Queensland Smoke Alarm Requirements (2027 Compliance Guide)
From 1 January 2027, all residential properties in Queensland must be fitted with photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms that comply with Australian Standard AS 3786:2014.
This includes properties such as:
• detached houses
• apartments and units
• townhouses and duplexes
• investment and rental properties
These requirements apply to:
• homeowners
• landlords
• property sellers
Smoke Alarm Technical Requirements
Smoke alarms installed in Queensland must:
• Be photoelectric
• Comply with AS 3786:2014
• Not contain ionisation sensors
• Be less than 10 years old
• Operate when tested
• Be interconnected with all alarms in the dwelling
Where Smoke Alarms Must Be Installed
Under Queensland legislation, smoke alarms must be installed:
• In every bedroom
• In hallways connecting bedrooms
• Between bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling if there is no hallway
• On every storey of the home
• Along the path of travel to exits
How Many Smoke Alarms Does My Home Need?
Considerations:
The number of smoke alarms required will vary depending on the layout of the property.
The examples shown in the table are intended as a guide only. The exact number of alarms required depends on factors such as bedroom locations, hallways and the number of storeys within the dwelling.
Remember and check for existing hardwired alarms when counting your upgrade requirements.
Use the Smoke Alarm Calculator to estimate the number of alarms needed for your property.
Power Source Requirements
Smoke alarms in Queensland must be either:
• Hardwired to the mains power supply
• Powered by a sealed 10-year lithium battery
• Or a combination of both, where permitted
Battery-powered alarms must contain a non-removable 10-year lithium battery.
Where a property already has hardwired smoke alarms installed, those alarms must remain hardwired when replaced.
All required smoke alarms must also be interconnected so that when one alarm activates, all alarms in the home sound simultaneously.
Suitable Interconnected Smoke Alarm Systems
InterconnectedQLD supplies Anka wireless interconnected photoelectric smoke alarm systems designed to comply with Queensland’s 2027 smoke alarm legislation.
These systems allow alarms throughout the home to communicate wirelessly so that all alarms sound together, providing earlier warning in the event of fire.