The number of interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms required is relative to the floor layout and what state the dwelling is located in. If you are a QLD resident use ZEN's free QLD smoke alarm calculator to help determine your own requirements.

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.

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.

No. ZEN Smoke Alarms are fully wireless and are powered by a sealed non-replaceable 10-year battery (not hardwired to 240V household electricity). Wireless 10-year battery powered smoke alarms are attached to the ceiling using 2 screws and can be legally self 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.

Be sure to check your local state regulations for the most current smoke alarm requirements in your area. In Queensland, any existing 240V hardwired smoke alarm must be replaced with another 240V hardwired photoelectric model.

The National Construction Code also requires that all newly built or significantly renovated homes include 240V hardwired smoke alarms.

If you’re looking to purchase 240V alarms—or a mix of 240V and wireless battery-powered options—please visit our 240V Smoke Alarms page. Remember, 240V smoke alarms must always be installed by a licensed electrician.

Great news! You don’t need a compliance certificate. When selling a property in Queensland, the seller isn’t legally required to provide a certificate showing that smoke alarms are installed and compliant. The only requirement is to simply tick 'yes' or 'no' in the relevant sections of 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 Services Act and the QLD Building Fire Safety Regulations 2008.

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

Yes! ZEN Photoelectric Smoke Alarms can be wirelessly interconnected in any configuration you like—up to 30 units in total. This makes our larger bundle packs a smart and cost-effective choice for those managing multiple properties. You can also purchase extra alarms and remotes separately, giving you complete flexibility to expand your system whenever you need.

ZEN Smoke Alarms are Australian Standard certified for use in all Australian states and territories. The National Construction Code states that any new dwellings being built or dwellings being substantially renovated must have 240V hardwired photoelectric alarms installed. See below to ascertain if wireless 10-year battery powered smoke alarms are suitable for your situation.

New South Wales - Wireless 10-year battery powered smoke alarms may be used in existing residential homes. Refer here.

Victoria - Residential homes constructed before 1st August 1997 may use wireless 10-year battery powered smoke alarms. Refer here.

Western Australia - Wireless 10-year battery powered smoke alarms may only be used when there is no ceiling space in which to run electrical wiring for the required hardwired smoke alarms and there is no appropriate alternative location. Refer here.

South Australia - Residential homes constructed before 1st February 1995 may use wireless 10-year battery powered alarms. Refer here.

Australian Capital Territory - Residential homes constructed before 1st November 1994 may use wireless 10-year battery powered smoke alarms. Refer here.

Northern Territory - Hardwired or wireless 10-year battery powered smoke alarms may be used. Homes constructed after 7 January 1998 should already be fitted with hardwired smoke alarms. Refer here.

Tasmania - Residential homes constructed before 1st August 1997 may use wireless 10-year battery powered smoke alarms. Refer here.