All Queensland dwellings must have compliant interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms by 1 January 2027. Homes being sold, rented or re-rented must already have them. This guide covers dwellings only, not caravans or motorhomes.[1]
What the Queensland Fire Department says
Use interconnected photoelectric alarms that comply with AS 3786-2014. Cover each bedroom and the hallways connecting bedrooms to the rest of the dwelling. Without a hallway, cover the area between the bedrooms and the rest of that storey. A storey without bedrooms needs an alarm on the most likely exit path. Interconnection can be wired, wireless or both.
| Situation | Replacement requirement |
|---|---|
| Existing home with 240V alarms | Replace with 240V photoelectric alarms, connected by a licensed electrician |
| Existing home with battery alarms | Photoelectric alarms with a 10 year non-removable battery |
| New construction or major renovation | Hardwired 240V alarms |
| Alarm fails when tested | Replace it; check age and condition of all existing alarms |
Sources[1]
Quoting checklist
Write these into the quote so the customer knows what is and is not covered.
- Check whether the property is already subject to the sale or rental requirements.
- Record the existing power supply, alarm age and locations.
- Walk through bedroom, hallway and storey coverage using QFD's installation guidance.
- Specify the alarm model, interconnection method, cabling and any exclusions in the quote.
Sources[1]
Common questions
- Do smoke alarms in QLD have to be hard wired?
- Not always. Alarms must be hardwired or powered by a non-removable 10 year battery. An existing home with 240V alarms must stay on 240V when replaced, and new builds and major renovations need hardwired alarms.[1]
Official sources
Checked 16 October 2026. Rules can change; use these sources to check the requirements for your job.
Related guides
Job workflows for electricians.
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