According to Victorian law and the Australian Standard AS 3786, smoke detectors must be installed in all dwellings in Victoria.

Awareness of the smoke alarm regulation is key to fire prevention and safety, whether you are a homeowner, landlord, or renter. This article then highlights the requirements for installing smoke alarms and the responsibilities of keeping your residential property safe.

We focus on the following key points:

  • Smoke alarms should be in every residential building on each story.
  • Homeowners and landlords must have smoke detectors in every bedroom and living area.
  • Smoke detectors must meet the Australian Standard AS 3786.
  • Old or faulty smoke detectors should be disposed of properly.
  • Homeowners, landlords, and renters should maintain their smoke detectors.

Which Residential Buildings Must Follow the Smoke Alarm Regulation?

The National Construction Code (NCC) identifies the following building classes as residential:

  • Class 1: single, standalone single houses that can be sub-classified as Class 1a (single dwelling or group of attached dwellings) and Class 1b (boarding house, guest house, or hostel)
  • Class 2: a building containing two or more sole-occupancy units, like apartments, blocks, or flats
  • Class 3: a building providing long-term or transient accommodation, like boarding houses, hotels, student accommodation, or residential care building
  • Class 4: domestic dwelling within a building of non-residential nature, like houses attached to shops or within a hospital

Where Should Homeowners or Landlords Install Smoke Detectors?

Smoke detectors should be in the following areas of a home:

  • every level of a multi-story house
  • inside each bedroom
  • between the sleeping and living areas
  • sleeping areas that are separate from the main house
  • hallways and stairs between floors or paths that people will use to evacuate

For maximum smoke detection, Victoria’s fire services also emphasise the following installation reminders:

  • For ceiling installation: Install the smoke alarm in the centre of the ceiling, or at least 30 cm from any cornice or wall. If your home has a cathedral or sloping ceiling, position the smoke alarm between 50 cm and 150 cm from the highest point.
  • For wall installation: Mount the smoke alarm on the wall, 30 cm to 50 cm below the ceiling, to avoid dead air space.

What Type of Smoke Detectors Should Be Installed in Victorian Dwellings?

Homeowners and landlords should choose a smoke detector that complies with AS 3786 standards. In Victoria, there are two types:

  • Ionisation smoke alarms have a small amount of radioactive material in the chamber. This material generates a small current. When smoke disrupts the flow of current, the device triggers an alarm. Ionisation smoke alarms are generally more responsive to fast-flaming fires but more prone to false alarms.
  • Photoelectric smoke alarms have a light source (usually LED) and a sensor. When smoke enters the device, it scatters the light, triggering an alarm. Photoelectric smoke alarms are generally more responsive to slow-smouldering fires and less likely to give a false alarm.

In addition, Victorian Fire Services recommend installing smoke detectors connected to 240-volt mains power with a battery backup or powered by a 10-year lithium battery. They also advised interconnecting multiple smoke alarms in the dwelling.

Victoria offers specialised smoke alarms for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. For older adults and individuals with disabilities, smoke alarms should be linked to a personal alarm system. This ensures that their monitoring agency or designated caregiver receives alerts.

How Should Homeowners and Landlords Maintain Their Smoke Detectors?

Homeowners, landlords, and renters work as a team in maintaining their smoke detectors. They should:

  • Dust, vacuum, or wipe your smoke alarm at least once a month. Loose particles or dead insects can accumulate in the device. Use a vacuum cleaner brush to remove debris.
  • Test the smoke alarm once a month. Press the smoke alarm button to see if it beeps. Replace the batteries and test again if it doesn’t emit a high-pitched beep. Lithium batteries need replacement every 10 years, while 9-volt batteries require yearly replacement.
  • Replace the smoke alarm unit every 10 years. Call a qualified electrician for smoke alarm installation to ensure standard compliance. Keep track of the use-by date on the packaging.

How Should Smoke Detector Units be Disposed?

Old or malfunctioning smoke alarms should be disposed of in normal household rubbish as complete units. Do not throw them away as recyclable waste or e-waste, where they can be disassembled, crushed, or shredded.

Smoke detectors contain a small amount of radioactive material, and their environmental impact is negligible when disposed of as whole units.

Ask an Electrician for Proper Smoke Alarm Installation

Smoke detectors are compulsory in every dwelling in Victoria. There are also rules and smoke alarm requirements that homeowners, landlords, and renters must follow.

It’s best to ask for professional assistance to ensure maximum fire safety and full compliance. Licensed electricians can help you assess the residential property and install the correct device.

Contact Canny Electrics if you need smoke alarm solutions or installation services for your Melbourne home.