Smoke alarms aren’t the most exciting thing we install, but they’re easily the most important. And in WA the rules are tighter than a lot of people realise, especially if you’re selling or renting your place out. Here’s the plain-English version of what you need, and when. If you’ve been searching for smoke alarm installation sorted properly, this is the one to read first.
What WA actually requires
The short version, straight from the WA building rules:
- Photoelectric alarms only, the ones that meet Australian Standard AS 3786:2014. The old ionisation type isn’t allowed any more.
- Hardwired to mains power with a battery backup. Because they’re wired in, they have to be installed by a licensed electrician (that’s us).
- Interconnected if the home was built after May 2015, so when one alarm goes off, they all do.
- In the right spots, which means the hallways near bedrooms and on every storey of the house.
- Not more than 10 years old and in proper working order.
Selling or renting? Don’t get caught out
Before you sell, rent or even do a holiday let, your place needs compliant smoke alarms already in. The same goes for safety switches: WA law says you need at least two RCDs protecting all your power point and lighting circuits before the title changes hands. With Margaret River being holiday-rental country, this one catches a lot of owners off guard right before settlement, which is the worst possible time to find out.
We sort the lot
We’ll check what you’ve got, swap out anything that’s expired or non-compliant, hardwire the new alarms in, and make sure you’re good to go for sale or lease. If your safety switches need doing at the same time, we’ll handle those too, so it’s one job and one less thing on your list.
Book a quick check
Honestly, it’s a small job for a lot of peace of mind, and a fair bit cheaper than the alternative. We’ve been keeping local homes safe since 1981. The rules do change now and then, so if you’re not sure where your place stands, give us a call and we’ll get your smoke alarms (and safety switches) sorted.
