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Smoke alarm installation

All the essential info you need to know about installing smoke alarms in your home.

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Tim Falk
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Smoke alarms are a legal requirement in every Australian state and territory. More importantly, they save lives in the event of a fire.

This guide will examine the ins and outs of smoke alarm installation, including how to book a smoke alarm installation and how much you can expect to pay for the service.

What is a smoke alarm installation service?

If you're adding hardwired smoke alarms to your home, they'll need to be installed by a licensed electrician. A hardwired smoke alarm is one that's connected to your home's electrical system, rather than being operated by a battery.

Smoke alarm installation services can install and service smoke detectors for homes and businesses. Some services specialise in smoke alarm installation and maintenance, while others also offer a wide range of other services including electrical work, air conditioning installation and managing home automation systems (such as connected light bulbs or security systems).

What does a smoke alarm installation do?

A smoke alarm installation ensures that smoke alarms are hooked up to mains power and placed wherever you need them in your home. This not only helps ensure that your home satisfies all necessary laws and regulations, but that you and your family will be alerted in the event of a fire.

Your smoke alarm installer may also be able to perform a variety of other services, including testing, servicing and repairing any alarms that are already in place.

How do I book a smoke alarm installation?

The exact process for booking a smoke alarm installation varies depending on the person or company you choose to do the job. You can typically make a booking over the phone, by using an online booking system or by sending an email enquiry.

How much does a smoke alarm installation cost?

Some electricians charge a flat fee of between $120 and $200 to install a hard-wired smoke detector, but this cost may increase if you need extra alarms installed. Other providers will charge an hourly rate, which is commonly in the $50-$60 per hour range.

The cost of a smoke alarm installation varies depending on the type of smoke detector you need, how many detectors you need, what work is required during installation and who you hire to do the job.

Finally, some smoke detector installation services also offer subscription packages and can carry out annual maintenance on the smoke alarms in your home.

How do I compare smoke alarm installation services?

Consider these factors when choosing the right company or person to install smoke detectors in your home:

  • Licensing. Make sure anyone you choose to install a hardwired smoke alarm is a licensed electrician.
  • Experience. Next, check how long the provider has been in business. How much experience do they have installing smoke detectors? Are they fully across the current legislation where you live?
  • Reviews and reputation. Does the installation service have a reputation as a trusted provider? Check lots of reviews from other customers and ask family, friends and neighbours for their recommendations.
  • Other services. If you've got other electrical work you need to be done around the home, such as installing a home automation system, you may want to consider the other services the provider offers.
  • Cost. Compare quotes from a few different smoke alarm installers to find the best value for money.

How should I prepare for a smoke alarm installation?

The most important thing you can do to prepare for a smoke alarm installation is to check the smoke detector legislation that applies in your state or territory. You'll then have a better understanding of how many smoke alarms you'll need and where they'll go.

This is also a good time to think about any other areas of your home where a smoke detector may not be required by law, but where you'd like one installed for added peace of mind.

How long does a smoke alarm installation take?

The time frame varies depending on how many alarms you need and what work is required to install them. For example, if you live in a two-storey home with five bedrooms where the installer requires access to the roof to complete the job, expect the job to take a little longer.

Contact your chosen installer to get a rough estimate of how long the process will take.

Do I need to be present for a smoke alarm installation?

Yes, you'll need to be around to allow the installer to access your home. This will also give you a chance to chat to your installer and find out whether they'd recommend additional smoke detectors in any other areas of your home.

Bottom line

Working smoke detectors are a must for any Australian home. If you need new alarms installed or your current alarms tested or serviced, compare a range of installation services to find the right person for the job.

Frequently asked questions about smoke alarm installation

When and how should smoke alarms be installed?

Smoke alarms are required in all Australian homes. However, the type of smoke alarms required vary depending on where you lie and the age of your home. For example, in Victoria, homes built before 1 August 1997 only require battery-powered smoke alarms, while homes built after this date must have smoke alarms connected to mains power. Check the legislation in your state or territory for more information.

Where should smoke detectors be placed?

Once again, it's important to check the legislation that applies in your state or territory. For example, in Queensland interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms are required on each storey in every bedroom, and in hallways that link bedrooms to the rest of your home. Other regulations also apply.

In New South Wales, the law states that smoke alarms must be installed on every level of your home and placed in hallways near bedrooms. However, requirements differ if bedrooms are located in different areas of the house or are not linked to the rest of the home by hallways.

Can I install smoke alarms myself or should I hire a professional?

You can install battery-powered smoke alarms yourself, but hardwired smoke alarms must be installed by a licensed electrician.

If you intend to instal smoke alarms yourself – or by enlisting the services of a handyman – be sure to check any regulations and recommendations regarding the proper placement of alarms.

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