Since 1 August 1997, Victorian law states that smoke alarms (complying with Australian Standards AS3786) must be installed in all homes, units, flats and townhouses. It is the responsibility of all owners and landlords to install working smoke alarms.
Homes constructed before 1 August 1997 need only standalone, battery powered smoke alarms. Homes constructed after 1 August 1997 must have smoke alarms connected to 240 volt mains power. These smoke alarms must also have a backup battery installed in the smoke alarm in case there is a loss of power Smoke alarm installation. Homes constructed after 1st August 1997 must have smoke alarms connected to 240V mains power and have a backup battery. Homes constructed before 1st August 1997 may have smoke alarms powered by a battery. Smoke alarms should also be interconnected, so that when any alarm activates, all smoke alarms will sound. Interconnected smoke alarms can be: hard-wired (which should be installed by an electrician), or wireless interconnected smoke alarms powered by a ten-year lithium battery (which can be easily installed without requiring an electrician).
Homes constructed after 1st August 1997 must have smoke alarms connected to 240V mains power and have a backup battery. Homes constructed before 1st August 1997 may have smoke alarms powered by a battery.
Smoke alarms should also be interconnected, so that when any alarm activates, all smoke alarms will sound.
Interconnected smoke alarms can be:
hard-wired (which should be installed by an electrician), or
wireless interconnected smoke alarms powered by a ten-year lithium battery (which can be easily installed without requiring an electrician).