Frequently Asked Questions
We know understanding compliance legislation is not easy.
To help, we have compiled some of the questions we are most frequently asked by real estate teams, landlords, tenants, homeowners and home sellers. If you have a question that is not answered here, please call our friendly team who are always happy to help.
Agents and property managers
$129p.a. for smoke alarms and an additional $50p.a. for corded blind safety check.
Unlike some other companies, our subscriptions include unlimited support for false alarms
For $129 p.a. your subscription includes:
Unlimited inspections for new, renewed and break leases | |||||
Unlimited support for false alarms | |||||
Clean and test each individual alarm and ensure in working order | |||||
Test interconnectivity of all alarms (as per Building fire safety regulations) | |||||
Check smoke alarms meet Australian standards (AS 3786:2014) | |||||
Undertake warranty work for EMERALD, CAVIUS, PSA, MATELEC and RED alarms inc. alarms installed by 3rd parties** | |||||
Check and record expiry dates on alarms
|
*Subscriptions DO NOT include replacing smoke alarms (unless under warranty) or moving them for any reason. An additional charge will occur if an alarm needs to be moved to make property compliant. If alarms are missing or broken at the time of inspection, then a cost for replacement alarm will be charged. If re-attendance to a property is required to rectify missing or broken alarms a call out fee will apply plus the cost of the replacement alarm. |
** Where Coast Smoke Alarms cannot complete the warranty work the property manager / landlord may need to refer to original installer or Coast Smoke Alarms can replace these alarms for an additional cost |
We offer unlimited call-outs for falsely sounding alarms.
We carry out warranty work for EMERALD, CAVIUS, PSA, MATELEC and RED alarms inc. alarms installed by 3rd parties.
If, for whatever reason, we cannot complete the warranty work the property manager / landlord may need to refer to original installer or Coast Smoke Alarms can replace these alarms for an additional cost
Yes, for the following brands:
Cavius
Emerald
Red
Matelec
PSA
Our office is at 109 Maud Street Maroochydore
We cover the whole of the Sunshine Coast including North Brisbane and Gympie
We install Cavius, Clipsal and Emerald Alarms and cover warranty work for Red, Matalec and PSA
Public and Product Liability up to $10m
Professional Indemnity up to $5m
We do not have an out-of-hours service. However, we do direct out-of-hours callers to our false alarm walkthrough videos on our website. We have found that these videos help the majority of callers until we reopen.
Our Office Hours are:
Mon- Thurs 9am to 5pm
Fri – 9am – 4pm
We can have our electricians come to your home from 8am.
General Smoke Alarm Questions
There are two types of smoke alarms, ionisation and photoelectric which work in different ways to detect smoke. State Fire Authorities only recommend using photoelectric smoke alarms and in Queensland all new installations of smoke alarms after 1st January 2017 must be photoelectric and be AS3786:2014 compliant.
Photoelectric Alarms
These alarms detect invisible particles of combustion and work by aiming a light source into a sensing chamber. When smoke particles enter the chamber, the light is reflected onto the sensor which triggers the alarm. Photoelectric alarms respond faster to smouldering fires which are the most common fire in residential buildings. By alerting you more quickly these alarms give you and your family more time to get to safety. We recommend you replace any ionisation smoke alarms in your property with photoelectric type to improve fire safety in your home.
Ionisation Smoke Alarms
These alarms contain a small amount of radioactive material which ionises the air between two electrically charged plates. When smoke enters the alarm, it disrupts the flow of ionised air between these two plates causing the alarm to sound.
These alarms work best with flaming fires and are slower to respond to smouldering fires compared to photoelectric smoke alarms. Smouldering fires are the most common fire in residential buildings and we therefore recommend you replace any ionisation smoke alarms in your property with photoelectric type to improve fire safety in your home.
If you have a yellow radiation symbol on your alarm it is an ionisation alarm.
To test your smoke alarms:
- Check that the light on the cover flashes. It should flash at least once every 60 seconds.
- Press and hold the ‘test’ button on the face of the smoke alarm until the alarm sounds, and then release it. The smoke alarm will stop sounding when the ‘test’ button is released. The alarm will then ‘chirp’ at regular intervals until the battery has recharged again. If the property has more than one alarm, the other alarms should also sound (as interconnected alarms are being installed).
- Repeat steps 1 and 2 to test each smoke alarm in the property.
If you press the ‘test’ button and it doesn’t make a beeping sound or activate all the alarms in the property, contact Coast Smoke Alarms
Ideally, you should test your smoke alarms once a month. At a minimum they should be tested once a year.
- Regardless of the make or model, all smoke alarms need to be replaced every 10 years.
- Most smoke alarms have a use-by date or manufacture date printed on them so you’ll know when they should be replaced.
- New wireless smoke alarms have a long-lasting lithium battery which will last the whole 10-year lifespan of the alarm.
- After 10 years smoke alarms may malfunction, and their efficiency will be compromised with accumulated dust, insects, airborne contaminantsand corrosion of electrical circuitry.
- A smoke alarm constantly monitors the air 24 hours a day. At the end of 10 years, it has gone through millions of monitoring cycles. After this much use, components may become less reliable. This means that as the smoke alarm gets older, the potential of failing to detect a fire increases.
Smoke alarm is beeping or chirping occasionally:
The smoke alarm is either:
- alerting you that its battery is low and needs replacing.
- Alerting you that it is near the end of its life, smoke alarms are only guaranteed for 10 years and should be replaced after this time.
Smoke alarm is sounding for no apparent reason
There are a variety of reasons why your smoke alarms might be triggering:
Fire
Never ignore a sounding smoke alarm. Smoke alarms can sense a fire long before we can see or smell it which is why it is essential to ensure they are properly maintained and in working order. Always check for fire and be prepared to act if there is a fire and have a fire escape plan.
Dust/Dirt
When dust or dirt including insects get inside your smoke alarm it can disrupt the internal sensors causing it to trigger. Keeping your smoke alarms clean and bug free with a vacuum cleaner will reduce this risk. Do not spray your smoke alarm directly with cleaning product or insect repellents. You can wipe insect repellent on the area around the smoke alarm.
Moisture
Moisture absorbed by the alarm may be interpreted as a fault by the internal circuitry causing the alarm to sound. The smoke alarm confuses the dense air particles for smoke particles.
Causes of moisture in the alarm are:
- High humidity levels.
- Prolonged rainfall – when it rains the relative humidity increases because of evaporation. The longer it rains the more the humidity will increase as the air constantly draws in the water. Try to keep some windows open to increase airflow or run the dry mode on your air conditioning.
- Rapid temperature changes particularly temperature drops overnight in the cooler months
- Alarms positioned too close to locations causing steam such as in bathrooms or laundries. If possible, always use extractor fans to reduce moisture in the property.
Power Issues
Unstable power or power interruptions can cause electrical spikes in the circuit causing the alarm to sound. Smoke alarms are commonly installed on lighting circuits. This means that other electrical products sharing this circuit such as fans, lighting dimmers and heat lamps can create electro-magnetic interference when they are activated. This interreference may cause the smoke alarm to sound.
No.
Existing hard-wired 240v alarms must not be replaced with a wireless alarm. If you are installing into an area that does not currently have an alarm or has a 9v alarm in situ you may install either a hardwired or 10-year lithium wireless alarm
If a property is being rented or sold in Queensland it now needs to meet new smoke alarm legislation.
This means smoke alarms must
- be photoelectric and less than 10 years old
- meet the new Australian Standard 3786:2014
- be interconnected with the other smoke alarms in the property so all activate at the same time.
- be hard-wired or wireless alarms powered by a non-removable 10-year lithium battery or a combination of both
AND
- be installed on each storey
- be installed in each bedroom
AND
- in hallways which connect bedrooms and the rest of the property
OR
- if there is no hallway, between the bedrooms and other parts of the storey
Important: Existing hard-wired 240v alarms must not be replaced with a wireless alarm. If you are installing into an area that does not currently have an alarm or has a 9v alarm in situ you may install either a hardwired or 10-year lithium wireless alarm.
Landlords
Upgraded means that your home meets the latest requirements of the Fire and Emergency Services (Domestic Smoke Alarms) Amendment Bill 2016. According to the new law, smoke alarms in rented properties must:
- be photoelectric and less than 10 years old
- meet the new Australian Standard 3786:2014
- be interconnected with the other smoke alarms in the property so all activate at the same time.
- be hard-wired or wireless alarms powered by a non-removable 10-year lithium battery or a combination of both
AND
- be installed on each storey
- be installed in each bedroom
AND
- in hallways which connect bedrooms and the rest of the property
OR
- if there is no hallway, between the bedrooms and other parts of the storey
Important: Existing hard-wired 240v alarms must not be replaced with a wireless alarm. If you are installing into an area that does not currently have an alarm or has a 9v alarm in situ you may install either a hardwired or 10-year lithium wireless alarm
Inter-connecting smoke alarms are able to communicate with each other whether they are hard-wired, wireless or a mixture of both.
If there is a fire this means that all the alarms will sound simultaneously ensuring everyone in the house is alerted.
While the cheapest model on offer may be tempting, it is not always the best value. Quality smoke alarms may require more of an initial investment, but their higher quality components cope better with the harsh, humid Queensland environment.
At Coast Smoke Alarms, our preferred model of smoke alarm is Cavius. All Cavius smoke alarms are individually built by hand and contain the highest quality components. Backed by a 10-year warranty, the complete lifespan of the smoke alarm, these Danish-designed alarms are the best value for money alarms that we stock.
Yes.
From Jan 1 2022, all homes or units being sold will require hardwired photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms.
It is the seller’s obligation to ensure that the property has compliant smoke alarms before settlement
– Smoke alarms in the dwelling must:
– be photoelectric (AS3786-2014); and
– not also contain an ionisation sensor; and
– be hardwired to the mains power supply, if currently hardwired. Otherwise, smoke alarms can be either hardwired or powered by a non removable 10 year battery or a combination of both.
– be interconnected with every other smoke alarm in the dwelling so all activate together.
The new legislation requires smoke alarms to 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 story, at least one smoke alarm must be installed in the most likely path of travel to exit the dwelling.
Some property managers may request a ‘Certificate of Compliance’ from third-party companies servicing your smoke alarms. This is not a legal requirement determined by Queensland Government, but rather a way of ensuring that their records are all in order and that they can be satisfied the property they are managing is best prepared in case of a fire. This process is highly unique to each company and property agency and is normally dealt with directly by the two parties, but you may encounter it from time to time. Having a third party like Coast Smoke Alarms look after your smoke alarm compliance gives landlords and tenants peace of mind that the smoke alarms are working. These checks are carried out before every new lease or tenancy, or at least once a year.
If a property is being rented or sold in Queensland it now needs to meet new smoke alarm legislation.
This means smoke alarms must
- be photoelectric and less than 10 years old
- meet the new Australian Standard 3786:2014
- be interconnected with the other smoke alarms in the property so all activate at the same time.
- be hard-wired or wireless alarms powered by a non-removable 10-year lithium battery or a combination of both
AND
- be installed on each storey
- be installed in each bedroom
AND
- in hallways which connect bedrooms and the rest of the property
OR
- if there is no hallway, between the bedrooms and other parts of the storey
Important: Existing hard-wired 240v alarms must not be replaced with a wireless alarm. If you are installing into an area that does not currently have an alarm or has a 9v alarm in situ you may install either a hardwired or 10-year lithium wireless alarm
Home Sellers
Upgraded means that your home meets the latest requirements of the Fire and Emergency Services (Domestic Smoke Alarms) Amendment Bill 2016. According to the new law, smoke alarms in properties for sale must:
- be photoelectric and less than 10 years old
- meet the new Australian Standard 3786:2014
- be interconnected with the other smoke alarms in the property so all activate at the same time.
- be hard-wired or wireless alarms powered by a non-removable 10-year lithium battery or a combination of both
AND
- be installed on each storey
- be installed in each bedroom
AND
- in hallways which connect bedrooms and the rest of the property
OR
- if there is no hallway, between the bedrooms and other parts of the storey
Important: Existing hard-wired 240v alarms must not be replaced with a wireless alarm. If you are installing into an area that does not currently have an alarm or has a 9v alarm in situ you may install either a hardwired or 10-year lithium wireless alarm
- be photoelectric and less than 10 years old
- meet the new Australian Standard 3786:2014
- be interconnected with the other smoke alarms in the property so all activate at the same time.
- be hard-wired or wireless alarms powered by a non-removable 10-year lithium battery or a combination of both
AND
- be installed on each storey
- be installed in each bedroom
AND
- in hallways which connect bedrooms and the rest of the property
OR
- if there is no hallway, between the bedrooms and other parts of the storey
Important: Existing hard-wired 240v alarms must not be replaced with a wireless alarm. If you are installing into an area that does not currently have an alarm or has a 9v alarm in situ you may install either a hardwired or 10-year lithium wireless alarm
Your property must have the upgraded smoke alarms installed before settlement.
Don’t let smoke alarms delay your sale or risk a 0.15% non-compliance deduction from your settlement money.
Our upgrade prices are per alarm and include GST and installation. There are no hidden costs.
While the cheapest model on offer may be tempting, it is not always the best value. Quality smoke alarms may require more of an initial investment, but their higher quality components cope better with the harsh, humid Queensland environment.
At Coast Smoke Alarms, our preferred model of smoke alarm is Cavius. All Cavius smoke alarms are individually built by hand and contain the highest quality components. Backed by a 10-year warranty, the complete lifespan of the smoke alarm, these Danish-designed alarms are the best value for money alarms that we stock.
Yes.
From Jan 1 2022, all homes or units being sold will require hardwired photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms.
It is the seller’s obligation to ensure that the property has compliant smoke alarms before settlement
– Smoke alarms in the dwelling must:
– be photoelectric (AS3786-2014); and
– not also contain an ionisation sensor; and
– be hardwired to the mains power supply, if currently hardwired. Otherwise, smoke alarms can be either hardwired or powered by a non removable 10 year battery or a combination of both.
– be interconnected with every other smoke alarm in the dwelling so all activate together.
The new legislation requires smoke alarms to 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 story, at least one smoke alarm must be installed in the most likely path of travel to exit the dwelling.
Home Owners
Existing smoke alarms manufactured more than 10 years ago must be replaced with photoelectric smoke alarms which comply with Australian Standards (AS) 3786-2014, the date should be stamped on the back.
Smoke alarms that do not operate when tested must be replaced immediately with AS3786-2014 compliant photoelectric smoke alarms. Replacement alarms must be like for like. For example, 240-volt hard wired alarms must be replaced with 240-volt smoke alarms.
From 1 Jan 2027, all smoke alarms are required to be interconnected and 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 story, at least one smoke alarm must be installed in the most likely path of travel to exit the dwelling.
Yes.
From Jan 1 2022, all homes or units being sold will require hardwired photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms.
It is the seller’s obligation to ensure that the property has compliant smoke alarms before settlement
– Smoke alarms in the dwelling must:
– be photoelectric (AS3786-2014); and
– not also contain an ionisation sensor; and
– be hardwired to the mains power supply, if currently hardwired. Otherwise, smoke alarms can be either hardwired or powered by a non removable 10 year battery or a combination of both.
– be interconnected with every other smoke alarm in the dwelling so all activate together.
The new legislation requires smoke alarms to 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 story, at least one smoke alarm must be installed in the most likely path of travel to exit the dwelling.
Our upgrade prices are per alarm and include GST and installation. There are no hidden costs.
While the cheapest model on offer may be tempting, it is not always the best value. Quality smoke alarms may require more of an initial investment, but their higher quality components cope better with the harsh, humid Queensland environment.
At Coast Smoke Alarms, our preferred model of smoke alarm is Cavius. All Cavius smoke alarms are individually built by hand and contain the highest quality components. Backed by a 10-year warranty, the complete lifespan of the smoke alarm, these Danish-designed alarms are the best value for money alarms that we stock.
Upgrading your home’s smoke alarms will increase your family’s protection should there be a fire in your home. Interconnected alarms and alarms in bedrooms ensure everyone is alerted to a fire, even if they are asleep in bedrooms with doors closed, giving you and your family more time to escape safely.
QFES recommend upgrading your property a s soon as possible.
Tenants
Notification of visit
We will send you an entry notice notifying you of the date of our attendance at your property, this will be sent a minimum of 24 hours prior to our attendance.
We will also send a courtesy SMS reminder of our visit on the day.
We will attend between 8:30am-5pm. Please note the 2-hour window timeframe does not apply to tradespeople.
As part of your tenancy agreement and under the RTA you must allow entry for smoke alarms to be checked and / or installed
It is a legal requirement that your smoke alarms are checked 30 days prior to every lease renewal or new tenancy and at least once a year. In addition, your property manager may request additional checks of corded blinds or a pool to ensure compliance regulations are met and your property remains safe.
Smoke Alarm Upgrades
From 1st January 2022, at the commencement of a new lease or lease renewal, all rental properties in QLD must be upgraded to the new smoke alarm legislation. If your property does not have interconnected smoke alarms and smoke alarms in the bedrooms, once we have received a work order from your property manager or landlord we will be in touch to upgrade your alarms. This visit can take between 1-2 hours.
Tenant Responsibilities
Whilst it is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure smoke alarms are installed correctly and are compliant, the tenant is responsible for regular maintenance.
As explained by the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA), tenants must:
- test and clean (by vacuuming or dusting) smoke alarms at least once every 12 months
- replace any flat or nearly flat batteries
- advise the property owner/manager if there is any issue with the alarm (apart from batteries)
- allow the property owner/manager right of entry to install smoke alarms
- not remove a smoke alarm or the battery (other than to replace it), or do anything to reduce the effectiveness of the alarm e.g. paint or cover it
Please ensure our team has safe access to the property. This may include the garden if your safety switch is located there.
If you have a dog, please let us know in writing that we have permission to enter and whether the dog is friendly. If you need to be home to restrain/isolate your dog, please also let us know.
If you have any other pets that we need to be aware of, this is also helpful info for us to know!
We will collect keys from your property manager, so you do not need to be home. If you are not home, we will leave a card confirming our visit.
At your property, we will be testing the smoke alarms and sighting/testing the safety switch. We may also be fitting safety devices and warning tags to your corded blinds. Please do not remove any of these devices or tags as you may be charged by your property manager for their replacement.
Your smoke alarm/s may beep for up to an hour after they have been tested. Please contact us if this continues beyond an hour.
