Working smoke alarms save lives, and in WA they’re also a legal requirement when you sell or rent out a home. Daly & Co Electrical installs, replaces and upgrades hardwired smoke alarms for homeowners, landlords and property managers across Armadale, Kelmscott, Roleystone and Perth’s south-east.
WA smoke alarm laws for selling and renting
Since 1 October 2009, WA homes must have compliant smoke alarms installed before they are sold, and before a new tenancy agreement is signed. To be compliant, smoke alarms must:
- be permanently connected to mains power (hardwired)
- be less than 10 years old
- be in working order
- comply with Australian Standard AS 3786
Battery-powered alarms with a 10-year non-removable battery are only allowed in limited situations, such as where there’s no way to conceal the cabling, and may need approval from your local council. A $750 infringement notice can be issued for a home without compliant alarms, and sellers or landlords can face fines of up to $5,000.
Why interconnected smoke alarms are worth it
When smoke alarms are interconnected, smoke detected in one room sets off every alarm in the house, so you’ll hear it even with the bedroom doors closed. Interconnection is required in new homes and major renovations, and we recommend it for any home that has more than one alarm.
Where smoke alarms should go
- In hallways outside bedrooms
- Between the sleeping areas and the rest of the home
- On every level of a multi-storey home
- Away from kitchens, bathrooms and air-conditioning vents, to avoid false alarms
We’ll look at your floor plan and recommend the right number and placement of alarms, in line with the Building Code and Australian Standards.
Signs your smoke alarms need replacing
- The date on the back is more than 10 years ago, or there’s no date at all
- Frequent false alarms or chirping
- Yellowed, cracked or painted-over covers
- Battery-only alarms in a home you’re selling or renting
Our smoke alarm service
We supply and install quality photoelectric smoke alarms, run any new cabling, test every alarm and issue an Electrical Safety Certificate. Landlords and property managers can have smoke alarms and RCDs checked together, so the property is compliant before the next tenancy. See our property maintenance services for ongoing support.
Smoke alarm installation near you
We install and replace smoke alarms right across Perth’s south-east, including Armadale, Kelmscott, Gosnells, Maddington, Byford and our home suburb of Roleystone.
Smoke alarm FAQs
How often should I test my smoke alarms?
Press the test button once a month, and gently vacuum the vents every six months to keep dust out.
How long do smoke alarms last?
Smoke alarms should be replaced at least every 10 years, or sooner if they’re faulty. The manufacture or expiry date is usually printed on the back.
Can I install a hardwired smoke alarm myself?
No. In WA, only a licensed electrical contractor can connect or disconnect mains-powered smoke alarms.
Do I need new smoke alarms before selling my house?
If your current alarms aren’t hardwired, are over 10 years old or aren’t working, yes. Get them checked early rather than the week before settlement.
Need your smoke alarms checked or replaced? Call David on 0404 241 051 or request a free, no-obligation quote.
All our electrical work is carried out by a licensed electrical contractor (EC 15388) and comes with a 3 year warranty.
