NSW Smoke Alarm Laws 2025: A Homeowner’s Guide

Why smoke alarms matter

Photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms provide early warning and vital escape time. Fires can develop rapidly while people sleep; working alarms reduce fatality risk significantly. NSW law requires smoke alarms in all homes and sets expectations for their maintenance.

Alarm types and power sources

• Photoelectric – best for smouldering fires and recommended throughout living and sleeping areas.
• Ionisation – sensitive to flaming fires, more prone to nuisance trips from cooking; being phased out.
• Power – 240V hard‑wired with battery backup or 10‑year sealed lithium battery models.
• Interconnection – when one alarm activates, all sound; strongly recommended for multi‑storey homes.

Placement and installation tips

• Install on or near the ceiling; avoid corners and keep at least 300 mm from walls and lights.
• Fit alarms in every bedroom, in hallways connecting sleeping areas, and on each level of the home.
• Keep alarms away from bathrooms and kitchen steam paths to reduce nuisance alarms.
• For large homes, consider additional alarms to improve audibility and response time.

Testing and maintenance

• Test monthly using the TEST button and vacuum the grill gently to remove dust.
• Replace batteries as specified; for sealed 10‑year units, replace the entire unit at end‑of‑life.
• Replace alarms every 10 years or sooner if they fail tests or are damaged.
• Record test dates—particularly important for rentals and strata compliance.

Landlord and strata responsibilities

Landlords must ensure compliant installation and ongoing maintenance of smoke alarms in rental properties, including testing and battery replacement. Strata schemes often include alarm systems in common areas; check building by‑laws and maintenance plans. Non‑compliance can affect insurance and presents significant risk to occupants.

Reducing false alarms

• Use photoelectric alarms and position them away from bathrooms and kitchens.
• Improve ventilation and use rangehoods when cooking.
• Replace yellowed or dusty alarms that false trip frequently.

When to engage a licensed electrician

A licensed electrician can design and install an interconnected, hard‑wired system, test existing devices, and ensure the layout meets current standards. In Campbelltown & Macarthur, Wollongong & Illawarra, Shellharbour & South Coast, Southern Highlands, Goulburn & Southern Tablelands, and Outer Liverpool & Western Suburbs, our team can also combine upgrades with switchboard RCD checks for comprehensive safety.