Every Victorian home must have working smoke alarms complying with Australian Standard AS 3786 — at least one on each storey, and between the sleeping areas and the rest of the home. Voltra Electrical installs and tests compliant smoke alarm setups across Melbourne, so your home is safe and your obligations are covered.
What Victorian law actually requires Homes built or renovated under a building permit after 1 August 1997 must have 240V mains-powered smoke alarms with battery backup. Homes built or significantly renovated after 1 May 2014 must have those alarms interconnected, where more than one alarm is required — so when one sounds, they all sound. Homes older than that can still legally use standalone battery-powered alarms, though CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria recommend interconnected alarms in every home. Both photoelectric and ionisation alarms comply with AS 3786 and are permitted in Victoria. We generally recommend photoelectric alarms because they respond faster to slow, smouldering fires — the type most likely to start in a bedroom or living area at night — but that's a recommendation, not a legal requirement. All smoke alarms, hardwired or battery, need replacing every 10 years. Check the manufacture date printed on the alarm.
Rental properties Since 25 November 2025, rental providers must have every smoke alarm in a rental property tested at least once every 12 months in line with the manufacturer's instructions. Any testing, repair or replacement of a mains-powered alarm must be carried out by a suitably qualified person (Residential Tenancies Act 1997, section 68AA). Rental properties also require an electrical safety check of all electrical installations, appliances and fittings every two years, carried out by a licensed or registered electrician (Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021, Schedule 3 clause 1). We handle both for rental providers and property managers across Melbourne, with written documentation for your records.
Voltra Electrical provides a free written quote before any work starts. No work begins without your approval.
Every Victorian home needs working smoke alarms that comply with AS 3786. The requirements for mains power and interconnection depend on when the home was built or significantly renovated. Both photoelectric and ionisation alarms are permitted; we generally recommend photoelectric alarms because they respond faster to slow, smouldering fires.
Under Victorian regulations, smoke alarms must be installed on every storey of the home, in every bedroom, and in hallways connecting bedrooms to the rest of the house. The exact number depends on your home's layout — we'll assess your property and recommend the correct placement.
Interconnected smoke alarms are required in new builds and major renovations in Victoria. For existing rental properties, the requirements depend on when the property was built and last renovated. We recommend calling us on 0495 096 344 to discuss your specific property — we'll ensure you're fully compliant.
Smoke alarms have a lifespan of approximately 10 years. After this, the sensor degrades and the alarm may not detect smoke reliably. Check the manufacture date on your alarm — if it's more than 10 years old, it needs replacing. We can assess and replace your alarms across Melbourne.
Yes. We work with landlords and property managers across Melbourne to ensure rental properties are smoke alarm compliant. We can provide documentation of the installation for your records.
Licensed electrician (REC 37324). Call 0495 096 344 for a free quote.