For homes with battery alarms only
Fitting compliant smoke alarms yourself
If your home has no alarms wired to mains power, you can usually fit the new alarms yourself. If any alarm is wired in, it must be replaced with a wired alarm by a licensed electrician.
How many do I need?
You'll need about 4 alarms. At roughly A$40 to A$80 each for wireless 10-year alarms, that's about A$160 to A$320.
What to buy
- Photoelectric, marked AS 3786-2014 on the alarm
- Sealed 10-year lithium battery that can't be removed
- Wireless (RF) interconnect, all the same brand and range so they link to each other
- Not ionisation, and not a cheap alarm with a replaceable 9-volt battery
Fitting them
- One in every bedroom, one in each hallway between bedrooms and the rest of the home, and at least one on every storey
- On the ceiling, ideally near the centre, at least 300 mm from walls and lights and 400 mm from air-con vents and fans
- Pair them using the maker's instructions, then press test on one: every alarm should sound
- Write the install date on each alarm and test them every year
Rather not climb ladders?
A licensed electrician can supply, place and link them for you, usually A$400 to A$1,000 for a 3 to 4 bedroom home.
General information based on the Queensland Fire Department's guidance, not legal advice. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.