code of Australia, section 3.7.2.3. What this means is that smoke alarms in the Northern Territory must be installed;

  • on or near the ceiling in any storey containing bedrooms
  • between each part of the dwelling containing bedrooms and the remainder of the dwelling; and
  • where bedrooms are served by a hallway, in that hallway; and
  • any other storey not containing bedrooms.

Northern Territory Smoke Alarm Requirements For Caravans

For a caravan in the Northern Territory, the regulation states that one smoke alarm must be installed on the ceiling of the caravan.

A direct link to the Northern Territory government website is posted below if you would like to read the full legislative document for yourself.

Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Regulations 1996

Want to know more? Watch our ZEN quick start video or call us on 0478 596 402 today

We love talking smoke alarms!

ZEN Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

New Farm, QLD, 4005

Photoelectric Smoke Alarm Laws In Tasmania

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. Smoke alarms 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 Alarms In Properties Built After 1 August 1997

Homes built or substantially renovated after the 1st of August 1997 require 240V hardwired smoke alarms, and there must be at least one smoke alarm on each level.

Smoke Alarms In Properties Built After 1 May 2014

All properties built or substantially renovated after the 1st of May 2014 must have 240V hardwired smoke alarms and be interconnected, so that when one activates, they all activate.

Photoelectric Smoke Alarm Locations

Image courtesy Tasmania Fire Service

Residential Tenancy (Smoke Alarms) Regulations 2022

Smoke Alarm Duties For Tasmanian Landlords (Rental Providers):

  • Ensure smoke alarms comply with Australian Standard 3786:2014.
  • Installed as per manufacture instructions and in accordance with recommended installed locations outlined in the National Construction Code (NCC).
  • The smoke alarms a regularly maintained, cleaned, tested and operational.
  • Replace the smoke alarm every 10 years from manufacture date.
  • Replace any smoke alarm as soon as possible after being made aware it is not defective.

Smoke Alarm Duties For Tasmanian Tenants (Renters):

  • Ensure the smoke alarms are tested every at least every 6 months.
  • The smoke alarm is clean and free from dust.
  • Inform the landlord / property manager as soon as they become aware that a smoke alarm is defective.
  • Not remove or tamper with a smoke alarm.

A direct link to the Tasmanian government website is posted below if you would like to read the full legislative documents for yourself.

Tasmanian Residential Tenancy (Smoke Alarms) Regulations 2022

National Construction Code

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ZEN Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

New Farm, QLD, 4005

Smoke Alarms And Australian Standard 3786:2014

All smoke alarms sold within Australia must comply to Australian Standard 3786:2014.

Section 4.22.1 of the Australian Standard describes the markings and types of information included on the smoke alarm itself. If the smoke alarm does not have all this information on it – then technically it is non-compliant to the standard.

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

Smoke Alarms With 10 Year Battery

For a battery fire alarm incorporating a non-replaceable battery (i.e. 10 year lithium long life batteries sealed inside the unit), the following warning is also required:

WARNING: BATTERY NOT REPLACEABLE—SEE INSTRUCTION MANUAL.

ZEN photoelectric smoke alarm with 10 year battery – compliant with Australian Standard 3786:2014

Photoelectric Smoke Alarms – ‘DO NOT PAINT’ Marking

Additionally, a notice on the outer surface of the enclosure marked ‘DO NOT PAINT’ is required. The letters shall be not less than 3 mm high and plainly visible after the smoke alarm is installed in its intended manner. Be wary of many cheap ‘knock off’ smoke alarms sold in online marketplaces – they do not have all this required information even though they profess to comply to the Australian Standard. Whilst it may seem trivial whether the smoke alarm has this information on it or not, in the event of a house fire and subsequent insurance claim, your insurer could be double checking this same information prior to making any potential pay-out.

ZEN smoke alarm with required ‘DO NOT PAINT’ marking

Photoelectric Smoke Alarm Packaging – Essential Info

Section 4.22.2 of the Australian Standard identifies the information and data which must be incorporated into the smoke alarm’s point of sale packaging (i.e. the box it comes in) and also within the user manual. As before, if the information below is not included then technically the smoke alarm is non-compliant to the standard.

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 describes the necessary information which must be included on the alarm, packaging and in the instruction manual. It is a requirement which manufacturers and retailers must adhere to.

QLD legislation states that smoke alarms must be photoelectric. They must also be interconnected smoke alarms and conform to Australian Standard 3786:2014. Failure to do so could have implications in the event of any insurance pay-out following a house fire.

Want to know more? Watch our ZEN quick start video or call us on 0478 596 402 today.

We love talking smoke alarms!

ZEN Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

New Farm, QLD, 4005