We're Brisbane's smoke alarm experts
Under Queensland fire safety law, it’s advised that smoke alarms should be tested and cleaned at least once every 12 months to ensure maximum safety. Smoke alarms need to be maintained to ensure they are working.
If you’re looking to install, test, or maintain your Brisbane smoke alarms, get in contact with us today and one of our electricians will be in touch as soon as possible.
By law, your property must meet the following smoke alarm requirements.
As stated by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, the smoke alarms on your property must meet a set of strict safety requirements to ensure you are compliant with Queensland smoke alarm legislation. These include:
Hardware requirements
Your smoke alarms must:
- Be photoelectric
- Comply with the Queensland Standard
- Be hardwired to your mains power supply with a secondary power source, or be powered by 10-year non-removable batteries
- Be interconnected to every other smoke alarm in the dwelling, so all activate together
- Not contain an ionisation sensor
For more information, visit QFES’s Smoke Alarm webpage.
Installation requirements
Your smoke alarms must be installed:
- On each storey
- In every 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.
For more information, visit QFES’s Smoke Alarm webpage.
Maintenance requirements
To ensure your smoke alarms are functional at all times, you should regularly:
- Test they work correct
- Dust or vacuum them to ensure no dust affects their sensors
- Ensure the batteries are replaced annually if the unit has replaceable batteries
For more information, visit QFES’s Smoke Alarm webpage.
We provide top-tier smoke alarm maintenance and testing services
Regular smoke alarm testing provides peace of mind by assuring that the warning devices in your home are reliable. Gimpel Electrics can carry out these smoke alarm maintenance tests with specialist equipment to ensure that all smoke alarms in your home are working efficiently.
In addition to providing regular testing, we also advise on whether you need to upgrade or fit new alarms to ensure your household will receive the best possible protection in the event of a fire.
Our Brisbane team can install smoke alarms on your property in the following locations…
- Bedrooms and hallways
- Living rooms
- Basements
- Every floor of multi-level buildings
- Between sleeping and living areas
There are two different kinds of smoke alarms, but only one is legal
There are two types of smoke alarms commonly used in residential and commercial projects, but new smoke alarm legislation states that only one can be used.
Ionisation Smoke Alarms
Ionisation smoke alarms don’t go off when there is a small amount of smoke, such as the smoke emitted from burnt toast or from overcooking a roast. Instead, these alarms only go off if there’s a smouldering fire that’s on the verge of burning out of control, such as a cigarette on an upholstered chair which has nearly burnt through and is releasing a lot of smoke very slowly.
Though this may seem preferable, especially for apartment complexes, a smouldering fire can completely get out of hand within minutes. This is why Queensland Government smoke alarm legislation states that all dwellings must contain photoelectric smoke alarm systems, as early detection is key to reducing property damage and survival.
If your home or commercial building is fitted with ionisation smoke alarms, you must upgrade to interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms for your safety. If you’re unsure if your home contains ionisation smoke alarms, call our Smoke alarm testing Brisbane experts to arrange an inspection.
Photoelectric Smoke Alarms
Photoelectric wireless and hardwired smoke alarms are widely regarded as the best smoke detection technology available, and they are used by most major fire safety authorities. Consumer product safety has especially highlighted the benefits of photoelectric smoke alarms for sight-impaired or blind people.
The latest AUS standard mandates that all new residential homes have at least one photoelectric smoke alarm installed on each level to help detect fires early before they spread. This is because photoelectric smoke alarms provide better detection by identifying smaller smoke particles using a light source and sensing chamber that triggers an alarm when the particles are reflected.
If you have ionisation or faulty smoke alarms and need to upgrade to photoelectric smoke alarms, be sure to get in touch with our smoke alarm installation Brisbane team as soon as possible.
If you’re not sure which type of alarm is currently installed in your home, contact our electrical services Brisbane team to arrange a testing and inspection. We’re able to replace smoke alarms currently present in your home to ensure they fit with current Queensland legislation.
Here's what our happy customers have to say...
I cannot fault the wonderful services that Gimpel offer.
I have used Gimpel on my occasions for many electrical needs. I emailed Shaun late Thursday night with power board tripping hot water system? Cooler nights and a dislike for cold showers made this a urgent task for us. Shaun immediately replied in the morning that someone (Scott) would be around as soon as he could. Scott called before leaving his prior job allowing me time to rush home and meet him. Scott has done several jobs and we have always been very satisfied with his workmanship every-time. Scott is punctual, clean, allows time to explain what he will be doing. I appreciate that a lot as I have no idea. I find Gimpel prices comparable but the value is in the quality of the work. From Shaun to the office staff and Scott I cannot fault the wonderful services that Gimpel offer.
Honest guys, clean up after themselves (which is rare in their industry), fair pricing and great quality.
The team at Gimpel are very professional and even more so courteous. Truly cannot sing their praises enough. Honest guys, clean up after themselves (which is rare in their industry), fair pricing and great quality. Will continue to be a loyal customer!
Always found them responsive, super organised and professional with our repairs, installation and upgrades.
We’ve used Gimpel for home electrical needs for over 10 years and always found them responsive, super organised and professional with our repairs, installation and upgrades. Their people also provide great guidance on needs - most recently on smoke alarms, data and switchboard.
That’s why we picked Gimpel Electrics, they pride themselves on transparency. Their customer service is definitely 5 stars out of 5.
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They can be trusted as they take time to execute a job well, and that is why we are repeat clientele!
Gimpel Electrics are courteous and professional electricians, who respond to requests in a considered manner with an effective result. They arrive on time and are considerate and respectful of one’s property by leaving it tidy on completion of the job. Paul, Rob and Ben are willing to work alongside the client, as they did in our instance, to install an inherited chandelier, smoke alarms and sensor lights, and did so in such a way that did not damage our ornate horsehair plaster ceilings. They are always open to discussion, ideas given and collaborative decision making in how to best install the different items to satisfy the client and to obtain a successful outcome. They can be trusted as they take time to execute a job well, and that is why we are repeat clientele!
Why choose Gimpel Electrics?
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Expertise
With years of experience and a deep understanding of Queensland smoke alarm laws, we ensure your property meets all safety requirements, offering peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
Quality products
We exclusively install photoelectric interconnected smoke alarms to adhere to the legal standards required for early fire detection. This ensures your property is equipped with superior protection against potential hazards.
Comprehensive services
From installation to regular testing and maintenance, we offer a full range of services to keep your smoke alarm system functioning optimally, so your property remains compliant and safe.
Trusted professionals
Our team of licensed electricians are highly trained and dedicated to delivering exceptional service. We prioritise your safety and satisfaction with every project we undertake.
Personalised solutions
We understand that every property is unique, which is why we tailor our services to meet your specific needs via custom solutions that fit your budget and requirements.
Prompt response
Whether you need a new installation or urgent maintenance, our responsive team is ready to promptly assist. We strive to ensure minimal disruption to your daily routine, whilst making sure our quality of work ensures your safety above all else.
Our Frequently Asked Questions
The Queensland Government mandates the use of photoelectric interconnected smoke alarms in all dwellings. These alarms are superior in detecting smouldering fires early, reducing property damage and increasing survival chances. Ionisation smoke alarms, while still functional, are not recommended due to their delayed response to smouldering fires.
Photoelectric smoke alarms are widely regarded as the best smoke detection technology available. They can detect smaller particles of smoke, providing early detection and prompt alerting in the event of a fire. Upgrading to photoelectric smoke alarms ensures your property meets current safety standards and offers superior protection.
If you’re unsure about the type of smoke alarms in your property, our expert team can conduct an inspection to identify the existing alarm type. If ionisation smoke alarms are present, we can advise on the necessary steps to upgrade to photoelectric interconnected smoke alarms to comply with current Queensland legislation.
If your smoke alarms are faulty or outdated, it’s crucial to replace them promptly to ensure continued protection for your property and occupants. Our team can assist with replacing existing smoke alarms with compliant photoelectric interconnected models, to offer you peace of mind and enhance the safety of your home or commercial building.
Call us today for all your Brisbane smoke alarm testing, installation, and maintenance needs
Take the first step towards ensuring the safety of your property and loved ones by contacting Gimpel Electrics today. Whether you need our smoke alarm testing, installation, or maintenance services, our expert team is here to help.
Don’t compromise on safety — call us now or fill out our booking request form to schedule an appointment with our trusted professionals.