What does an interconnected smoke alarm system do?

When one alarm detects smoke, every alarm in the house sounds at the same time. Interconnection can be wired or wireless, and both are acceptable provided all alarms are compatible.

Why are photoelectric alarms required instead of ionisation alarms?

Photoelectric alarms detect the visible particles from smouldering fires much earlier, and smouldering fires cause most home fire deaths. Ionisation alarms respond better to flaming fires but far more slowly to smoke.

How often do smoke alarms need testing and cleaning?

Alarms should be tested regularly and cleaned of dust and insects, which are a common cause of false alarms. Sealed 10-year lithium units still need testing even though the battery isn't replaceable.

Smoke Alarms on the Gold Coast

0403 718 736Monday to Sunday, 6:30 am – 9:00 pm

Interconnected photoelectric alarms
Hardwired & 10-year lithium options
Compliance work for rentals & sales

Alarms That Meet the Current Standard

A lot of owners assume the alarms already screwed to the ceiling are fine because they beep when you press the button. Queensland's requirements have moved on, and a working alarm isn't automatically a compliant one.

Safe Haven Electrical QLD install smoke alarms across the Gold Coast to the current Queensland standard, which means photoelectric alarms, interconnected so they all sound together, positioned in every bedroom and in the hallways connecting them. We supply hardwired and 10-year lithium units and handle the whole install, including alarms in older homes where there's no existing wiring in the ceiling.

If the alarm circuit ties back to a board with no protection on it, we'll flag that and discuss a switchboard upgrade separately.

Call 0403 718 736 to get it sorted.

What Compliance Actually Requires

Four things determine whether an alarm setup passes, and most older homes miss at least one.

Photoelectric type

Photoelectric alarms respond faster to smouldering fires, which is how most fatal house fires start. Ionisation alarms no longer meet the requirement.

Interconnection

Every alarm in the home must sound when any one of them detects smoke. That matters most at night, when a fire starting at the far end of the house needs to wake everyone.

Correct placement

Alarms are required in each bedroom, in hallways connecting bedrooms and on every storey. Placement near vents, fans or corners can stop an alarm working as intended.

Landlord and seller obligations

Homes being leased or sold have already had to meet the interconnected photoelectric standard. Owner-occupied homes are being brought in line under the same legislation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an interconnected smoke alarm system do?: When one alarm detects smoke, every alarm in the house sounds at the same time. Interconnection can be wired or wireless, and both are acceptable provided all alarms are compatible.
Why are photoelectric alarms required instead of ionisation alarms?: Photoelectric alarms detect the visible particles from smouldering fires much earlier, and smouldering fires cause most home fire deaths. Ionisation alarms respond better to flaming fires but far more slowly to smoke.
How often do smoke alarms need testing and cleaning?: Alarms should be tested regularly and cleaned of dust and insects, which are a common cause of false alarms. Sealed 10-year lithium units still need testing even though the battery isn't replaceable.

Not sure your alarms are compliant? Call Safe Haven Electrical QLD on 0403 718 736 for a check.

0403 718 736

Servicing the Gold Coast, Broadbeach, Varsity Lakes, Robina, Palm Beach