October 1, 2026
Queenslanders have just three months to ensure their homes have interconnected smoke alarms installed, the Queensland Fire Department has warned.
From January 1 next year, all Queensland houses, townhouses and residential units by law must have interconnected, photoelectric smoke alarms installed in bedrooms, hallways connecting bedrooms and on every storey.
All registered caravans and motorhomes must also have a photelectric smoke alarm installed on the ceiling.
The changes are designed to provide the earliest warning in the event of a house fire, giving families the critical time needed to escape safely.
Homeowners can either install 10-year non-removeable battery-powered interconnected smoke alarms or hire a licensed electrician to install hardwired alarms.
However, the alarms must comply with Standard AS3786-2014.
“Smoke alarms save lives and interconnected, photoelectric smoke alarms are the safest option available,” QFD Commissioner Steve Smith said.
“Interconnected smoke alarms mean when one alarm activates, every alarm throughout the house sounds.
“That early warning can make all the difference, particularly if a fire starts while your family is asleep.”
Firefighters responded to more than 1700 house fires across Queensland last financial year.
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- For more information on smoke alarm requirements, visit the QFD website
Oh no, not another cost for pensioners, I thought…
The last time I had an electrician, I was charged $400 for one hour’s work and a bit of cable! The cost of hardwiring would be tremendous! I decided to head on over and check out the requirements. As my house was not a new build, I did NOT have to get an electrician to hardwire, but could self-install.
Better than that, you can get magnetic plates. Just stick half of the plate on the ceiling, then the other half on the alarm, and *click* there you go… alarm up, no drilling!
It took me half an hour to install the 10 alarms (I decided to go for too many instead of too few ) one stepladder was the only tool required. And the pack of alarms, from a Qld company and lasting 10 years, cost me $425.
I’m now fully compliant.
I thought I’d post this in case there are other people out there on low incomes, worried they would have to spend thousands to comply, when they could do this and save lots of money.
And it’s so easy. I’m a female in my mid-60s, and I managed just fine.