Automatic Fire Alarms

Smoke alarms are simple and effective devices that can help save lives by providing building occupants with an early warning of the presence of a fire, giving them time to escape. Smoke alarms can also help reduce property damage through earlier fire brigade intervention.

It is mandatory for alarms to be installed in:

• Every storey of all homes and other shared accommodation buildings, including boarding houses and residential flat buildings, where people sleep
• Moveable dwellings, including caravans, campervans, holiday vans, park van annexes and associated structures

Fines apply if no smoke alarm is installed within the premises or moveable dwelling. It is also an offence to interfere with or remove a smoke alarm unless it is for the purpose of maintenance or replacement of the smoke alarm.

Automatic fire alarms AFA – smoke alarms, heat alarms and interconnected systems are mandatory for Class 3 (boarding houses, hostels etc.) and Class 9 (hospitals, schools, theatres, cinemas, childcare etc.) buildings. Those AFA are tele-linked to the Fire and Rescue NSW alarm-monitoring network and must not be removed, tampered with or disconnected without authorisation.  Significant penalties will apply. 

In the event AFA switched off without authorisation, Council may issue an evacuation order and cease use of a building for reason of public safety.

What type of smoke alarms should be used?

All smoke alarms must comply with Australian Standard AS3786:

• Hardwired 240-volts smoke alarm with battery backup (ionisation or photoelectric types).

You must have a licensed electrician install hardwired smoke alarms. Hardwired smoke alarms can be interlinked together so they operate concurrently as a single alarm unit throughout a building.  Please note that some classification of building may require interconnected smoke alarms and will be subject to the National Construction Code (BCA).  Consult with your building certifier on the requirements.  

Dwellings, alterations, and additions build since 1993 must have hardwired smoke alarms to comply with the Building Code of Australia.

Where should you install smoke alarms?

Refer to the NSW Government guidelines for information on the required locations of smoke alarms.