Where they need to go
NSW law requires working smoke alarms on every level of a home, including levels without bedrooms. Best practice is an alarm in or near every bedroom and in hallways leading to them, so everyone hears it while they're asleep.
Hardwired or battery?
Newer homes and major renovations generally need hardwired (240 volt) alarms with a battery backup. Older homes may have battery-only alarms. Hardwired alarms don't rely on someone remembering to change a battery, and they can be linked together.
Why interconnection matters
Interconnected alarms all sound together. If a fire starts in the garage at night, the alarm outside the bedrooms goes off too. It's the single biggest upgrade you can make to a smoke alarm system.
Replace them every 10 years
Smoke alarms wear out. Check the date on the back: if it's more than 10 years old, or you can't find a date, replace it. Test each alarm monthly with the test button.
Landlords
If you rent out a property in NSW, you have obligations to keep smoke alarms working and to check them regularly. Ask your property manager, or check NSW Fair Trading for the current rules.
We can help
We install, replace and interconnect hardwired smoke alarms, and we'll check the existing ones while we're there.
Need an electrician in Wollongong, the Illawarra or Shoalhaven? Get a free, fixed-price quote or call Jade on 0402 273 820.
