News

Smoke alarms legislation has changed recently in QLD, and there are more changes coming soon. Ensure your premises are compliant with a smoke alarm solution that meets requirements. In this article, we briefly review the changes and address the important question, ‘Do my smoke alarms meet the current legislation?’

*NOTE: This information is current at 15/8/23 for South East QLD Australia.

Landlords

From 1 January 2022

From 1 January 2022, at the commencement of a new lease or lease renewal, you must ensure your dwelling / unit meets the requirements of the domestic smoke alarm legislation. This may involve installing interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms into the bedrooms in addition to the currently required smoke alarms. 

SRC: QFES

Discuss a smoke alarm review or installation for your rental property

Owner Occupiers:

From 1 January 2017

• Existing smoke alarms manufactured more than 10 years ago must be replaced with photoelectric smoke alarms which comply with Australian Standards (AS) 3786-2014. (Note: the date should be stamped on the back)
• Smoke alarms that do not operate when tested must be replaced immediately.
• Existing hardwired smoke alarms that need replacement, must be replaced with a hardwired photoelectric smoke alarm.

From 1 January 2027

• All existing private homes, townhouses and units will require photoelectric interconnected smoke alarms. These must be either a hardwired (eg. 240v) or non-removable 10 year battery powered type alarm.

The legislation requires smoke alarms must be installed in the following locations:

• on each storey
• in each bedroom
• in hallways that connect bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling
• if there is no hallway, between the bedroom and other parts of the storey; and
• 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.

SRC: QFES

Discuss a smoke alarm review or upgrade for your property

Regular Testing

Smoke alarms need to be regularly tested to ensure they are operational, and ready to function when needed most. Contact our team to assess and test your smoke alarms.

Learn More About Smoke Alarm Solutions Today:

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RCD stands for Residual Current Device. They are a safety device used to protect people from electrical shocks and fire hazards caused by earth faults in electrical circuits. The three things you need to know about RCDs are:

1. They are essential to have
2. They require regular testing
3. They are recommended on every circuit by the Electrical Safety Office.

Our team is here to help.  

How Do RCDs Work?

RCDs are located in the switchboard, where they monitor an electrical circuit. They detect changes in the current, which occur when there is a fault or incident involving electricity – for example, you accidentally cut into a, or come into contact with live electrical parts. Without an RCD, this could cause the current to flow through your body causing injury or death by electrocution. The function of the RCD is to detect the change in current and disconnect the power supply to the circuit, saving your life.

Benefits of RCDs:

1. Protection

RCDs provide additional protection against electric shock, reducing the risk of injury or death in the event of an electrical fault.

2. Reduced fire hazards

By quickly disconnecting the power during a fault, RCDs can help prevent electrical fires caused by faulty appliances or wiring.

3. Enhanced safety in Wet Areas

RCDs are particularly important in areas where water is present, such as bathrooms and kitchens, where the risk of electric shock is higher.

4. Complements traditional circuit breakers

RCDs work in conjunction with circuit breakers (overcurrent protection) to offer comprehensive electrical safety.

RCD Testing

In addition to having RCDs as required in your switchboard, they must also be regularly tested to ensure they are functioning as required. This will ensure they are ready to work when they are needed. Book an RCD test with our team to ensure your RCDs are operating properly:

Do I Have an RCD?

If you’re not sure whether you have an RCD or not, you can upload a photo of your switchboard to our website here with the form below and our team can let you know.

Alternatively, contact our team to discuss your RCD:

Discuss Your RCD (Safety Switch) Requirements:

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Switchboards are a critical component of a residential electrical system. The switchboard is responsible for distributing power, protecting circuits, and ensuring the safe and efficient use of electricity within the premises. It is crucial to maintain and update your switchboard to ensure electrical safety and compliance with modern electrical standards.

Problems with an outdated switchboard

There are quite a few problems that can occur with an outdated switchboard. Here are some examples:

1. Safety

Switchboards perform a major role in keeping your electrical system, and the people who use it, safe. An outdated switchboard may not include the necessary safety features to perform these important tasks. Outdated switchboards that lack proper protective measures can pose a higher risk of electrical fires, especially if the wiring insulation is deteriorating or if connections are loose.

2. Performance

An outdated switchboard may not have the capacity to handle the electrical demands of your appliances and devices. This can lead to frequent tripping of your circuit breakers, power outages, and reduced efficiency of your electrical system. Also, older switchboards are less likely to offer energy management features or support for energy-efficient technologies. This can result in wasteful energy consumption and higher utility bills.

3. Non-Compliant or Faulty Earthing Systems

Proper earthing is essential for protection against electrical faults and shocks. 

4. Obsolete Components

Over time, components within your switchboard can degrade, corrode, or become worn out. Outdated switchboards might use components that are no longer manufactured or supported, making repairs and maintenance challenging.

5. Non-Compliance

Electrical codes and regulations evolve over time to reflect improved safety standards. An outdated switchboard might not comply with current codes, potentially leading to legal and safety issues.

6. Difficult to Upgrade

If you want to incorporate smart home technology, renewable energy sources, or other modern electrical systems, an outdated switchboard might not have the necessary infrastructure to support these upgrades.

How do you know if your switchboard needs to be updated?

A quick way to find out is to take a photo of your switchboard and send it through to our team. We offer a free assessment on the basis of this visual inspection, then contact you to discuss the status of your switchboard. Simply upload your photo on the form below. 

Alternatively, contact our team to discuss your switchboard:

Discuss Your Switchboard with Our Team:

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