Defect type
High · 2–4/5
Missing or Non-Compliant Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms absent, non-functional, or not meeting current requirements for type (photoelectric), placement, or interconnection per AS 3786 and state legislation. Critical safety deficiency found in many pre-sale inspections.
Causes
- Smoke alarms not upgraded to current legislative requirements
- Battery-only alarms past 10-year replacement date
- Incorrect alarm type installed (ionisation instead of photoelectric)
Symptoms to look for
- No smoke alarms in required locations (bedrooms, hallways)
- Alarms older than 10 years past manufacture date
- Non-interconnected alarms in multi-storey dwellings
Remedies
- Install compliant photoelectric smoke alarms in all required locations
- Interconnect all alarms via wireless or hardwired connection
- Engage licensed electrician for hardwired installation
Critical
Get an inspector through this property.
Findings in this category skew high severity. If you are under contract, we can usually book inside the cooling-off window. Every inspection includes 12 months of free advice.
Same category