Time is Running Out To Get Your Smoke Alarms Interconnected!!
Time is running out fast to get your smoke alarms interconnected before 1st January, 2022, so don’t delay! Get interconnected now.
What does this being interconnected mean? Well, when one goes off, they all go off, which provides more time for everyone to safely escape.
From 1 January 2022, it will be a legal requirement for landlords to install interconnected smoke alarms in all residential rental properties. This means that at the commencement of a new lease or lease renewal, landlords must ensure that the unit or dwelling adequately meets the requirements of the updated domestic smoke alarm legislation. In this case, landlords will need to install interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms into all bedrooms in addition to the smoke alarms that are required at present.
Why is the legislation changing?
Studies have found that old ionisation smoke alarms (stand-alone alarm systems) are slow to react. As a result, these delayed reactions have led to a number of fatal outcomes and tragedies that could have been avoided. As such, it has been found that the upgraded photoelectric smoke alarms (interconnected systems) are more effective and reliable. In fact, one study has shown that photoelectric alarms can react 15 minutes sooner than ionisation alarms.
So, what is required by law if your dwelling is being sold or an existing lease is renewed? Let’s break it down:
- 1. Be photoelectric and comply with Australian Standard 3786-2014
- 2. Not also contain an ionisation sensor
- 3. Be less than 10 years old
- 4. Operate when tested
- 5. Be interconnected with every other required smoke alarms in the dwelling to ensure that all alarms activate together
Where must they be installed?
- 1. In each bedroom
- 2. In hallways that connect bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling; or
- 3. If there is no hallway, between the bedrooms and other parts of the storey; and
- 4. If there are no bedrooms on a storey at least one smoke alarm must be installed in the most likely path of travel to exit the dwelling.
What about existing dwellings for owners/occupiers?
Owners and occupiers of existing dwellings must comply with the above changes from 1st January 2027. However, we strongly suggest that you consider upgrading to a photoelectric system as soon as you can to ensure that you and your family are properly protected.
Need help upgrading your smoke alarms before the new legislation kicks in? Our highly trained team of electrical professionals will help you get interconnected! We provide a full range of smoke alarm services, so head here to find out more!
