Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms save lives by providing homeowners with early warning about house fires. Fitting a smoke alarm in your home will help protect your family and ensure you get out safely if the worst should happen.

It is now a requirement of the Development Act 1993 that all South Australian homes are fitted with a working smoke alarm. This means that you, as a homeowner or residential landlord, are responsible for ensuring a working smoke alarm is installed in your property.

Fines of up to $750 apply if alarms are not installed – however the real penalty could be your life or the life of a loved one.

What type of smoke alarm do I need?

The type of smoke alarm you need depends on the age of your home and when you purchased it:

• If you owned your home or the residential rental property before 1 February 1998, you are required to fit a replaceable battery powered smoke alarm.
• If you purchased your home or residential rental property on or after 1 February 1998, your smoke alarm must be fitted within 6 months of date of purchase of the property and you are required to fit a:
  • 240 volt, mains powered smoke alarm OR
  • a 10 year life, non-replaceable, non-removable, permanently connected battery powered smoke alarm.
• If your home or the residential rental property was built on or after 1 January 1995, you are required to fit a 240 volt mains powered smoke alarm.