Electricians versus technicians: What difference does it make to smoke alarm testing?

Electricians and technicians play important roles in the smoke alarm testing industry, but their responsibilities, capabilities and qualifications differ in several ways.

“About 90% of our staff are full-time licensed electricians,” says Smoke Alarm Testing Services National Operations Manager Amber Mckenzie.

“While all of our technicians are highly trained, our licensed electricians can generally deal with any smoke alarm and the demands of any job right there and then.

“It saves a stack of time, which makes tenants happy.

“And landlords and property managers know they are getting high-quality work that will protect their assets.”

What are the differences in qualifications between an electrician and a technician?

An electrician is a skilled tradesperson who has completed an apprenticeship program and has passed a licensing exam. Electricians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems, including smoke alarms.

They have the knowledge and expertise to work on complex electrical systems and to ensure that they are installed and functioning properly.

They also have the ability to tackle more hairy problems and complete them on the spot, thanks to their expertise and because they are licensed to do so.

A technician is a skilled worker who has received specialised training in smoke alarm testing and maintenance. Technicians are responsible for performing routine testing and maintenance on smoke alarms to ensure that they are working correctly. They may also be responsible for troubleshooting and repairing any issues that are found during testing.

“While we have both electricians and technicians working at SATS, we obviously love having such a high number of licensed electricians on our team,” Mckenzie says.

“Having such a deeply experienced team is probably the key difference between SATS and other smoke alarm testing companies.

“Having a huge team of electricians really gives our property manager and landlord clients peace of mind, and it helps make our service more efficient and high quality.”

One obvious key difference between electricians and technicians is their level of education and training. Electricians typically have a more extensive educational background and have completed a formal apprenticeship program, while technicians may have completed a shorter training program or on-the-job training.

Another difference is the scope of work. Electricians have more broad knowledge and responsibilities, including installation and repair of all types of electrical systems. Technicians are more specialised in a certain area, like smoke alarm testing and maintenance.

Both electricians and technicians play an important role in the smoke alarm industry, but they really do have different responsibilities and qualifications

“Both play a part in ensuring that smoke alarms are working correctly and providing the protection that they are designed to provide,” Mckenzie says.

“But we like to think our team really can go the extra mile thanks to their deeper qualifications and experience.”

What are the smoke alarm regulations for rental properties in South Australia?

As a landlord in South Australia, it’s important to know the regulations surrounding smoke alarms in your rental properties. Not only is it the law, but more importantly, it’s a matter of safety for your tenants.

You may be aware that all homes in South Australia must have smoke alarms installed, but it’s also a legal requirement for landlords to ensure that smoke alarms are installed and properly maintained in all rental properties. This includes both battery-operated and hardwired alarms, and they must be located in the right places to ensure maximum protection in the event of a fire.

“If you haven’t updated the way you test, maintain and replace smoke alarms in your property, the time is now,” says Smoke Alarm Testing Services National Operations Manager Amber Mckenzie.

“We still run into properties each week that have failed to have their smoke alarms tested and maintained on a proper schedule.

“With the amended regulations and the modern standards expected by tenants, it’s just not enough.”

What does the smoke alarm legislation say in South Australia?

The smoke alarms installed in South Australia must meet the requirements of Australian Standard AS 3786, Smoke Alarms, with installation being the responsibility of the landlord.

Since January 1, 1995, smoke alarms have been required in all new homes in South Australia. Alarms should be hard-wired to the 240-volt mains power supply. They should also be fitted with a back-up battery.

In homes not connected to mains power, smoke alarms powered by 10 year life, non-replaceable, non-removable, permanently connected batteries may be installed.

For existing dwellings, as a minimum requirement all homes with building approval granted prior to January 1, 1995, are required to have a smoke alarm with a replaceable battery.

This regulation is subject to change of ownership conditions that say after February 1, 1998, if there is a change of ownership, the new owner must – within 6 months – install smoke alarms that are either hard-wired to the 240-volt household power supply or powered by 10 year life, non-replaceable, non-removable, permanently connected batteries if they don’t have mains power.

Compliance was required by January 1, 2000, for this.

From May 1, 2014, if you have multiple smoke alarms in a new property they must be interconnected, and in any new extensions to buildings which require more than one alarm.

Mckenzie recommends all landlords install interconnected, photoelectric mains-powered smoke alarms.

“Photoelectric smoke alarms detect larger smoke particles and are most effective in detecting the types of fires that commonly affect homes,” she says.

“Research says they are by far the most effective at detecting fires and saving lives.”

Where should smoke alarms be installed?

The regulations require that one or more smoke alarms must be installed in every dwelling in areas that will provide reasonable warning to occupants of sleeping areas.

Smoke detectors should be placed in:

  • Hallways near bedrooms
  • If bedrooms are in different parts of the house, you must have alarms in each location
  • If there are no hallways connecting bedrooms, alarms must be installed between the part of the home containing the bedroom and the rest of the house
  • Each level of your home, even levels without bedrooms

Mckenzie says smoke alarms shouldn’t be installed in areas that trap hot air, or near windows, doors, fans or air conditioners, which can stop smoke from reaching the alarm.

“Places such as high up in cathedral-style ceilings, the corner of walls and ceilings, or between exposed floor joists can be a real problem,” she says.

“You should also avoid spots that may cause false or nuisance alarms. Areas in or near bathrooms and kitchens can cause false alarms with steam or cooking. And sometimes tenants tend to disconnect them if they cause too many false alarms, which is a big problem.”

What are the smoke alarm regulations for rental properties in ACT?

Information about smoke alarm legislation in the ACT isn’t as easy to find compared with other states. But landlords, property managers and tenants in the Australian Capital Territory need to know the regulations for smoke alarms to keep their properties and families safe.

What is regulated by the ACT Government and what ACT Fire & Rescue recommends also differs, but it’s fair to say the experts urge landlords and property managers to go beyond the minimum requirements to keep people and properties safe.

The legislation was amended back in 2017, with landlords having until August 24, 2018, to comply.

“If you haven’t updated the way you test, maintain and replace smoke alarms in your property, the time is now,” says Smoke Alarm Testing Services National Operations Manager Amber Mckenzie.

“We still run into properties each week that have failed to have their smoke alarms tested and maintained on a proper schedule. With the amended regulations and the modern standards expected by tenants, it’s just not enough.”

What does the legislation say?

The smoke alarms installed must meet the requirements of Australian Standard AS 3786, Smoke Alarms, with installation being the responsibility of the landlord.

An alarm must be installed in each storey of the building. On storeys with bedrooms, the alarm is to be located between the bedroom and the remainder of the building. Smoke alarms may be hardwired or battery operated, depending on the build date of the property.

Tenants are responsible for replacing smoke alarm batteries as required. ACT Fire & Rescue recommends replacing the battery annually and testing the operation of the alarm regularly.

It is important to note that ACT Fire & Rescue recommend that the smoke alarms installed should be hard-wired, interconnected and be a photoelectric-type smoke alarm. If you do have battery-type smoke alarms, the batteries should be replaced at least annually. A handy way to remember is to change the batteries when the clocks are changed.

Landlords are responsible for ensuring that smoke alarms are installed and functioning properly before tenants move in. Landlords must also ensure that smoke alarms are replaced within 10 years of the installation date.

Tenants are technically responsible for ensuring that smoke alarms are tested during their tenancy, but Mckenzie says landlords shouldn’t leave it to chance.

“No matter how good your tenants are, you should never leave testing and maintaining smoke alarms to chance,” she says.

“We run a rigid testing and maintenance schedule, with a handy online portal that shows when things have been done and by whom. It gives peace of mind to landlords, tenants and property managers.”

It’s worth mentioning that having a smoke alarm installed is one thing, but having it regularly tested and maintained is just as important. It can save lives in case of an emergency. Not only is it a legal requirement, but it is also a moral responsibility to ensure the safety of people and properties.

So where should smoke alarms be installed?

Smoke detectors should be placed in:

  • Hallways near bedrooms
  • If bedrooms are in different parts of the house, you must have alarms in each location
  • If there are no hallways connecting bedrooms, alarms must be installed between the part of the home containing the bedroom and the rest of the house
  • Each level of your home, even levels without bedrooms

Mckenzie says smoke alarms shouldn’t be installed in areas that trap hot air, or near windows, doors, fans or air conditioners, which can stop smoke from reaching the alarm.

“Places such as high up in cathedral-style ceilings, the corner of walls and ceilings, or between exposed floor joists can be a real problem,” she says.

“You should also avoid spots that may cause false or nuisance alarms. Areas in or near bathrooms and kitchens can cause false alarms with steam or cooking. And sometimes tenants tend to disconnect them if they cause too many false alarms, which is a big problem.”

What are the smoke alarm regulations for New South Wales rental properties?

Whether you’re a landlord, property manager or tenant in New South Wales, it’s vital you know the legislation for smoke alarms. Penalties apply for landlords who are non-compliant.

The legislation has changed in the past few years, making it crucial that your property is up to date with the latest requirements for smoke alarms, where they are placed inside your dwelling, and how often they are tested and replaced.

There are also different requirements now for landlords and their obligations in terms of testing and ensuring smoke alarms are in good working order.

“Yes, it’s the law, but complying also means you could save lives if the worst happens,” says Smoke Alarm Testing Services National Operations Manager Amber Mckenzie.

“Having regularly tested and maintained smoke alarms could be the difference that stops a tragedy unfolding in your property.”

Smoke alarm regulations for landlords and tenants in NSW

New legislation was introduced on March 23, 2020. It now states that NSW landlords and property managers need to ensure that smoke alarms in rental properties are maintained and in proper working order.

Tenants must notify their landlord or property manager if a smoke alarm is malfunctioning or needs a battery changed.

When tenants report that smoke alarms are malfunctioning, landlords and property managers have only 2 working days to replace, fix, or replace batteries in smoke alarms that aren’t functioning properly.

The onus is also on the landlords and property managers to test smoke alarms every year.

It is possible for tenants to replace smoke alarms or batteries, or to contract a licensed electrician to do it for them if the landlord or property manager hasn’t restored the smoke alarm within 2 business days. Learn more about that here.

Mckenzie says leaving the responsibility with the tenant – regardless of how good they are – is a huge risk for landlords and property managers.

“Landlords need to know that their properties are locked into a rigid smoke alarm inspection testing and maintenance routine each year,” she says.

“The fact that so many smoke alarms are hardwired now, and many are interconnected, means they need a qualified electrician or technician to keep them functioning in a way that saves lives and keeps properties from tragedy.”

Landlords and property managers need to ensure that:

  • All smoke alarms are tested annually
  • Smoke alarms are replaced within 10 years of their manufacturing date (or earlier if specified)
  • Batteries are replaced annually (period may vary for lithium batteries, check the manufacturer’s guidelines)
  • Landlords and property managers need to give at least 2 business days’ notice to inspect or assess smoke alarm repair or replacement
  • Landlords and property managers need to give at least 1 hour notice to do smoke alarm repairs or replacements

What about smoke alarms in short-term rental accommodation?

From 30 July 2021, all dwellings proposed to be used for short-term rental accommodation are required to be registered on the new STRA Register.

Registration ensures that all short-term rental dwellings satisfy the new fire safety standard, as well as having the ability to capture the number of days a dwelling is used for STRA.

Where should smoke alarms be installed?

The Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 says that smoke alarms need to be installed in all buildings in NSW where people sleep. The legislation says landlords are responsible for ensuring their properties meet the minimum requirement of having at least one smoke alarm on each level of a property.

The smoke alarms installed must also meet the requirements of Australian Standard AS 3786, Smoke Alarms. Of course, Fire and Rescue NSW recommends you go beyond the minimum requirements.

So where should smoke alarms be installed?

  • Smoke detectors must be placed in:
  • Hallways near bedrooms
  • If bedrooms are in different parts of the house, you must have alarms in each location
  • If there are no hallways connecting bedrooms, alarms must be installed between the part of the home containing the bedroom and the rest of the house
  • Each level of your home, even levels without bedrooms

Mckenzie says smoke alarms shouldn’t be installed in areas that trap hot air, or near windows, doors, fans or air conditioners, which can stop smoke from reaching the alarm.

“Places such as high up in cathedral-style ceilings, the corner of walls and ceilings, or between exposed floor joists can be a real problem,” she says.

“You should also avoid spots that may cause false or nuisance alarms. Areas in or near bathrooms and kitchens can cause false alarms with steam or cooking. And sometimes tenants tend to disconnect them if they cause too many false alarms, which is a big problem.”

What are the smoke alarm regulations for Queensland rental properties?

Smoke alarms save lives and protect families. But only if they are maintained and working as they should be.

It’s vital that even the most experienced landlords and property managers are aware of the regulations for smoke alarms in the Queensland rental properties they own or manage.

Smoke Alarm Testing Services National Operations Manager Amber Mckenzie says it’s staggering the amount of rental properties in Queensland that still don’t have their smoke alarms checked regularly. Worse yet, he says many aren’t checked at all.

“I find old, broken or non-compliant smoke alarms at least once a week, and it really puts renters, their families and the landlords of those properties at risk,” she says.

“It’s absolutely vital landlords and property managers know the regulations, and their obligations. Lives depend on it.”

Reminder: Bookmark this page now and we’ll keep it up to date with any changes that arise.

When did the regulations change?

The new legislation was introduced on January 1, 2017. Landlords were given until January 1, 2022, to become compliant.

Landlords are responsible for ensuring any smoke alarms installed at their properties follow the new smoke alarm legislation. Any smoke alarms being replaced from January 1, 2017, need to be compliant photoelectric smoke alarms.

“It’s really important that property managers help landlords track what needs to be tested in their properties,” Mckenzie says.

“A lot of property managers still use spreadsheets and manual processes to keep tabs on smoke alarm compliance and it’s just a disaster waiting to happen these days.

“Landlords and tenants need peace of mind that they are safe and compliant.”

What are the regulations?

For landlords of domestic dwellings, smoke alarms made more than 10 years ago, and smoke alarms that fail when tested, need to be replaced with photoelectric smoke alarms that comply with Australian Standard 3786:2014.

By law, smoke alarms must:

  • Be photoelectric and comply with Australian Standard 3786:2014
  • Not also contain an ionisation sensor
  • Be less than 10 years old
  • Work when tested
  • Be interconnected with the other smoke alarms in the property so they all sound their alarm at the same time together

If a hardwired smoke alarm needs to be replaced, it must be replaced with a hardwired photoelectric smoke alarm. Photoelectric smoke alarms detect visible particles of combustion, and are considered more effective at detecting the types of fires that occur in homes.

In existing domestic dwellings, it is possible to have a combination of smoke alarms (240v and battery operated) and interconnectivity can be both wired and/or wireless.

What happens at the start of a tenancy?

Within 30 days of the start of a tenancy, the property manager or landlord needs to ensure every smoke alarm in the dwelling is tested and cleaned.

Throughout the tenancy, the tenant needs to test and clean each smoke alarm at least once every year.

Mckenzie says it’s vital these annual checks aren’t ignored.

“It’s the law, but the true consequences of failing to test and maintain smoke alarms are dire,” he says.

“The safety of tenants and their families depend on it. That’s why we use fail-proof systems and an online portal monitored by property managers to ensure every smoke alarm is tested, maintained, or replaced if need be.

“It’s scheduled rigidly, and because we’re experienced electricians and technicians, you know those alarms are going to work if the worst happens. While tenants try their best, things get missed and the result is that landlords become non-compliant.”

Where should smoke alarms be installed?

Smoke alarms need to be placed on the ceiling. There are special requirements for stairs, sloped ceilings, and ceilings with beams.

Smoke alarms can’t be placed within:

  • 300mm of a corner of a ceiling and a wall
  • 300mm of a light fitting
  • 400mm of an air-conditioning vent
  • 400mm of the blades of a ceiling fan

Mckenzie says smoke alarms shouldn’t be installed in areas that trap hot air, or near windows, doors, fans or air conditioners, which can stop smoke from reaching the alarm.

“Places such as high up in cathedral-style ceilings, the corner of walls and ceilings, or between exposed floor joists can be a real problem,” he says.

“You should also avoid spots that may cause false or nuisance alarms. Areas in or near bathrooms and kitchens can cause false alarms with steam or cooking. And sometimes tenants tend to disconnect them if they cause too many false alarms, which is a big problem.”

What are the smoke alarm regulations for Queensland home owners and sellers?

We’ve all had the urge to rip that chirping smoke alarm off the roof when we’ve accidentally over-sizzled the dinner on the stove.

But it’s vital Queensland home owners, and especially home sellers, are on top of the current smoke alarm regulations for Queensland. The safety of your family, and probably your most valuable asset, depends on it.

“The legislation changed in the past few years, and has given homeowners a deadline to comply with the new laws. But if you’re selling or renovating your home, you need to be on top of it now,” says Smoke Alarm Testing Services National Operations Manager Amber Mckenzie.

Reminder: Bookmark this page now and we’ll keep it up to date with any changes that arise.

What are the smoke alarm regulations for Queensland?

There have been several changes to the smoke alarm legislation in Queensland that affects homeowners and home sellers.

Depending on whether you are an owner-occupier or you are looking to put your home on the market, different deadlines to comply with the regulations apply to you.

If you are a Queensland landlord or property manager, see our guide to smoke alarm regulation compliance for renting here.

From January 1, 2017

The smoke alarm legislation changed in Queensland from this date.

Smoke alarms made more than 10 years ago now need to be replaced with photoelectric smoke alarms that comply with Australian Standards (AS) 3786:2014.

Not sure if your smoke alarm is 10 years old? Most smoke alarms will have their manufacturer date stamped on the back.

If you test your smoke alarm and it doesn’t work, you need to replace that smoke alarm immediately.

Any existing hardwired smoke alarms that don’t work when tested need to be replaced with a hardwired photoelectric smoke alarm. Photoelectric smoke alarms detect visible particles of combustion, and are considered more effective at detecting the types of fires that occur in homes.

“Homeowners shouldn’t be without high quality photoelectric smoke alarms,” Mckenzie says.

“They are the most effective at detecting the types of fires that affect homes. And because they are linked together when one goes off, they all go off. They save lives, they save families and they stop tragedies.”

When is the deadline to comply for homeowners?

Queensland homeowners need to comply with the smoke alarm legislation by January 1, 2027. But if you are selling your home, you need to comply now. Property sellers need to lodge a Form 24 with the Queensland Land Registry Office stating the requirements of the smoke alarm legislation have been met.

By the deadline, all properties will need to have photoelectric smoke alarms that are interconnected, meaning that if one goes off they all go off. These must be either hardwired to the home’s power or be the non-removable, 10-year battery-powered type of smoke alarm.

According to the legislation, smoke alarms need to be installed:

  • On every storey of your dwelling
  • In every bedroom
  • In hallways that connect bedrooms
  • In hallways that connect other parts of the property
  • If a level of your property doesn’t have bedrooms, at least one smoke alarm needs to be installed on the likely exit route of your property

Where should homeowners install smoke alarms?

If you’re installing interconnected hardwired smoke detectors, you’ll need to get an experienced technician or an electrician to do it for you.

“We provide a range of options for photoelectric smoke alarms, and can make sure the installation is quick and done correctly,” Mckenzie says.

“The last thing you want is an alarm in the wrong spot because apart from being against the law, they may also not work correctly. And that can spell disaster.”

Smoke alarms need to be placed on the ceiling. There are special requirements for stairs, sloped ceilings, and ceilings with beams.

Smoke alarms can’t be placed within:

  • 300mm of a corner of a ceiling and a wall
  • 300mm of a light fitting
  • 400mm of an air-conditioning vent
  • 400mm of the blades of a ceiling fan

Mckenzie says smoke alarms shouldn’t be installed in areas that trap hot air, or near windows, doors, fans or air conditioners, which can stop smoke from reaching the alarm.

“Places such as high up in cathedral-style ceilings, the corner of walls and ceilings, or between exposed floor joists can be a real problem,” he says.

“You should also avoid spots that may cause false or nuisance alarms. Areas in or near bathrooms and kitchens can cause false alarms with steam or cooking. And sometimes tenants tend to disconnect them if they cause too many false alarms, which is a big problem.”