The number of interconnected smoke alarms required is relative to the floor layout and what state the dwelling is located in. QLD legislation states that smoke alarms must be installed 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
• 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

The example floorplan below was developed by the Queensland Fire Department and depicts required smoke alarm locations within a building - use this as a guide for determining your own requirements.

Where practicable smoke alarms must be placed on the ceiling. Smoke alarms must not be placed:

• Within 30cm of a corner of a ceiling and a wall
• Within 30cm of a light fitting
• Within 40cm of an air-conditioning vent or the blades of a ceiling fan

There are special requirements for stairways, sloping ceilings, and ceilings with exposed beams. Specific requirements are further explained in the QLD Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008.

ZEN Smoke Alarms are completely wireless and are powered by a non-removeable 10-year battery (not hardwired to 240V mains electricity). Wireless smoke alarms are simply affixed to the ceiling using 2 screws and can be legally DIY installed by anyone – no electrician is required.

Smoke alarms in Queensland must meet the following requirements:

• Smoke alarms must be photoelectric.
• Alarms must be interconnected with every other smoke alarm in the dwelling so all activate together.
• The alarm must be hardwired OR contain a non-removable 10 year lithium battery, a combination of both may be allowed.
• Smoke alarms must not also contain an ionisation sensor.
• Comply with Australian Standard (AS) 3786:2014.
• Be less than 10 years old. Both hardwired and wireless alarms require replacement 10 years from the manufacture date (displayed on rear of the alarm).

ZEN Smoke Alarms comply with all criteria above.

Please refer to your state regulation for up to date information relevant to your location. In Queensland, a 240V hardwired alarm must be replaced with another hardwired alarm.

The National Construction Code also states that any new dwellings being built or substantially renovated must have 240V hardwired alarms installed.

If you wish to purchase 240V, or a combination of 240V and wireless battery smoke alarms, please visit the following link: 240V Smoke Alarms. Please note 240V alarms need to be installed by an electrician.

Good news! A compliance certificate is not needed. The seller of a Queensland property does not need to provide a certificate to confirm ZEN Smoke Alarms are installed and are compliant. The seller only needs to tick yes or no to the relevant box in the Contract of Sale and Form 24.

Before selling the property, the seller should ensure the smoke alarms installed are compliant in accordance with their legal obligations under the QLD Fire and Emergency Services Act.

Please visit our helpful blog for more information; Are You Selling A Property In QLD? Here’s What You Need To Know About Smoke Alarm Compliance, Certificates, And The Contract Of Sale

Information is sourced from the QLD Fire Department and the Real Estate Institute of Queensland. REIQ is the peak body representing real estate professionals across Queensland.

Yes they can! ZEN Smoke Alarms can be interconnected together in any combination you wish, up to 30 interconnected together, making a larger bundle pack purchase for multiple properties the best value option. Additional alarms and remotes can be purchased individually. It’s fully flexible and up to you to decide.