There are two types of smoke alarms available for residents on the market:

• ionisation smoke alarms;
• photoelectric smoke alarms.

The photoelectric smoke alarm may be more effective in detecting smouldering fires. We recommend that as your ionisation smoke alarm nears its expiry date (usually ten years) or becomes faulty, you consider replacing it with a photoelectric smoke alarm.

In Victoria, smoke alarms are compulsory on every level of every home.

Since 1 August 1997, Victorian law states that smoke alarms (complying with Australian standards AS3786) must be installed in all residential homes, including houses, units, flats and townhouses.

Residential homes constructed before 1 August 1997 need only standalone 9-volt battery powered smoke alarms installed.

Residential homes constructed after 1 August 1997 or have undergone a major renovation or extension, must have smoke alarms connected to 240-volt mains power. In addition a back-up battery must be installed in the smoke alarm.

Residential homes constructed after 1 May 2014 or homes that have undergone a major renovation or extension, where there is a requirement for more than one smoke alarm in the home, all smoke alarms fitted must be interconnected (so that when any alarm activates, all smoke alarms will sound).

It is the legal responsibility of all owners and landlords to install working smoke alarms.

For the latest information on Smoke Alarm Systems in VIC click HERE

For Australian Standard compliant solutions click HERE