Yes. By 1 January 2027, all domestic dwellings in Queensland must comply with current smoke alarm legislation.
This requires photoelectric smoke alarms that comply with AS 3786:2014, are interconnected, and are installed in the required locations throughout the dwelling. The intent is not simply to have alarms present, but to have a system that provides early warning throughout the home as one complete system.

Smoke alarms must be installed inside each bedroom, in hallways or areas connecting bedrooms, and on each storey of the dwelling.
Hallways are not unlimited. For alarms outside bedrooms, the requirement is not simply somewhere in a hallway or escape path, but within 3 metres of every bedroom door.
If there is no hallway, the smoke alarm must be installed between the bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling in the most likely path of escape.
This is about protecting the escape path. Occupants must be alerted in any area they need to pass through in order to escape, and not have an unprotected room in between. In some home layouts, more than one alarm may be required along that path to ensure protected areas all the way to the external escape point.
However, meeting these locations alone does not guarantee performance. Placement within those areas must consider airflow, ceiling configuration, fans, air-conditioning, and how smoke will actually travel in a real fire. This is where many installations fall short.

Yes. Smoke alarms installed to meet Queensland legislation must be photoelectric and comply with AS 3786:2014. They must not be ionisation alarms.
Ionisation alarms are no longer acceptable because they respond later to smouldering fires, which are the most common type of fatal house fire. Photoelectric alarms are designed to respond earlier in this stage, providing more time for occupants to escape.

This is one of the most critical and most misunderstood aspects of installation.
Smoke alarms must be at least 300mm from walls and corners. They must be at least 400mm clear of ceiling fan blade sweep, measured from the blade to the centre of the alarm. This becomes more complex on sloping ceilings. Air-conditioning outlets were historically 400mm clearance, now moving to 900mm under AS 1670.6:2023.
All measurements are taken to the centre of the alarm.
Air movement and dead air spaces can prevent smoke reaching the alarm. Poor placement may look compliant but fail in a real fire.

Smoke alarms must be positioned at least 3 metres from cooktops.
This is a requirement to prevent nuisance alarms. Installing closer increases the risk of alarms being ignored or disabled.

Yes. Dead air spaces are defined within the National Construction Code and include corners, near walls, and where cupboards or bulkheads sit underneath. These areas require at least 300mm clear space beneath the alarm. Deep beams can also create separated ceiling pockets where smoke must build up before moving. This can delay detection and may require additional alarms or mounting on beam undersides. Airflow-related issues also affect performance, including air-conditioning outlets, fans, windows, bathrooms, and kitchens.
An alarm can be installed and still not perform when needed.

Multiple frameworks apply:
• Queensland legislation
• NCC
• AS 3786:2014
• AS 1670.6:2023
They do not always align cleanly.
DIY installers often miss:
• airflow behaviour
• interconnection
• hardwired replacement rules
• system integrity
There are also locations where alarms simply won’t work properly.
$10 head, $10 helmet.

In limited situations, yes.
Battery alarms must be sealed 10-year units. Existing hardwired alarms must be replaced with hardwired by a licensed electrician.
All alarms must be interconnected as one system.

Usually no. Existing alarms may not be compliant, may not interconnect, and brands do not mix.
Continuing an existing brand often costs more and performs worse.
Replacing the system ensures:
• full interconnection
• consistent performance
• aligned age

Yes. For example, solar installers adding standalone alarms create multiple systems.
All alarms must operate as one interconnected system.

Yes.
Standalone alarms undermine system integrity and can create non-compliance.

Where existing hardwired alarms are present, they must be replaced with hardwired alarms.

Only if fully integrated as one system.

Yes, under Queensland legislation (Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008 Part 5A Section 55C).
They must be between 100mm and 300mm from the ceiling.
Ceiling mounting remains preferred for performance.

Yes, often more suitable due to environment.

Yes in certain homes.
Carbon monoxide is odourless and colourless. Common with gas appliances and heaters.
Provides additional protection beyond smoke alarms.

Yes. Placed under appliances, they can:
• prevent damage
• reduce claims
• potentially reduce insurance costs
We can supply and install.

Identify alarm source, silence alarms, access history.

We manage over 10,000 properties and see real-world failures and nuisance alarms.
We are not tied to manufacturers.
Our recommendations are based on performance, not supply agreements.

• age
• interconnection
• sound levels
• contamination

Yes

At least one photoelectric alarm required.

Must include interconnected alarms and evacuation lighting.

Usually a few hours.

Because compliance alone is not enough. Performance matters.

Yes for sales.
Ours includes:
• QBCC licensing
• full system assessment
• safety switch testing
Must be under 12 months old.